Common QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions I hear most often.
Getting Started
What happens in the first session?
We talk. I want to understand what brought you here, what you've tried, and what feels stuck. We'll talk about your goals and I'll share how I'd approach the work. By the end, you'll know whether this feels like the right fit, and so will I.
What's the initial consultation like?
It's a complimentary 20-minute conversation. We'll talk about what you're looking for and I'll let you know whether I can help. If we're not the right match, I'll do my best to connect you with someone who is.
Is telehealth as effective as in-person?
For the type of work I do? Absolutely. Brainspotting and somatic approaches adapt beautifully to telehealth. Many clients actually prefer it. You process in your own space, with your own nervous system already regulated by familiar surroundings.
Do I need to live in California?
Yes. I'm licensed in California and can only see clients who are physically located in the state during our sessions. I serve clients throughout California — San Francisco, Mill Valley, Santa Monica, Newport Beach, and everywhere in between — via secure telehealth.
Fees & Insurance
How much does therapy cost?
Individual sessions are $325 per 45-minute session. Brainspotting Group Therapy is $97 per 60-minute session. I'm transparent about fees because I believe you should know what to expect before we start. I'm an out-of-network provider, and I work with Mentaya to help you get reimbursed.
Do you take insurance?
I'm an out-of-network provider, but I work with Mentaya to help you get reimbursed by your insurance. Many clients are able to save up to 75% by using their out-of-network benefits. Mentaya automatically submits claims and keeps track of your deductible.
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“Therapy Is An Investment In Your Well-being”
My Approach
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a brain-and-body-based therapy approach that supports emotional processing and integration at a pace that feels manageable and respectful of your nervous system. It identifies specific eye positions connected to emotional and somatic experiences stored in the body, accessing what talk therapy alone often can't reach. I'm a Brainspotting clinician. It's the primary modality I work with, and it's woven into most of my sessions.
How is Brainspotting Group Therapy different from individual therapy?
In group sessions, each person does their own internal processing while the group holds space. You won't be asked to share your story out loud. The co-regulation and shared presence create something that individual work alone can't replicate. Sessions are structured and pacing-oriented. No previous Brainspotting experience required.
What is Combined Care?
Combined Care means attending Brainspotting Group Therapy weekly and adding individual sessions as-needed — anywhere from zero to three per month. It’s a flexible, accessible way to maintain consistent therapeutic work through the group, with individual sessions available when something needs more focused attention. Many clients find this works well for their schedule and their goals.
You may choose to attend the Brainspotting group by itself or include individual therapy as part of your overall treatment, depending on what feels most supportive for you. No previous Brainspotting experience required. All group participants will receive a complimentary 45-minute individual orientation session with Esma before their first group therapy session and a digital therapeutic resourcing guide to support nervous-system regulation and integration between sessions.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on your goals, your time, and your resources. Everyone is different. We’ll talk about what you’re working toward and build a plan that fits. I’m not interested in keeping you longer than you need, but I also won’t rush what needs time.
Is Brainspotting Effective?
The theoretical mechanisms of Brainspotting are well-grounded in scientific evidence, and detailed neurological explanations of the Brainspotting process have been discussed widely in academic literature.
Brainspotting was discovered by Dr. David Grand in 2003 and is considered a cutting-edge and efficacious neurophysiological technique. While many people find this modality helpful, specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
For more information: Brainspotting Research and Case Studies →
Does Brainspotting Have Side Effects?
People report having deeper and more profound releases with Brainspotting as compared to other brain-based, body-based, and traditional approaches.
The brain is resourcing and re-stabilizing during Brainspotting. The brain re-stabilizing process often continues to occur after the session has ended. A doorway has opened, and information will continue to come up for release.
Brainspotting may influence how memories are experienced and processed. For this reason, engaging in trauma processing during ongoing legal proceedings may not be advisable, and clients are encouraged to discuss any legal considerations with their therapist before beginning this modality.
Possible experiences during Brainspotting sessions may include emotional activation, physical sensations, fatigue, sleepiness, or the emergence of memories, feelings, or dreams related to past experiences. These responses vary by individual.
Following Brainspotting or other somatic-based sessions, some clients notice temporary changes such as feeling tired, emotionally tender, or more inwardly focused. Experiences vary from person to person and from session to session.
Clients are encouraged to pay attention to their own needs after sessions and to engage in self-care that feels supportive, such as rest, hydration, nourishment, or quiet reflection. Clients are encouraged to make choices that support their personal safety and well-being based on how they are feeling at the time.
How is Group Brainspotting Different from Individual Brainspotting?
The key difference is the type of Brainspotting used. Esma uses Activation Brainspotting within individual sessions and Expansion Brainspotting in group sessions.
Activation Brainspotting targets distressing experiences by finding eye positions (brain spots) linked to heightened body sensations, helping to process trauma and unlock negative patterns.
Expansion Brainspotting targets trauma-based patterns by using eye positions (brain spots) connected with positive resources, strengths, and desired states to build positive neural networks, increase confidence, performance, build potential, transform limiting beliefs, and create a sense of flow or well-being. Expansion Brainspotting facilitates the shift from “what’s wrong” to “what’s possible.”
Both methods leverage the body-brain connection for healing and growth.
Who Might Not Be a Good Fit for Group Brainspotting?
Group Brainspotting can be a powerful and supportive experience. That said, it may not be the right fit for everyone. In some situations, individual therapy or a different level of care may be more appropriate to ensure safety and provide the best support.
Group Brainspotting may not be recommended at this time for individuals who are:
Experiencing active psychosis or symptoms consistent with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Experiencing unmanaged or unstable bipolar disorder
Currently experiencing suicidal thoughts or recent suicide attempts
Currently engaging in self-harm or experiencing urges to self-harm
Experiencing thoughts of harming others
Living in an active domestic violence situation
Experiencing active alcohol or substance use that is not yet stabilized
Living with a seizure disorder that is not medically managed
Some individuals with certain diagnoses — including personality disorders — may benefit more from individualized treatment before participating in Group Brainspotting.
If you’re unsure whether Group Brainspotting is a good fit for you, I welcome a conversation. Together, we can explore your current needs and determine the safest and most supportive path forward. If group work isn’t appropriate right now, I’m happy to provide referrals to other services that may better meet your needs.
Getting StartedStill Have Questions?
You're welcome to reach out, even if you're not sure what you need yet. We'll figure it out together.