What is psychotherapy?

It is talk therapy to address issues causing you distress in your life. It takes place between myself, the licensed therapist and you the person seeking help. A therapeutic relationship is developed in order to communicate effective ways to change and challenge the problematic thoughts or behaviors that are causing you problems in your life.

 

What types of therapy do you offer?

Traditional psychotherapy
Sex offender Treatment
Treatment for victims of sexual violence

 

How often do I attend sessions?

After a full intake or evaluation is done we will discuss your treatment schedule. It is usually once a week. Therapy will continue until it is felt that your reasons for coming to therapy have been resolved, or that therapy is no longer required at that moment in time. Having reached this position, a mutually agreed date is set to end therapy. Sometimes your probation/parole will dictate this.

 

What is the attendance or cancellation policy?

If you are mandated into treatment you must be here for all of your scheduled sessions. Otherwise, if you make an appointment, you will need to give me at least 24 hours notice of a cancellation. If you do not get me notice or fail to show to a scheduled appointment you will be responsible for the payment of that session.

 

Is treatment covered by my health plan?

Everybody’s plan is different. You will need to pay at the time of service and you will receive a receipt with a diagnoses code if warranted for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

 

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule.

 

Exceptions include:

Suspected child abuse or Dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.
And, this does not include Sex Offender Treatment. The court orders that releases will be signed and the containment model will be used.

 

Do you prescribe medication?

No I do not. I will be glad to work with your physician if needed. If you need a referral to a psychiatrist I would be glad to give you one.

 

Will I be cured after therapy?

You can set specific goals in treatment and I can help you reach those goals. However, dealing with stressors will always be a part of life. You will be better able to manage your feelings and emotions and set better boundaries given any type of situation after treatment.

 

Do you do training’s?

Yes! I believe education is the key to stopping sexual abuse. I have done training’s for specific groups such as rape crises centers, police departments, foster family agencies, school programs, etc...

 

Can you provide expert witness testimony?

Yes, I have provided testimony for the courts on many occasions about sexual abuse. I can help clarify and define victim behaviors that some might see as unusual. I can also describe offender traits, characteristics and behaviors. I can help educate the judge and jury about the dynamics of sexual abuse. I have testified for both the prosecution and the defense.

 

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call (530) 891-4421

 

Tips for keeping kids safe:

Understand that most people who offend know their victims. They gain access by their relationship. Teach your children to use proper names for their body parts. Make sure to create a home where children feel that their privacy is respected but monitored. Have clear and firm boundaries. Teach them the difference between okay and not okay touches and good secrets and bad secrets. Know where your children are and who they are spending time with. Role model good communication so your children feel safe talking to you. Believe them if they tell you they were abused and get help.