How I work with families
Therapy here is a collaboration. You know your child and your family better than I do. I bring the training, the perspective, and the experience. Together, we figure out what's going on and what to do about it.
Association of MFTs
Association of MFTs
For Children, Teens, and Families
This is for the caregiver who's getting emails from the teacher. Whose child can't sit still, struggles to feel connected to other kids, can't seem to explain what's wrong. Whose teen is withdrawing, acting out, or struggling in ways that feel bigger than "just a phase."
This is also for families who are arguing more, understanding each other less, and feeling like they're losing the connection they used to have.
You don't need a diagnosis to reach out. You don't need to have the right words. Just tell me what you're seeing and I'll help you make sense of it.
What Your Child’s Sessions Look Like
Every child is different, and sessions reflect that. I match their pace and adjust as I learn what works best for them.
What sessions look like
For younger children, sessions are active. Play, art, storytelling, games. I use whatever helps them express themselves naturally, and I adjust as I learn what works. No child needs to sit still and answer questions for an hour. Sessions happen where the child feels most comfortable. Sometimes that means moving, playing, or sketching during our conversation.
Caregiver involvement
I meet with caregivers on a monthly basis to share themes, progress, and strategies for reinforcing the work at home. Your child's privacy in therapy is always protected.
How we start:
For minors, I typically begin with a caregiver-only session. Just the caregivers. No child present. You share the full picture: history, concerns, goals, what you've tried. This gives me complete context before your child and I meet, and gives you space to share without worrying about what they overhear.
What sessions look like
For teens, sessions are more conversational, but always guided by what feels easiest for them. First sessions are about getting comfortable. We might talk, play a game, draw, or just hang out. There's no pressure to share everything right away. I build rapport and trust first, and everything else follows from there.
Caregiver involvement
Sessions are mostly one-on-one, with caregiver check-ins on an as-needed basis. I always talk to the teen first about their comfort level with caregiver involvement. They get a say in how and when that happens.
A note for teens reading
If you're not sure about this, that's okay. I'm not going to judge you or pick sides. I'm here to listen. What we talk about stays between us, and if your parents are involved, you get a say in how and when. There's no pressure to perform and no right way to do this. Just be yourself.
Your Child’s Whole World
Your child doesn't live in a therapy session. They live in classrooms, on playgrounds, at the dinner table. If the people in those spaces don't understand what your child needs, therapy can only do so much.
That's why I also offer care coordination. I work with your child's teachers, school counselors, coaches, and other professionals so everyone is working together. Your child gets consistent understanding everywhere, not just in our sessions.
What does it cost?
I believe in being upfront about pricing. Clearing the Fog is a private-pay practice, which means I don't bill insurance directly. I can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement if your plan covers it.
1.
Free Consultation*
Free
I
I
2.
Our First Session
$ 250
II
3.
Ongoing Sessions
$ 190
- Individual Therapy Session
- Caregiver Session
- Care Coordination
III
* Side note - Some people come just for the first session to get a clearer picture of what's going on. That's completely fine. There's no obligation to continue.
Here’s what happens next
Reach out
The first real session
Ongoing Sessions
What Progress Looks Like
Every child and teen moves through therapy at their own pace. The first few sessions are about building trust and comfort, because that's the foundation for everything else.
Progress is rarely linear. Sometimes things feel harder before they feel easier, especially as your child starts facing what's been avoided for a long time. That's normal and expected. It's part of how new patterns get built.
Many families notice subtle shifts within the first few months: better emotional awareness, easier conversations, less reactivity. Longer-standing patterns take more time, consistency, and support. The work that happens between sessions — at home, at school — is just as important as the work that happens inside sessions.
Questions I hear a lot
I'm teletherapy only, using secure video through Zoom. I can work with anyone in California, which means location isn't a barrier.
First sessions are low-pressure. I follow your child's lead. We might play a game, draw, or just talk about their favorite things. Building trust comes first. Everything else follows.
That's exactly what the free consultation is for. Tell me what you're seeing and I'll be honest about whether I can help or if someone else would be a better fit.
That's common. I don't force connection. First sessions are about showing them I'm a real person who's here to listen, not another adult telling them what to do. Most teens warm up faster than expected when they feel respected.
No. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, not a psychiatrist. If medication seems worth exploring, I can coordinate with your child's doctor so everyone's on the same page.
