Individual Therapy in Berkeley & San Francisco

Feeling Stuck, Overwhelmed, or Lost?

Maybe you wake up each morning with a sense of dread you can't quite name. You go through the motions—work, errands, obligations—but there's a heaviness that follows you everywhere. Or perhaps anxiety has taken over, making even simple decisions feel impossible. The worry loops in your mind, keeping you up at night and stealing your peace during the day.

You might be dealing with depression that makes everything feel muted and meaningless. Things that used to bring you joy now feel like chores. Getting out of bed takes effort. Connecting with others feels exhausting. And underneath it all, there's a quiet voice wondering if things will ever feel different.

Or maybe you've experienced trauma—recent or from long ago—that keeps replaying in your mind and body. You might find yourself on edge, easily triggered, avoiding certain places or situations, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others.

Common Challenges I Help With

In my practice, I work with people navigating a wide range of struggles:

• Anxiety and panic: Constant worry, racing thoughts, physical symptoms like tight chest or rapid heartbeat, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, or panic attacks
• Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Trauma and PTSD: Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, difficulty trusting others, or feeling unsafe in your own body
• Life transitions: Major changes like divorce, career shifts, relocation, loss of a loved one, becoming a parent, or entering a new life stage
• Relationship struggles: Difficulty with intimacy, patterns of conflict, codependency, or challenges setting healthy boundaries
• Self-esteem and identity: Negative self-talk, imposter syndrome, feeling lost about who you are or what you want, perfectionism
• Stress and burnout: Feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, unable to relax, constantly on edge, or completely depleted

If you're dealing with something else not listed here, that's okay. Therapy is deeply personal, and I'm here to support whatever you're facing.

How Individual Therapy Actually Works

You might be wondering what happens in therapy. It's not like what you see in movies—there's no couch, no silent therapist taking notes while you spill your deepest secrets.

Instead, therapy is a collaborative conversation. It's a space that's entirely yours, where you can:

• Talk about things you can't say anywhere else
• Explore your feelings without judgment
• Make sense of patterns that keep repeating in your life
• Learn practical tools to manage difficult emotions
• Heal old wounds that are still affecting you today
• Discover parts of yourself you've hidden or lost touch with

My Approach: Compassionate, Creative, and Effective

I primarily work with Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). These approaches are rooted in the belief that you already have what you need to heal—my job is to help you access it.

With IFS, we explore the different "parts" of you—the anxious part, the critical part, the part that wants to please everyone, the part that's been hurt and is trying to protect you. When we understand these parts and what they're trying to do for you, we can help them relax and let your true self lead.

With EFT, we focus on emotions as the gateway to change. Instead of just talking about your feelings intellectually, we actually work with them in the moment—naming them, understanding them, and processing them in a way that creates lasting shifts.

I also bring in other approaches as needed—mindfulness, somatic work (working with what you notice in your body), and practical coping strategies. But it all comes back to one core belief: You are not the problem. The problem is the problem.

What Makes Therapy With Me Different

I'm not a blank slate. I'm a real person who will show up fully in our work together. That means:

• I'm direct and honest - I'll gently point out patterns I notice, ask hard questions when needed, and give you feedback that actually helps
• I use humor when appropriate - Therapy can be heavy, and sometimes a moment of lightness is exactly what's needed
• I'm collaborative - You're the expert on your own life. I'm here as a guide, not to tell you what to do
• I'm flexible - Some sessions might be deeply emotional. Others might be practical and skill-focused. We'll adjust based on what you need

Most importantly, I genuinely believe in people's capacity to heal and grow. I've seen it happen countless times, and I'd be honored to witness your journey.

Common Questions About Individual Therapy

"How long will I need to be in therapy?"

It varies. Some people come for a few months to work through a specific issue or transition. Others engage in longer-term work to address deeper patterns or ongoing challenges. We'll check in regularly about your progress and what feels right for you.

"What if I don't know what to talk about?"

That's completely normal, especially at first. I'll ask questions to help guide our conversation. And sometimes the most powerful sessions happen when we just sit with what's coming up in the moment.

"Will you tell me what to do?"

I might offer suggestions or share observations, but I won't tell you how to live your life. The goal is to help you access your own wisdom so you can make decisions that feel right for you.

"What if I cry? I'm not really a crier."

Crying is welcome here, but so is not crying. There's no "right" way to do therapy. Some people cry every session. Others rarely do. Both are perfectly fine.

"How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?"

The relationship between therapist and client is crucial. That's why I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation. We can talk about what you're looking for and you can get a sense of whether we might be a good fit. If at any point you feel like we're not, I can help you find someone who is.

What to Expect in Your First Session

The first session is all about getting to know each other. Here's what typically happens:

• We'll talk about what brought you to therapy and what you're hoping to work on
• I'll ask about your background—family, relationships, past experiences with therapy, any relevant medical or mental health history
• We'll discuss logistics like scheduling, fees, and confidentiality
• You'll have a chance to ask me any questions
• We'll talk about what our work together might look like going forward

Most people leave the first session feeling relieved. Finally, someone understands. Finally, there's a path forward.

Investment in Your Well-Being

Session fees are $250 per 50-minute session. I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for those with financial need. I'm in-network with select insurance plans, and can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.

Most people start with weekly sessions. As things improve, we might transition to every other week. The length of therapy varies, but many people notice significant changes within 3-4 months of consistent work.

You Don't Have to Keep Struggling Alone

The fact that you're reading this tells me you're ready for something to change. Maybe you've been thinking about therapy for a while. Maybe something specific happened recently that made you realize you need support. Either way, I'm glad you're here.

Taking the first step is often the hardest part. But once you do, things can start to shift.

I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation where we can talk about what you're experiencing and whether individual therapy might be right for you. There's no pressure, no commitment—just a conversation.

Call me at (415) 722-4699 or fill out the contact form below to get started.