GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions I hear most from folks considering therapy — organized by topic so you can find what you need.
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Getting Started
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By now, after perusing my site and maybe IG, I hope you have a sense that this practice is not sterile or anchored in traditionally western conceptualizations of wellness.
I'm a deeply empathic, relational, and goofy person. I can't say that I am for everybody, but across the ten years since I have been a practicing therapist, most people who book a consultation call with me move forward with therapy. I have also been honored to support folks across many years at different frequencies. This means that you may see me more in the beginning while you're actively working on growth. But things ebb and flow, and you may feel that you don't need therapy as consistently as time goes on. Later down the road, something may come up and you may want to resume sessions, and I am here for that. It is truly my honor to have known clients across many years, and to support them at different stages of their life as the need for a safe space to process arises.
I do offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. Please consider reaching out to book one so that you can get a feel for how our work may feel together. People have told me over the years that I am easy to talk to, and I hope that will be your experience as well. I am looking forward to connecting with you!
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One of the first things I tell new clients is that you don't know me and I have to earn your trust. That means that we can move at a pace that works for you — including not discussing certain things until you feel an established rapport, if that feels safest for you.
During the first session, I usually ask for you to share about why you're coming to therapy and what you hope to gain from it. If you're comfortable, I like to learn a little bit about where you grew up, your family of origin, and your current support systems.
The end of the first session is spent actively collaborating on measurable goals that align with the growth you'd like to experience. Don't worry, you don't have to come up with these. I typically make a draft of these while you're sharing with me about your hopes for therapy. I do my best to ensure these are coming from you, not from me. I honor your inner wisdom and you are the expert on you!
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You are welcome to fill out the contact form below and I will respond promptly about scheduling a consultation call. I respond to most inquiries I receive within the same business day.
Or, if you prefer, send me an email at: Lea@AmethystHolistic.com
MY COMMUNITY, MY SPECIALIZATION
Neurodivergent & Queer-Affirming Care
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Queer and neurodivergent folks are both my community (I am both queer and neurodivergent) and my professional specialization. I delight in supporting queer and neurodivergent adults. You don't have to be officially identified or diagnosed to be a good "fit." Many times, folks come to see me in an effort to explore these parts of themselves — both neurodivergence and queerness, sometimes for the first time. I bring my lived experience as a queer and neurodivergent person into our space — if you want to glimpse into tidbits of my life and story, I am happy to share if that is helpful and affirming. I believe shared humanity is healing. I also believe I have a broad scope of knowledge about how neurodivergence impacts folks holistically and am eager to share any psychoeducation that helps you integrate a more robust understanding of yourself. This specialized knowledge I've gained through lived experience, my own research, and training can be experienced as a powerful reframe for shame.
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To me, neurodivergent affirming therapy means that we conceptualize many parts of who you are and how you function through the lens of neurodivergence without shame. Neurodivergent doesn't equal "needs fixing" in my mind. This is a space where we name the parts of our culture and society that don't support and actively marginalize neurodiversity (hello, ableism). While accommodations may be a part of our conversation in an effort to help you feel equipped and supported, the goal is not to change who you are and how you navigate life. The goal is to find language for yourself that aligns, build community who gets it, strengthen helpful strategies, and build empowered communication to advocate for yourself both personally and in professional settings.
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I pride myself on being adept at supporting folks who are navigating very uncomfortable and sometimes jarring changes in their emotional world and overall functioning due to suspected PMDD and Peri-Menopause. I enjoy empowering folks with psychoeducational information about being neurodivergent and navigating hormonal fluctuations and changes. In our work, we can explore the neurobiological changes that may be showing up in your life via an educational lens, and we can also discuss how to navigate conversations with your medical providers in an informed and empowered manner.
OTHER AREAS I SUPPORT
Specialized Support
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I fell into the chronic illness and burnout specializations very organically because it just so happens that many neurodivergent folks struggle with both chronic illness and burnout. I believe this is a very direct consequence of living in a very one-size-fits-all, capitalist-driven culture. This is where our work will start, beginning to untangle from the internalized belief that your struggle is your shortcoming. Spoiler alert, it isn't!
Burnout recovery is difficult and nuanced and not immediate, largely because of the constraints of our culture. However, relief can be achievable through exploration of your environments, support systems, perceived obstacles, inner resources, and narratives. We will start small at a pace that honors where you are — and build additional helpful modifications and shifts in your internal and external world as you are ready to do so.
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Therapy can be a very useful form of support for someone navigating religious trauma and/or deconstruction. Having grown up in Texas, I possess genuine empathy and enthusiasm for supporting folks who may be exploring these themes. I also hold two truths at the same time — that religion and spirituality can both be very harmful and also very supportive for some people. This work doesn't have to be black and white, and I am eager to support people who want to figure out the pieces of faith that they may want to keep, as well as the pieces they'd like to release.
I was exposed to Jewish and Christian faiths in my upbringing, but do not align with any one organized form of religion. This doesn't stop me from empathizing with folks who have benefited greatly from faith. Even though I am not actively involved in any particular faith, I find pieces of beauty within many faith-based communities.
THE PRACTICAL STUFF
Fees & Logistics
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This practice is out of network & private pay, meaning payment is due by credit or debit card by the end of session. HSA and FSA cards are also accepted.
If you want to utilize your out-of-network benefits with your insurance coverage, I am happy to provide a receipt so that you can seek out partial reimbursement.*
*Please review your individual insurance plan to gain understanding about what out-of-network benefits you have and what reimbursement may look like for you.
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Yes, I am licensed in the state of California and I can see folks virtually across the state.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out, I’m happy to talk it through before you decide.