Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Many other therapist say that they work with couples, but very few in this area were specifically and in depthly trained, in their masters program, to work with relationships. I was required to log 500 supervised relationship hours while in school. This is unique to the field and makes me more qualified than most in this region. Also I am a confident, direct, and interactive therapist. I won't just sit and listen and throw out a peice of advice at the end. We work together, practice in the room and get specific direct feedback about your progress as we work. Also, you don't have to fear about me advising you to divorce or break up. I will work for your relationship even when it's tough for you to keep doing it. However, if you both agree to end the relationship, I will support you through that process.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love working with couples and families. Watching them think, feel, and behave differently toward their significant other is highly satisfying! We laugh, cry, and work hard together. Watching their hard work pay off with greater satisfaction in all areas of their life is the best part of my job!

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. How much do you cost?

$125 per 50-minute hour. I take cash, check, or credit card. I do NOT accept insurance (but will provide you with a receipt for you to submit to your insurance carrier).

How long/ often will I have to come?

Typically we start with 1 session per week for a least the first month (longer if time/money allows and if there is a need) than we can space out sessions to every other week, etc. Average time to reach goals is 3-6 months. But this greatly varies from person to person.

What if my partner won't come?

Come alone to start! There is still a lot that can be done to improve the relationship even if only one person attends counseling. Other things to try: Ask for a "trial" month from your partner. Let them choose the counselor. Have them talk by phone to the person before coming in. Let them know sincerely how important it is to you and why.

What is an MFT?

Marriage & Family Therapists (MFTs) are psychotherapists licensed by the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences to provide various mental health services (e.g. couples, family, individual and/or child therapy, social services, group therapy, etc). Each therapist has their own specialties and emphasis that they gained through their education, special training received, or direct experience. MFTs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, non-profit organizations, government settings, businesses, private practice, group homes, and more.

How does one become licensed?

One becomes licensed as an MFT by obtaining a Master’s degree, getting 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and by passing two written examinations. This process is similar to a doctor, who after graduating with a degree must do a residency. They are called "doctor" but cannot yet practice independently. They must first do a residency and pass their exams. We do the same type of thing! A Marriage and Family Therapy Intern, has finished their master's degree but are doing their "internship" (similar to residency). Interns do everything a licensed person does, but they discuss their cases with a supervisor who has been licensed for a minimum of 2 years. The BBS web site contains more information regarding licensure requirements and the status of my license as well as all registered MFTs and LCSWs.

What is the difference between an MFT and all the other "counselors"?

You may have heard of other helping fields as well: Social Workers (LCSWs), Psychologists, Psychiatrists, etc. We all do similar things and can even do the same types of therapy. What distinguishes each field is the way we were trained (see more on how I was trained at About Amy). Social Workers come from a community driven background and accessing community resources. Psychologists come from an individual perspective and internal functioning. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe psychotropic medications as well. We all learn of each other's main theories but emphasize the above stated areas in our training.

Do I have to be married or come with my family to see an MFT?

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) primary emphasis in on building and sustaining relationships. The title "marriage and family" can be misleading because we are not only trained in how to work with married couples and families. Our training extends to working with individuals, couples and/or families (married or not). However, the main goal is to strengthen relationships, whether the client is seen individually, as a couple, family, or group. You can obtain more information about MFTs from the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists and the Board of Behavioral Sciences