OK, so you are ready to get help, but you still have some questions...

What is "therapy" and how do you do it?

Therapy is a way of helping people who are stuck in a problem find a way of dealing with it better than have up until now. 

I take a solution focused approach to helping people.  I believe starting with a goal at the beginning of treatment helps a person to know when it is time to stop. 

Seeking professional help is a personal choice.  You will benefit and see a change when you put into practice the things you learn.    

Are you going to tell me what to do?

This is an opportunity for you to have the best relationship you can create.  That means allowing you to direct your decisions, not me.  Although I may give you some techniques, it is up to use them.  

Can you guarantee we will stay together?

I believe in supporting people make the best choices for themselves and being comfortable with those choices.  Sometimes that means making the choice to end the relationship.

Once I start therapy, can I stop at anytime?

Being in therapy is a choice you enter in freely and are free to leave at anytime. 

To help clients know when it is best for them to stop therapy, we set a goal at the beginning. We will set a goal when you first start therapy and when you reach that goal you will have gotten the benefits of therapy and feel good about ending.  

I am a private person, will anyone find out I'm going to therapy?

Therapy is confidential and no one has to know you are getting help. BUT, there are some exceptions:

• Minors(under 18yrs) or Elders(65yr +) are being harmed, I am legally obligated to get them help
• Life threatening situations like suicide or homicide, keeping you safe is a requirement
• Using insurance as coverage for payment of services, I may have to disclose some information for billing purposes and to make sure you get the proper care.   

Am I weak or "crazy" because I need to go see a therapist?

Recognizing that you need help does not make you weak, it does not mean that you are "sick" or "crazy".  Asking for help to carry a 200lb load is wise.

Will I have to be in counseling for a really long time? 

My 5 step strategies are a solution focused approach, so from the first time we met we will always be working toward you ending treatment.  I believe that therapy is a relationship that does not last a life time, but the effects do.  

I'm thinking about getting a divorce, can my spouse use the information I share in therapy against me?

Any release of information about your treatment must be authorized by you, unless in the case a judge in a court of law issues a subpoena. It is only under these circumstances that I would be required to provide any information about you. That is why I will not agree to testify in any court hearings for custody or divorce situations.   

What if I don't feel comfortable with therapy, how do I stop?

Change usually feels uncomfortable; I always say if you start to feel uncomfortable that means therapy is working, so keep at it.  I make it my practice to check in with my clients and see how things are going so we can make adjustments where and when needed.  It is always your choice to leave therapy when you are ready.  

Where are you located?

My offices are located at 1152 N. Mountain Ave. Ste 202 in Upland near Albertson's Shopping Center at the intersection of Foothill Blvd.and Mountain Ave.  

Do you take insurance?

Some people choose to use their insurance to cover the cost of services.  I do accept a few major insurance carriers and would be willing to discuss using this options where available.  Feel free to call me directly to verify if I take yours,  

What forms of payment do you receive?  

The majority of my clients choose to pay cash/check or use their personal credit for this service. I do take a limited number of Employee Assistance Provided insurances, you can feel free to call me directly to verify if I take yours.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can click on the Getting Started page and complete the contact information or call directly to schedule an appointment.

How often will I have to come?

Most people are able to benefit from coming on a weekly basis.  Remember each person is unique and depending upon their personal situation frequency may vary.

How do I know you have what it take to help me with my problem?

Over the last 13 years my experience working with families has allowed me to gain firsthand knowledge of the struggles families have with the difficult challenges facing them today.   Feel free to view my profile on Psychologytoday.com or Find-a-therapist.com to learn more about my background and services.