A question I often hear is, "What is the difference between a psychologist, a counselor, and a coach?" It’s an important question to ask when you are looking for someone to trust with your story.
In the mental health field, training can vary significantly—ranging from one year of study to over a decade. As a Clinical Psychologist, I have committed to an extensive path of academic and clinical excellence. This journey included earning my Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate (PhD) in Psychology, followed by two additional years of intensive post-doctoral training before becoming board-certified.
For me, this decade of preparation was about more than just a degree; it was about honing the skills necessary to help you navigate life's most complex challenges with precision and care.
It’s also important to note that while "life coaching" is a popular term, it often lacks formal oversight. Whether you choose to work with a licensed doctor or a coach, I encourage you to look closely at their training. You deserve to partner with someone who has the depth of experience to truly honor your time, your investment, and your personal journey.
My Approach: Science Guided by Care
In the field of psychology, we use different "orientations" or frameworks to help people grow. I specialize in evidence-based treatments, which simply means I use strategies that have been carefully researched and proven to create lasting, positive change.
While the world of therapy has many traditions, I lean into the cognitive-behavioral and acceptance and commitment models. I believe that because our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all deeply connected, we can find true healing by looking at how they influence one another.
In our time together, you can expect more than just empathy and validation. While those are the foundation of our trust, I will also help you:
Renew Your Perspective: We will practice "thinking about your thinking," learning to identify and reframe patterns that no longer serve you.
Set Purposeful Goals: Together, we’ll create clear, realistic steps (often called SMART goals) to help you move toward the life you were created for.
Build Lasting Resilience: We won't just talk about change; we will actively work toward it, one gentle and progressive step at a time.
My goal is to provide you with the tools you need to steward your mental wellness with confidence. Learn more about me here.
For more information about all the different types of therapy, check out this article from Psychology Today..
If you are looking for a psychologist, please know what a courageous and significant step this is toward your well-being. I truly believe that the depth of training a psychologist undergoes makes them uniquely equipped to help you navigate life’s complexities.
However, beyond degrees and titles, the most important factor in your growth is finding a "good fit." What does a good fit feel like?It means finding a partner you can trust—someone who is genuine, fully present, and engaged with you. It doesn’t mean we will always agree; in fact, true growth often involves being kindly challenged. There may be moments of frustration or hard work, but you should never feel a sense of dread about our time together. You should feel seen, heard, and respected.
Trusting Your Discernment
I encourage you to trust your heart as we work together. If something feels "off," or if you don't feel that authentic connection after a few sessions, I want you to feel empowered to bring that up. A healthy therapeutic relationship is one where we can have open, honest discussions about our progress.
As the client, you always have the right to:
Ask for clarification on our direction.
Review how our sessions are helping you.
Request a referral if you feel a different path would better serve your mental and spiritual well-being.
Your peace and progress are the priority, and I am here to support you in finding the best path forward, whether that is with me or with another trusted professional.
When a psychologist is board-certified, it means they have earned a credential from a recognized professional board, such as the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). This certification is earned through a rigorous application process, submission of work samples (including recordings of therapy sessions with clients' consent), and an oral examination with ethics exam. This certification signifies:
Advanced Expertise – They have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and competence in their specialty area.
Rigorous Evaluation – They have passed a comprehensive examination process, including peer review and case evaluations.
Commitment to Excellence – They adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards in psychology.
Continued Professional Development – They engage in ongoing education to stay at the forefront of the field.
Board certification is voluntary but serves as a mark of distinction, showing that the psychologist has met the highest standards in their area of practice. I became board certified in the first year of my licensure as a psychologist.
I want our focus to remain entirely on your growth and well-being. To ensure we have the freedom to tailor our sessions to your unique needs, I operate as an "out-of-pocket" provider and am not in-network with insurance companies.
Insurance & Documentation
While I do not bill insurance directly, I am more than happy to provide you with the documentation (often called a "superbill") if you would like to seek potential reimbursement from your provider. I encourage you to check with them directly to understand your specific out-of-network benefits.
Payment & Scheduling
To keep our sessions focused on the work at hand, payment is collected via cash or check at the start of each appointment. You can find a full list of my fees on the [Services Page].
Our Mutual Commitment
Because I am fully committed to walking alongside you, I reserve a specific time just for you. To honor that commitment, I maintain a 24-hour cancellation and no-show policy, which we will review together before we begin. This ensures that we both show up with the intentionality and dedication your journey deserves.
Get in Touch
If you have any other questions or would like to inquire about working together, please [reach out to me directly]. I look forward to connecting with you.
While traditional clinics have their place, I believe that growth often flourishes best in more organic, life-giving environments. "Third spaces"—public areas like quiet parks, botanical gardens, or peaceful library studies—offer a sense of normalcy and comfort that a clinical office simply cannot match.
A More Natural Way to Grow
Many of my clients find that meeting in a familiar, open environment helps them feel less "on guard" and more open to reflection. I particularly love working in green spaces; there is something deeply restorative about being in nature. Whether through "walk-and-talk" sessions or simply sitting in a quiet park, integrating our conversations into the spaces where you live, work, and play can truly enhance our work together.
Thoughtful Planning & Privacy
Because your privacy is sacred, we will discuss the location and nature of these sessions ahead of time to ensure the space is appropriate for our conversation. I’ll ask you to sign a simple acknowledgment regarding the limitations of meeting in public — specifically concerning confidentiality — so we can move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
Our Continued Progress
My primary goal is your well-being. If at any point I feel that meeting in a public space is no longer serving your goals or providing the focus you need, we may transition back to virtual therapy to ensure you are receiving the best care possible.
Telehealth offers the same depth and connection as an in-person session, with the added ease of meeting from the comfort of your own private space. This is often the most accessible and discreet way to engage in our work together, fitting seamlessly into the rhythm of your daily life.
Privacy and Peace of Mind
For many, being in a familiar environment provides a unique sense of safety, allowing you to be truly authentic and open. It removes the stress of a commute, saving you precious time and energy that can be better spent on your growth and reflection.
Meeting You Where You Are
Whether you have a demanding schedule or simply feel most at peace in your own home or office, virtual sessions ensure that high-level care is always within reach. As long as you have a private corner and a steady connection, we can continue our journey together, no matter where in California you may be.
It is a profound privilege to be invited into the quiet spaces of your life—to be trusted with your thoughts, your feelings, and your story. This is a responsibility I hold with deep reverence and care.
My ultimate hope for every person I work with is that they experience true joy. To me, joy is not a fleeting emotion, but a steady state of mind and spirit that persists regardless of life’s circumstances. No matter what season you are walking through, my goal is to help you recognize that you are here by design, and that you are meant to be on this earth, in this moment, for a beautiful purpose.
