FAQs
At Creative Psychotherapy Marin, I understand that beginning therapy often comes with questions. Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma, or personal growth, finding a therapist who understands your needs is important. Below are answers to common questions about my psychotherapy and art therapy services in San Rafael, Marin County, and throughout California.
Who do you work with?
I provide psychotherapy for teenagers, adults, older adults, couples, and families. My private practice is located in San Rafael, California, where I offer in-person therapy for Marin County residents and online therapy throughout California. I welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and tailor treatment to each client's needs and goals.
What mental health conditions do you treat?
My clinical specialties include anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), intrusive thoughts, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship difficulties. I also support individuals navigating stress, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, and emotional challenges.
How do you treat anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD?
Anxiety is one of my primary clinical specialties. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and art therapy when appropriate.
Treatment focuses on understanding patterns of worry, fear, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance while developing practical coping strategies, greater emotional flexibility, and self-acceptance. For OCD, we can also discuss specialized treatments such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and appropriate referrals when indicated.
Do you provide therapy for teenagers?
Yes. I work with teenagers experiencing anxiety, depression, academic stress, friendship difficulties, family conflict, and challenges with self-esteem or identity.
My approach combines traditional psychotherapy with creative techniques when appropriate. Parent involvement is determined collaboratively, taking into consideration the teenager's developmental needs, treatment goals, privacy, and applicable confidentiality laws.
What types of psychotherapy do you use?
My approach is integrative and individualized. Depending on your needs, I incorporate CBT, ACT, psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and art therapy.
Rather than relying on one treatment model, I work collaboratively with clients to identify approaches that support emotional well-being, self-understanding, and meaningful change.
What is art therapy, and how does it work?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that integrates psychological theory with creative expression to support emotional exploration, self-awareness, and personal growth.
As a Board-Certified Art Therapist with a PhD in Art Therapy, I incorporate drawing, painting, collage, and other creative processes when appropriate. Art therapy can provide another way to explore feelings and experiences that may be difficult to express through words alone.
Learn more about Art Therapy at Creative Psychotherapy Marin.
Do I need to be artistic or participate in art therapy?
Not at all. Artistic ability or previous experience is unnecessary, and art therapy is always optional.
Many clients prefer traditional talk therapy, while others appreciate integrating creative expression. We will determine together which approaches are most comfortable and beneficial for you.
Do you offer therapy for trauma and grief?
Yes. I provide trauma-informed psychotherapy and grief counseling for individuals experiencing emotional distress related to difficult life experiences, loss, or significant transitions.
My approach emphasizes compassion, emotional safety, and individualized support. Therapy may incorporate traditional psychotherapy, reflective exploration, and creative expression when appropriate.
Do you offer in-person and online therapy?
Yes. I offer in-person psychotherapy and art therapy at my private practice in San Rafael, serving Marin County and surrounding communities.
I also provide secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions for clients located anywhere in California.
How much does therapy cost?
My standard fee is $200 for a 50-minute psychotherapy session. Fees may vary depending on session length or service type.
A limited number of sliding-scale appointments may be available upon request. Fees and payment arrangements are reviewed before treatment begins.
Do you accept insurance?
I am not currently accepting insurance directly. However, I can provide a monthly superbill for clients who wish to seek potential out-of-network reimbursement from their insurance provider.
Coverage varies by plan, so I recommend contacting your insurance company to confirm your benefits.
What should I expect during my first therapy session?
Our first session provides an opportunity to discuss what brings you to therapy, explore your concerns, and identify your goals.
We will review relevant personal history, discuss potential treatment approaches, and begin developing a collaborative plan. You are also welcome to ask questions about therapy and determine whether my approach feels like a good fit.
How often should I attend therapy, and how long does it last?
Weekly sessions are often helpful in the beginning because they provide consistency and allow us to build upon our work together.
The duration of therapy depends on your individual needs and goals. Some clients benefit from short-term treatment focused on specific concerns, while others prefer longer-term psychotherapy. We will regularly review your progress and adjust the frequency of sessions as appropriate.
Is psychotherapy confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is an essential part of the therapeutic relationship, and I follow applicable privacy laws and professional ethical standards.
There are legal limitations to confidentiality, including certain safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, and disclosures required by law. Special considerations apply when working with minors. These boundaries are explained during the informed-consent process.
What if I am unsure whether therapy is right for me?
You do not need to be experiencing a crisis to benefit from psychotherapy. Therapy can provide support when you feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or simply want to understand yourself and your relationships more deeply.
Finding a therapist who feels like a good fit is important. An initial conversation can help you explore whether my experience and approach align with your needs.
What makes Creative Psychotherapy Marin different?
My background combines counseling psychology, clinical psychotherapy, and advanced training and research in art therapy. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), and PhD in Art Therapy, I bring multiple perspectives to understanding emotional experiences and supporting meaningful change.
My approach emphasizes compassion, collaboration, self-acceptance, and individualized care. Art therapy is available as an additional resource, but traditional psychotherapy remains central to my practice.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can contact me by email, text, or through the online scheduling portal on my website.
Whether you are looking for anxiety therapy in San Rafael, teen counseling in Marin County, or online psychotherapy in California, I welcome you to reach out with questions about my services and availability.