In Person or Online Therapy: Which Is Right for You?
Research suggests in person and online therapy work about equally well. Here is how to choose the setting that fits you, from a Pasadena psychologist.
How To Use Out-of-Network Therapy Benefits In California
Finding a therapist who feels right can bring a sense of relief. But when you discover that the therapist doesn’t accept your insurance directly, figuring out how to pay for sessions can suddenly feel overwhelming. The good news is that some insurance plans allow you to receive reimbursement for therapy
Emotional Capacity: How To Handle More Without Becoming Overwhelmed
Some days, you can handle difficult conversations, unexpected problems, and a long list of responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. Other days, even a small request feels like more than you can manage. You might wonder why things that once felt manageable now leave you exhausted, irritated, or emotionally disconnected. The difference
How Do I Choose a Therapist? Comparing Degree, Experience, and Warmth
How do I choose a therapist when so many options exist and the stakes feel high? Most people start with the obvious markers: the letters after a name, the years listed on a bio, or the sense that someone seems kind. These three factors get the bulk of attention when
How Couples Therapy Can Help End The Anxious/Avoidant Dance
One partner wants to talk now. The other needs space. The more one reaches for reassurance, the more overwhelmed or distant the other becomes. Soon, both people feel hurt, misunderstood, and increasingly alone. This pattern is sometimes called the anxious/avoidant dance. It can feel deeply personal, but it is often
Pt 2. Counterintuitive Ways of Addressing Low Self-Esteem
In the first part of this blog, “How to Boost Self-Esteem – And Unintended Side Effects”, we discussed the common desire to increase our sense of self-worth. We talked about how our efforts to do this by striving to prove ourselves are typically unhelpful. Moreover, they may even lead to
Looking To Adopt? Why A Psychological Evaluation May Be Required
Deciding to adopt can bring excitement, hope, and a long list of unfamiliar requirements. If your adoption agency has asked you to complete a psychological evaluation, you may also feel confused or nervous about why it is necessary. You might wonder whether the request means someone is concerned about your
Psychoanalysis Vs. Psychodynamic Therapy: What’s The Difference?
Psychoanalysis Vs. Psychodynamic Therapy: What’s The Difference? Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy are closely related, which is why the terms are often confused. Both explore emotions, relationships, unconscious patterns, and experiences that may continue influencing how you feel and respond today. The main difference is usually the intensity and structure of
First Couples Therapy Session: What to Expect & What I Ask
Walking into your first couples therapy session can feel uncomfortable, especially when you are unsure what your partner might say or how the therapist will respond. You may wonder whether you will have to discuss painful experiences, explain every disagreement, or defend your side of the relationship. These concerns are
Couples Therapy vs. Marriage Counseling: What’s The Difference?
Every relationship goes through difficult moments. You may find yourselves having the same arguments, struggling to communicate, or feeling emotionally distant despite your efforts to reconnect. When you decide to seek professional support, another question often comes up: Should you choose couples therapy or marriage counseling? The terms are frequently