FAQ’s

Is therapy for you?
There are various reasons why a person chooses to go to therapy, but often a person comes to a place in their life where they are needing and wanting more insight, guidance and active steps for dealing with their presenting issues. Whether the issue is anxiety or depression, or maybe because you have hit a rough patch in your family or marriage, therapy can provide a safe and caring environment where you can feel understood, gain insight, and begin to attend to the issues.

What can I expect in the therapy process?
The process of therapy varies from client to client. But I typically spend the first session getting to know you, (history taking, biographical information, etc.), and finding out what brought you into therapy now/here. In that first session I can help you get a better understanding of what the process may look like for you and the amount of time it may take. I usually tell clients that they will get a pretty good sense in the first couple of sessions if therapy is working for them, and if our work together is a good fit. Some clients begin to see progress in just a few sessions, and a therapist can usually determine with the client how long the process may take.

How long is a session?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes, but you can schedule for a longer session if desired. Often individuals, familes or couples will schedule an hour and half to two hour session if they feel like they would want more time to address specific issues.

Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider. My office will provide you with the appropriate documentation to submit to your insurance company. Mental health insurance benefits vary depending on your particular insurance coverage.

How much do sessions cost?
For fee information, please call my office at (972) 596-5400.

Do you integrate your faith and theology into your therapy work?
I received a Master of Divinity degree (2003) and a Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy (2007) from Fuller Theological Seminary, and I have either been working part/full-time, or volunteering in ministry since 1994. I spent 2001-2008 working full-time as a college pastor at Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles (working on the campuses of UCLA, USC, LMU, etc.). In therapy I integrate both my theological and psychological training to better look at the human person from a more holistic perspective (spiritual, physical, emotional, psychological). I work with both Christians and non-Christians in the therapy setting, and I work with the individual needs of each client.

What model of therapy do you use?
I received my training as a Marriage and Family Therapist, which means that I was trained in family systems (primarily Bowen family systems). The AAMFT says the following about marriage and family therapists:

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples and family systems.

I work with several different theories such as EFT, Gestalt, Narrative, Collaborative, Existential, Solution-Focused, CBT, David Schnarch’s Crucible approach, and several others depending on the issues and needs presented by the client.

I use both my theological and psychological training in the theories that I incorporate into the therapeutic process.

What are some of the benefits of therapy?
1. Receive a better understanding of yourself and others.
2. More effectively navigate life transitions.
3. Better insight into your issues, what perpetuates them, and actions steps to help you work through them.
4. Understanding in a caring and supportive environment.
5. Greater control over your life (i.e. moods, anxieties, depression, etc.)
6. Improved relationships with others such as your spouse, partner, family members, etc.
7. Stronger understanding of differentiation and how to work towards it.
8. Developing healthier relational boundaries.
9. Et cetera