Frequently Asked Questions

We talk about fees during the consultation, once we’ve had a chance to talk about what you’re looking for and what kind of structure might make the most sense for you.

My fees are higher than typical talk therapy rates in San Francisco because this work requires a deeper level of presence. I’m not holding clinical distance. I’m actively engaged with you in the experience, bringing my full attention and emotional presence.

I also keep my practice intentionally small so I can stay emotionally present and available in the work.

Insurance does not cover coaching or surrogate partner therapy. I know that can be frustrating. At the same time, working outside of insurance allows for a lot more flexibility and depth than insurance-based models usually allow.

There’s more room for longer sessions, experiential work, pacing that fits the person, and a process that isn’t shaped around diagnosis or medical necessity requirements.

I reserve a limited number of sliding-scale spots for BIPOC clients with real financial barriers from the following communities:

trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals

women and people socialized as girls untangling the effects of high-control religion.

When clients are able to pay my full fee, it helps me make space for people who might not otherwise have access to this kind of support.

It’s a pretty relaxed conversation. We talk about what’s bringing you here, what’s been feeling difficult, what you’ve already tried, and what you’re hoping for moving forward.

You don’t need to share everything right away or have a perfectly organized explanation of yourself. You can go at your own pace.

I’ll also talk more about how I work, answer questions, and we’ll get a sense of whether this feels like a good fit for both of us.

Most people end up feeling much less nervous once we actually start talking.

Not at all. A lot of people come in knowing something feels stuck, disconnected, painful, confusing, or unsatisfying, but they don’t necessarily have clear language for it yet. That’s completely okay.

The consultation is partly about figuring out whether this work makes sense for you and what kind of support might actually feel helpful. You don’t need to arrive with everything already figured out.

Yes, in a coaching capacity. I work with couples around intimacy, communication, emotional connection, desire, conflict, sexuality, and relationship dynamics.

Surrogate Partner Therapy is different. I don’t work with couples together in the surrogate partner role. However, one partner can absolutely choose to work with me individually.

Virtual coaching is available to clients across the United States. If you’re outside the Bay Area, some people also choose a hybrid format that combines regular online sessions with periodic in-person intensives in San Francisco.

My office is in San Francisco.

I work with people throughout the Bay Area, including Marin, the East Bay, the Peninsula, and surrounding areas.

I also work with out-of-state clients virtually or through hybrid formats if regular commuting to San Francisco doesn’t make sense for you.

The office is on the second floor and there is an elevator, though it can be unreliable at times. Because of that, I can’t fully describe the space as ADA accessible.

You’re welcome to reach out about accessibility needs, and we can also explore virtual options together if that would make things easier.

I stay current on COVID vaccinations. I don’t require clients to be vaccinated, but I do care a lot about communication and shared responsibility around health and risk.

I’m happy to talk through harm reduction preferences ahead of time, and I can wear a KN95 mask during sessions if requested.

Each page under Areas of Focus has its own FAQs section at the bottom with questions specific to that population and context.

The Approach page has FAQs about how this work is approached and what happens in sessions.

The Coaching vs. Surrogate Partner Therapy page has FAQs to help you decide between the two paths available.

The Ways to Work Together page has FAQs about session formats, frequency, and how to structure the work whether you’re local, remote, or somewhere in between.