Some frequently asked questions

What is your training and experience?

I am a licensed psychologist with over fifteen years full-time experience in individual and couples concerns. I received my doctorate from Harvard University in Counseling and Consulting Psychology and have worked in university counseling centers on both the East and West Coasts. In addition, I teach in the field of psychology and am currently a Professor of Psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University. Please see this link for my resume.

What kind of therapy do you do?

I consider myself an integrated therapist, which means I draw from many different theoretical positions. I think that the core of people's troubles tend to come from difficulties connecting to others, and that we often learn these patterns from those most significant to us growing up. In counseling I might assign homework, challenge thinking, and encourage different actions in a sensitive and compassionate environment.

What are the risks of this kind of therapy?

No therapy can promise that everyone gets better. Actually, it is likely that in starting therapy you may feel worse than when you started as you think about issues that you might have been avoiding. But like a wound that heals better after being cleaned out, for many people they begin to feel better as they think and act in healthier more adaptive ways.

What people benefit most from Celebration Counseling?

Adults and young adults who generally function well but feel they are not relating to others as well as they would want are good prospects for counseling. Also if you are dealing with depression or anxiety these are good issues for this therapy. Clients who have a spiritual focus of concern are also good candidates for this counseling.

What people might be better suited for other agencies?

Because I run Celebration Counseling in addition to teaching psychology full-time, clients who may need immediate access or who might have a number of emergencies would be better suited for other agencies who can provide continuous coverage. This might include clients who are actively suicidal, highly isolated, abusing drugs or alcohol, dealing with extreme eating behaviors, or involved with legal matters.

What kind of records to you keep?

In keeping with legal and ethical requirements, I keep written records of our meetings. It is important to remember that what you tell me is confidential except for specific circumstances listed here. Because I do not accept insurance payments, I do not have to release the contents of your concerns to an insurance case manager or administrator.

What is your fee?

My general fee is $120.00 for a 50-minute individual or couple counseling session. I generally slide my fee down to a lower rate if finances are a concern. Please feel free to talk with me about this to see if you might qualify for a discounted rate. Please see more details about fees in this form.

How do I make an appointment?

Call Celebration Counseling's main number (858) 243-2778 to make an appointment or get more information. If you receive my voicemail, please leave a detailed message and I will return your call within the next business day.

If you have other questions feel free to contact me at our main number (858) 243-2778, and I will be happy to answer them the best I can.