FAQs for Couples

SCHEDULING & CADENCE

⇢ How frequent are sessions?

I require that new clients, including couples therapy clients, commit to weekly sessions at the onset of treatment for the first few months as we establish care. Most couples have a fixed, recurring time in my calendar, which is my recommendation for the greatest consistency and guarantee of access. Some clients opt to migrate to sessions every other week after the first few months due to time, finances, or emotional bandwidth. Couples counseling is highly experiential, so clients should be aware that only meeting twice a month will likely slow momentum and lengthen course of treatment.

⇢ How do in-person, hybrid, and telehealth options work?

I offer in-person sessions in the heart of Pasadena at Sandoval Therapy. I am able to treat all California residents via telehealth. Many of my clients opt for a hybrid model where they jump between in-person and telehealth depending on their needs each week.

⇢ How long should couples/ polycules expect to be in therapy?

Every case is different, so this is a difficult question to answer, however, most families and couples should anticipate being in treatment for 6-12 months minimum. When there are more individuals involved in treatment, higher conflict, trauma histories, active substance use, or a history of physical or emotional intimate partner violence in the relationship, typically treatment is longer as a result.

FEES & PAYMENT

⇢ Do you take insurance?

As a private pay therapist, I do not accept insurance. Many of my clients utilize their own insurance by submitting superbills if they have out-of-network (OON) reimbursement. I highly recommend contacting your insurance provider prior to the onset of treatment to confirm your benefits.

⇢ What are your fees?

My fee is $250/ 50-minute session and I charge the same fee for individuals, couples, and families. We use IvyPay to bill for sessions.

⇢ Do you offer a sliding scale?

Yes, I do have a certain number of sliding scale slots available on a first-come, first-serve basis and am happy to discuss further with prospective clients.

TREATMENT

⇢ How do you structure sessions with couples/ polycules?

Typically the first one or two sessions are all together, and then I conduct one or two one-on-one sessions for assessment. After assessment, the remainder of treatment is relational and conjoint. When working with polycules and non-monogamous partnerships involving more than two clients, the work is similar to family therapy wherein I may work systemically in various dyads, triads, and couplings.

⇢ Do you treat multiple members of a family?

I can work with clients individually or as their couple/ family therapist, but I cannot treat multiple people from the same family or relationship as their individual therapist. It is important that every person in a family system have their own unbiased, contained space for processing.

⇢ What modalities do you use with couples/ relationships?

The heart of my work is Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT). As an integrative therapist, I also weave in polyvagal theory, Narrative Therapy, IFS-informed parts work, and EMDR for couples. The way we tailor sessions is largely dependent on goals. For couples that are higher escalation, we may work heavily on resourcing, or grounding and nervous system stabilization, before engaging in attachment and emotion-focused work, for example.

OFFICE POLICIES & LOCATION

⇢ Is your location ADA accessible?

My in-person office is on the second floor of a renovated craftsman home, necessitating a walk up one flight of stairs. Should you require accommodation, please don’t hesitate to let me know as I may be able to coordinate the use of an office on a lower floor. I can always offer telehealth services for all clients as well.

⇢ Are you vaccinated and boosted?

Yes, I am fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 and the annual flu shot. I am also happy to wear a mask, should clients request.

⇢ What happens when you or your client is sick?

I ask that clients do not attend when sick, as they can compromise the health and safety of other clients. If either myself or my clients are sick, we can log on virtually for the day’s session.

⇢ What is the cancellation policy?

Sandoval Therapy has a 24-hour notice cancellation policy. Clients who cancel outside of the window are charged the full session fee.