FAQ

It’s courageous of you to reach out when you need help. You can email [email protected] – text or call me at (323) 301-0083. I am happy to provide you with a free consultation. We will discuss what you’re looking for in therapy and see if we’re a good match.

Our sessions happen virtually, which works well because you don’t have to deal with traffic or look for parking. You can even do your sessions in your pajamas!

My hours are varied and flexible, including some evenings and weekends. If you prefer a weekly standing appointment, I can accommodate that. Additionally, if you’d like to change your appointment each week, we can work around that.

My sessions are 50 minutes, and time flies when you’re having fun.

I accept payments through Zelle or Venmo at the beginning of each session.

I do not take insurance directly. I am an out-of-network provider, and I can send you an invoice, which you can submit to your insurance company. Many insurance companies will provide a partial reimbursement for your sessions.

Yes, I do. I need 24 hours’ notice if you cancel your appointment. Otherwise, the entire session fee will be due.

I see clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures, ranging in age from teenagers through adulthood. I work with women in treatment, single men, couples, and adolescents in crisis (what adolescent isn’t in crisis?). I also work with LGBTQIA+, those with HIV/AIDS, people in the entertainment industry, those with substance abuse disorders, and people dealing with chronic illness.

After a consultation to see if we are a good fit, I will ask what brought you into therapy and about your current struggles. I’ll also ask you about your future goals and dreams and introduce you to mindfulness so you can use it to help yourself even after the first session.

I might even suggest something helpful and lighthearted to read. Therapy is not always dark and dull. It can also include humor and laughter.

You will get to know me, who I am, and how I work as I hope to get to know you. I suggest an evaluation after four to six sessions to see if therapy works for you. I frequently ask questions like, “How was the last session for you?” “How was the past week?” “What came up for you?” “How are you feeling about our work together?”

We’ll begin with what’s on your mind and what’s important to you. Although I might have a plan for that session, I want to meet you where you are.

With a mindfulness-based practice in Los Angeles, California, I focus on your strengths rather than what you see as your weaknesses.

I am empathic, compassionate, and direct without being judgmental. My role is to challenge you and your thinking while being by your side to help you through what may seem like a tumultuous time.

Therapy with me is collaborative, and during the session, you will not see me keeping silent and taking notes.

I offer you a safe environment based on confidentiality, mutual respect, and lots of laughter. You will be open to sharing your fears, tragedies, and accomplishments.

With so many years of experience, I tend to work from my intuition. I ask questions, offer suggestions, and encourage feedback if something doesn’t resonate with you.

Hey! I know a hell of a lot about substance abuse and recovery. I stopped using substances before many of you were born. I have a great story to tell and am happy to share it with you once you begin therapy with me.

I have many years of experience working with addicts, recovering addicts, not-so-recovering addicts, and running group sessions. In addition, I have designed multiple mental health and use of substances treatment programs for adolescents and their families, pregnant addicts and their babies, and male and female adults.

I genuinely believe that substance use is a symptom of an underlying problem, not the problem itself. Although, it does cause hardship in many people’s lives.

Although our goal might be to become clean and sober, I often work with harm reduction as the first step. Eventually, we can look at the triggers of using or misusing substances, it helps a client decide how to live a healthier, very often happier, life. I know it! I did it! I can share it with you!

Family? I’ve been divorced for many years and raised my daughter as a single mom in Berkley, CA. I have great memories with my only daughter, and I can tell you stories about the trouble she got into as a teen that can curl your hair! Today, she is a big-rig truck driver, lesbian, healthy, and happy!

Dogs or Cats? I love ALL animals, and when I find a bug in my house, I put it on a piece of paper and put it outside. I used to attend the Westminster dog shows, so I am familiar with most breeds. A friend once told me she doesn’t realize she’s been talking to air for 10 minutes when walking because I have stopped to pet a dog or say hello to a baby.

I am passionate and compassionate about people, animals, and the environment. Today, I have a cat named Dodger who thinks he’s a dog and is a complete nutcase. Sometimes, I think he’s on cocaine.

My favorite movie? Too many! I am a film addict, mainly foreign and independent films. People come to me for movie recommendations, and I often recommend films to my clients for discussion in therapy.

Work out? I work out five days a week. Although I am dealing with some chronic illness, I keep on keeping on. I work out in the pool as much as I can.

What are your favorite book genres? I love novels, especially historical fiction. I read lots of books on Buddhism and mindfulness.

Like to do? I love going to dinner and hanging out with friends.

Creative? I have a creative spirit. I currently have an agent and am going on multiple commercial auditions. I have done some print work, a short film, and a theatre production.

Are you famous? I may have done some TikTok videos with the rapper Trippie Redd. You can check out “Love Advice with Trippie Redd” here.

Favorite Color? My favorite colors are pink and yellow, as seen in my hair in my photo.

Favorite Food?  I am vegetarian, mostly vegan. There are several vegan restaurants in LA that I love. When I think about it, pasta is seriously my favorite food.

Volunteer? I volunteer at a program for homeless teens, where I run groups once a week and mentor a young case manager.

Play an instrument? I love to sing but cannot, as evidenced by the fact that I auditioned for Bye Bye Birdie with a Motown song and got a standing ovation. However, the director said he could not cast me. I asked why. He said he loved me and my charisma but that I couldn’t sing a note.

Favorite Music? My favorite music is Jazz, Motown, Rolling Stones, Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, and many more. As you can see, my music is very eclectic, but I especially love old Jazz – Miles and Coltrain.

Other languages? I practice Spanish in the car and with everyone in Los Angeles. My daughter says I’m the only partially Spanish-speaking person with a New York Jewish accent.

If I haven’t answered your questions, I am an open book. Feel free to ask me anything you like.