Question 1

What is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist?

Accepted Answer

An Associate Marriage and Family Therapist has completed a qualifying graduate degree and is registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences while completing additional supervised clinical hours required for independent licensure. As an associate, I provide psychotherapy under the clinical supervision of Patrick Lockwood, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist #29866. My supervisor supports the quality, ethics, and development of my clinical work. My California registration number is AMFT #165076.

Question 2

Who do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with [ADULTS, COUPLES, ADOLESCENTS, OR OTHER POPULATIONS]. My work may be especially supportive for people navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, relationship patterns, life transitions, identity concerns, emotional overwhelm, or disconnection from themselves and others.

Question 3

Do I need to have experienced trauma to work with you?

Accepted Answer

No. Some people enter therapy with a clear history of trauma. Others are dealing with relationship concerns, grief, anxiety, stress, identity questions, or a general sense that something in their life needs attention. My trauma-informed approach means I remain attentive to safety, choice, pacing, boundaries, power, and the ways past experiences may influence the present. It does not mean every concern will be viewed through a trauma diagnosis.

Question 4

What is Somatic Experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma and chronic stress. It focuses on how the nervous system responds to experiences of threat, overwhelm, helplessness, and protection. In sessions, we may notice physical sensations, emotions, impulses, images, breathing patterns, posture, or shifts in energy. This allows us to work with the body's responses gradually rather than relying only on verbal insight. The goal is not to eliminate every uncomfortable sensation. It is to increase your ability to remain connected to yourself, recognize what your nervous system needs, and move more flexibly between activation and settling.

Question 5

Will I have to describe my trauma in detail?

Accepted Answer

No. You will not be required to provide a detailed account of traumatic experiences before you are ready. Somatic Experiencing often allows us to work with the effects of an experience without repeatedly retelling the entire story. At times, discussing parts of your history may be helpful. We will approach this collaboratively and remain attentive to whether the conversation feels manageable rather than overwhelming. You are always allowed to pause, decline a question, or let me know that something does not feel right.

Question 6

Does somatic therapy involve physical touch?

Accepted Answer

Physical touch is not required. Somatic therapy can be practiced through awareness, conversation, movement, breath, imagery, orientation to the room, and noticing internal sensations. Any experiential practice will be discussed before it is used. You remain in control of whether you participate.

Question 7

What is your approach to couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

I view the relationship pattern as the central focus rather than identifying one partner as the problem. We will explore how each person responds during conflict, what emotions or attachment needs may be underneath those responses, and how the couple can begin creating a more responsive and secure connection. I also remain attentive to safety and power. Couples therapy may not be recommended when there is ongoing violence, coercion, intimidation, or fear of retaliation.

Question 8

What happens during the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an opportunity for us to begin understanding what brings you to therapy, what you hope may change, and what experiences or relationships may be important to your current concerns. I may ask about your history, symptoms, relationships, strengths, support system, and previous experiences with therapy. You do not need to tell me everything at once. We will also discuss confidentiality, policies, scheduling, fees, and what you can expect from our work together.

Question 9

What is the difference between a consultation and a first session?

Accepted Answer

A consultation is a brief conversation intended to help us determine whether working together may be a good fit. It is not a therapy session and does not establish an ongoing therapist-client relationship. The first therapy session is longer and includes a more complete clinical assessment, informed-consent process, and discussion of treatment goals.

Question 10

How frequently will we meet?

Accepted Answer

Most clients begin with weekly sessions. Consistency can help us develop trust, maintain continuity, and build momentum. The appropriate frequency depends on your needs, goals, availability, and clinical circumstances. We can discuss this during the consultation or first session.

Question 11

How long will I need to be in therapy?

Accepted Answer

There is no single timeline that fits everyone. Some people seek support for a specific situation and attend therapy for a shorter period. Others choose longer-term work to address trauma, relationship patterns, identity, or deeper emotional concerns. We will revisit your goals and progress throughout the process rather than assuming therapy should continue indefinitely.

Question 12

What happens if we are not the right fit?

Accepted Answer

Finding the right therapist matters. If either of us determines that another clinician, treatment approach, or level of care would better support you, we can discuss that openly. When possible, I will provide referrals or help you consider appropriate next steps. Recognizing that a particular therapeutic relationship is not the right fit is not a failure. It can be part of making a thoughtful decision about your care.

Question 13

Do you offer telehealth?

Accepted Answer

I offer [TELEHEALTH / IN-PERSON / BOTH]. For telehealth sessions, you must generally be physically located in California at the time of the appointment. You will also need access to a private location and reliable internet connection.

Question 14

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

I currently accept private-pay clients and do not participate with or bill insurance plans.

Question 15

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Individual sessions are $200 for 50 minutes. Couples sessions are $300 for 90 minutes. A limited number of reduced-fee appointments may be available. Availability can be discussed during the consultation.

Question 16

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Appointments canceled with fewer than 48 hours' notice may be charged the full session fee, except when otherwise required by law or addressed in your practice agreement. Specific cancellation policies will be reviewed before therapy begins.

Question 17

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is generally confidential, and protecting your privacy is an important part of the therapeutic relationship. There are legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality. These may include situations involving suspected abuse or neglect, serious danger to yourself or another person, certain court orders, or other circumstances required by law. The limits of confidentiality will be explained in greater detail during the informed-consent process.

Question 18

What should I do during a mental-health emergency?

Accepted Answer

This practice does not provide emergency or crisis services, and website messages may not be reviewed immediately. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You may also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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