Should I start therapy or do an assessment first?

If you are interested in completing an assessment and starting psychotherapy, it can be beneficial to start with an assessment. A psychological assessment typically provides a lot of information within a relatively short timeframe compared to psychotherapy and typically will provide a treatment plan to make therapy a more effective, intentional experience.

Is therapy with children different than for adults?

It is common for parents who have done their own therapy to be unsure of what therapy for their child will look like. In many ways it is similar to “typical” talk therapy, but it often involves activity-based interventions to support engagement in therapy. Games and art are a great way to teach kids therapy skills in an enjoyable way. Parents and sometimes other professionals are also often collaborators in the therapy process. It’s important to help your child do their best across settings and that is done well by communicating with the other people on their “team.”

How long are therapy sessions?

Depending on the preference, therapy sessions can range from 45-60 minutes. The intake (first initial appointment) is 60 minutes. I recommend 45 minutes for younger children and those who may have difficulties sustaining their attention for longer periods of time. I also recommend committing to therapy sessions once a week, especially at the beginning of treatment. As therapy progresses, we can discuss treatment frequency based on your level of need.

Where are you located?

My office is located in Old Town Pasadena on Oakland Avenue in the Singer Building. There are multiple paid parking garages nearby, or you can usually find free 1-2 hour parking on Oakland Avenue or Green Street. I also can see clients for therapy remotely through a HIPAA-compliant Telehealth service.