Who do you work with?
I provide individual therapy and EMDR for adults, specializing in Gen Z and Millennials. My work focuses on trauma, including complex PTSD and the effects of difficult or unstable childhoods and early attachment wounds. I also work with college and graduate students, and with therapists in training who need personal therapy or personal development hours for their programs. My clients are usually highly motivated for therapeutic work and curious about understanding themselves better.
Do you work with college and graduate students or therapists in training?
Yes. As a former university counselor, I work with undergraduate and graduate students on academic stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship and identity questions, and earlier experiences that resurface under pressure. I also work with therapists in training, including personal development hours, and I sign the documentation programs require. Sessions are available in person in San Diego or online throughout California and Hawai'i. See my pages on therapy for college and graduate students and therapists in training.
How do I book a first appointment?
Start with a free 15-minute phone consultation. You can book it through the Book Now link on this site, or call or text (858) 215-2545. We'll talk about what's bringing you in and whether we're a good fit.
What should I expect at my first session?
Your first session is a 60-minute intake. We'll go over your intake paperwork together, talk about what's bringing you to therapy, and start shaping your goals, including whether EMDR is a good fit.
How many sessions will I attend?
It depends on what you're working on. A single recent event may take fewer sessions, while childhood or complex trauma usually takes longer. Most of my clients come weekly for longer-term, depth-oriented therapy, and we review your progress together along the way.
How much does therapy cost?
Initial intake sessions are 60 minutes and billed at $275. Ongoing individual therapy and EMDR sessions are 55 minutes and billed at $225. The initial 15-minute phone consultation is free.
Fees reflect years of doctoral training and experience, and the time spent outside of session on treatment planning, research, and continuing education. You can see the full details on the fees page.
Do you take my insurance?
I'm in-network with Aetna through Headway. For most other PPO plans I'm an out-of-network provider, and I use Thrizer to submit claims directly to your insurance after each session, so you don't have to file anything yourself. Reimbursement depends on your plan. You can check your out-of-network benefits on my fees page.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept credit cards, and you can also use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) card to pay for therapy.
What is EMDR, and can it be done online?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-researched therapy that helps your brain reprocess traumatic or distressing memories so they no longer carry the same emotional charge. Yes, it works online. I offer EMDR in person in San Diego and by secure video anywhere in California and Hawai'i.
What's the difference between being trained in EMDR and being an EMDRIA Certified Therapist™?
Being EMDR-trained means a therapist has completed basic EMDR training. Being an EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ means they've gone well beyond that and met the additional standards set by EMDRIA, the EMDR International Association. Certification shows advanced, supervised experience using EMDR with real clients.
To become certified, a therapist needs:
- At least two years of experience as a licensed clinician
- At least 50 EMDR sessions with 25 or more clients
- 20 hours of consultation with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant™, plus that consultant's recommendation
- Recommendations from professional peers
- Ongoing EMDR-specific continuing education, with renewal every two years
I'm an EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, and I've also completed advanced training in EMDR for complex trauma. If you're comparing therapists, it's always okay to ask about their EMDR training and certification. You can read more on my EMDR therapy page.
Do you offer EMDR intensives?
Yes. Along with weekly sessions, I offer extended 120-minute EMDR sessions and half-day and full-day intensives, in person and online. Intensives suit people with a focused piece of work and a stable daily life. You can read more on my EMDR intensives page, and see fees for current rates.
How do I know if I'm ready for EMDR?
You don't need to feel fully ready before you start. EMDR begins with a preparation phase, where we build stability, coping skills, and grounding tools so that processing feels safe. It helps to be in a relatively steady season of life, to have people in your corner, and to give yourself some room around sessions. You can read more on my Getting Ready for EMDR page.
Are you providing in-person therapy sessions?
Yes. I see clients in person in the Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, and online throughout California and Hawai'i by secure video.
Do you work with clients outside of San Diego?
Yes. I'm licensed in both California and Hawai'i, so I can work online with clients anywhere in either state. Many of my clients meet with me entirely by video.
What do I need to do to have a successful teletherapy experience?
Find a private space. Choose a spot where you won't be interrupted and can speak freely. Headphones help protect your privacy and improve sound quality.
Test your connection. SimplePractice lets you check your internet speed, webcam, and headphones before you join the session.
Stay charged. Video calls can drain your battery, so plug in your computer, tablet, or phone before we start.
Keep your phone nearby. If we get disconnected, we can continue the session by phone.
Let me know where you are. If you're joining from somewhere other than your usual address, please tell me your location at the start of the session.
What's the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a psychiatrist?
"Therapist" is a general word for anyone who provides psychotherapy, including psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers.
A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology. I hold a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and I'm licensed in California (PSY 31518) and Hawai'i (PSY 1842).
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. As a psychologist I do not prescribe medication, and if medication seems worth considering, I'm glad to coordinate with your physician or psychiatrist.
What is your cancellation policy?
Inspired Psychology has a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you think you won't be able to attend a session, please let me know as soon as possible through your SimplePractice client portal or by text at (858) 215-2545. If 24-hour notice isn't provided, there is a late cancellation or no-show fee equal to the cost of the session, since that time was held for you in my schedule. If you have any questions about this policy, please talk with me directly. Late cancellation and no-show fees can't be billed to your insurance.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is confidential and protected by law. There are a few legal exceptions that every therapist in California has to follow, including when there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else, suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder or dependent adult, or when a court orders records to be released. We'll go over all of this in your first session, and you're welcome to ask me anything about it.