Questions About Therapy in Irvine

EFT is the "gold standard" for relationship repair. Instead of just giving you communication "tips" that fail when you're angry, we look at the emotional cycle keeping you stuck. We move from disconnection toward a secure, lasting bond.

Research shows that EFT has a significantly high success rate, with roughly 70-75% of couples moving from distress to recovery. Success depends on the commitment of both partners to look at the "cycle" rather than just blaming one another.

It’s never too soon. Many couples wait until a crisis to call, but proactive therapy helps you build a foundation before the "cracks" become deep wounds. If you feel like you're starting to repeat the same arguments, now is the time.

Sometimes—yes. While insurance doesn’t always cover couples counseling for relationship concerns alone, many plans do provide coverage when one partner has a mental health diagnosis (like anxiety, depression, or PTSD) and couples sessions are part of their treatment. In those cases, the sessions are often billed under family therapy, which is recognized by most insurance providers.

The good news is, with the right documentation and diagnosis, many couples are able to use their benefits with the use of superbills. I am out of network so I don’t bill your insurance directly, but I’m happy to help you explore your options and work with you to find the best path forward.

Adoption therapy is specialized care that understands the "unspoken" layers of identity, loss, and belonging. Whether you are an adult adoptee or an adoptive parent, I help you navigate the unique complexities of the adoption constellation. Can you have PTSD from adoption? Yes; early separation is a profound physiological event that often requires a trauma-informed approach to heal.

I find that a blend of Attachment-based Therapy and Brainspotting is most effective. We don't just talk about the past; we work to calm the nervous system where the trauma is actually stored.

Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment that works by identifying "spots" in your visual field that help access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. It’s a way to heal "beyond words."

It is common to feel an "emotional stir" when you begin to address deep wounds. However, my approach is Trauma-Specialized, meaning we prioritize your safety and pacing. We don’t "rip off the Band-Aid"; we work to expand your capacity for healing without overwhelming your system.

You’ll get a grounded, non-judgmental response. During our free 15-minute consultation, we’ll discuss what’s bringing you in and see if my style feels like a good fit for your needs. No pressure—just a conversation.

In California, the terms are often used interchangeably. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Counselor in Irvine, I am trained to view your struggles through a relational lens—meaning I look at how you and your environment interact.

I offer both. My office is conveniently located near the Irvine Spectrum for in-person work, and I provide secure HIPAA-compliant video sessions for anyone in California.

I am an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance. This allows us to focus entirely on quality care and real outcomes, rather than insurance mandates. I am happy to provide a "Superbill" for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.

• Fee: $225 per 50-minute session.

• Frequency: I see clients weekly to ensure consistent progress.

• The Goal: There is no way to predict exactly how long you will need support, but my goal is to get you out of the therapy room and back to living your life with clarity and freedom as soon as you are ready.

I am an out-of-network provider, which means I do not bill insurance companies directly. I made this choice intentionally to ensure your care is dictated by your needs, not an insurance company’s mandates.

Why this matters for your healing:

• Privacy & Confidentiality: Insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis to pay for sessions, which becomes part of your permanent medical record. Private pay ensures your story stays between us.

• No Arbitrary Limits: Many insurance plans limit the number of sessions or the type of therapy (like EFT or Brainspotting) you can receive. Being private pay allows us to work at your pace and use the methods that actually get results.

• Focus on the Relationship: Some insurance plans do not cover couples counseling because "relationship distress" is not considered a medical illness. By operating outside of insurance, we can focus entirely on your relationship without needing to "pathologize" it.

Next Steps: I can provide you with a monthly "Superbill" (a detailed receipt that will include a diagnosis). Depending on your PPO plan, you may be able to submit this to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement. I recommend calling the number on the back of your card to ask about your "out-of-network mental health benefits."