Individual Therapy

Find help for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss in Newport Beach, Irvine and Costa Mesa, CA.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or not quite like yourself, individual therapy can help you slow things down and get your footing again. My goal is to offer a steady, caring space where we can understand what’s driving the anxiety, sadness, or relationship stress—and then take practical steps toward real change.

You might be in the right place if…

You don’t need a “perfect reason” to start therapy. People often reach out when:

• Anxiety or overthinking is taking up too much space in their day
• Mood feels low, motivation is gone, or life feels heavy
• A breakup, loss, job change, or major transition has knocked them off balance
• Relationship patterns keep repeating (even when they try to change)
• Stress, burnout, or self-criticism is getting louder than their sense of peace

(If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and it’s workable.)

Often, people ask me if I do therapy for individuals, and of course, I do. So often individuals get stuck in patterns that keep them from reaching their goals, or they have thoughts and feelings that cause them to feel depressed or anxious and render them less functional than they want to be. Sometimes, there’s been an event such as a loss of a job, a loved one, or the end of a relationship, which has really devastated you and had the effect of a knock-out punch.

Common goals we can work toward

Therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about helping you feel more steady and capable in real life. Depending on what you’re facing, we can work toward goals like:

• Feeling calmer in your body (less panic, less reactivity, better sleep routines)
• Understanding your “inner cycle” and learning how to interrupt it sooner
• Building confidence and self-respect (especially if you’ve been people-pleasing or second-guessing yourself)
• Improving communication and boundaries, so relationships feel safer and more balanced
• Making space for grief or change without feeling swallowed by it

What we work on (real-life focus)

When people start individual therapy, there’s usually the obvious issue on top (stress, anxiety, a breakup, burnout)… and then there’s the deeper pattern underneath it that keeps pulling them back into the same place. We’ll take a gentle look at both—no judgment, just clarity and support.

Here are a few common areas we can work on:

Anxiety & overthinking
We’ll figure out what sets the spiral off, what your mind is trying to protect you from, and how to build steadier tools that actually help. The goal is to feel calmer and more in control—so you can respond instead of reacting on autopilot.

Depression, low motivation, or feeling “stuck”
When everything feels heavy or flat, we’ll start small and realistic. We’ll build a plan that helps you get your energy back little by little, and we’ll pay attention to the thoughts, habits, or relationship stress that might be keeping you pinned down.

Grief, loss, and big life transitions
Loss can shake your sense of safety and even your identity. Therapy can help you process what happened, make space for what you’re feeling, and move forward in a way that feels real and respectful—not rushed.

Relationship patterns (even if you come alone)
Relationship stress often shows up in individual therapy too. We can work on boundaries, communication, attachment needs, and trust wounds—so your relationships feel less confusing, less draining, and more secure.

My approach in individual therapy

I’m warm, direct, and deeply respectful of your pace. I don’t believe in shaming people into change. I believe change happens when you feel safe enough to be honest—and supported enough to try something new.

Because I’m trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I often work through an attachment lens: what you long for, what you fear, and how you protect yourself when connection doesn’t feel safe. EFT is widely used in relationship work, and it can also be helpful individually when we’re trying to understand emotional patterns and build more secure ways of relating.

In plain language, I’ll help you:

• notice your patterns sooner (your “inner cycle”)
• understand what’s underneath your reactions (hurt, fear, loneliness, unmet needs)
• practice healthier ways to self-soothe, communicate, and stay connected
• build support and “safe people” so you’re not carrying everything alone

Just as couples develop patterns and cycles, individuals develop internal cycles and patterns that can be changed, once they are aware of them. Having a caring therapist tune into you (as I do) and care about and reflect what’s going on inside of you, can very often help you change your cycle into a positive one where you will begin to be the person you long to be. All of us yearn to be loved and happy. I want to help you get there. The greatest existential threat to humans is aloneness. I want to get you into a community with people you feel safe with and with whom you can be transparent and closely attached. This is healing. It’s amazing.

Once a human feels deeply accepted by a trusted, comforting person, they very often are freed up to change… in whatever way they choose.

What to expect in the first 1–3 sessions

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve been holding it together for a long time. The first few sessions are about clarity and comfort.

Typically, we will:

• talk through what brought you in and what you’ve been dealing with day-to-day
• identify patterns (thoughts, feelings, behaviors, relationship dynamics) that keep repeating
• set a few simple goals so you know what we’re working toward
• discuss a pace that fits your life (frequency of sessions, what you want to prioritize)

If you ever have questions about the therapy process—confidentiality, goals, time frames, or progress tracking—those are good questions. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) even encourages clients to ask therapists about exactly these basics.

Call me, and we can explore this. I offer counseling services in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington and Irvine, California. Schedule your free consultation today.

Teletherapy options

If getting to the office is hard, or you’d simply feel more comfortable meeting from home, I also offer teletherapy sessions.

A few tips that help teletherapy go smoothly:

• choose a private space where you can talk freely
• use headphones if privacy is a concern
• have a backup plan (for example, switching to phone briefly if the connection drops)

If you’re unsure whether online or in-person therapy is the best fit, we can talk it through during a free consultation. 

Rates & insurance (quick overview)

For transparency, here’s the basic financial info up front:

• Session rate: $150 per 50-minute session.
• Insurance: I don’t bill insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill so you can request out-of-network reimbursement if your plan allows it.
• Cancellation policy: If you miss an appointment without at least 24 hours’ notice, the full session fee applies.

For the full details, you can also see my Services page.

FAQ

Do I need a “big” problem to start therapy?
No. Many people come in because they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or lonely—and they want support and clarity.

How often do we meet?
Most people start weekly or every other week. We’ll choose a pace that fits your needs, your schedule, and your goals.

Is therapy confidential?
In general, psychotherapy is confidential, and it’s okay to ask about how confidentiality works and what the limits are. NIMH recommends asking therapists directly about confidentiality and its boundaries.

Can individual therapy help my relationship?
Yes. Even if you come alone, changing your patterns—communication, boundaries, emotional regulation—often changes the relationship dynamic too.

Do you offer teletherapy?
Yes—teletherapy sessions are available.

What if I’m not sure what I need yet?
That’s completely okay. Part of the early work is helping you name what’s going on and what kind of support would feel most helpful.

Ready to take a first step?

If you’re tired of carrying everything alone, I’d be glad to talk. Reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation, and we’ll get a feel for what you’re dealing with and what kind of support would fit best.