Licensure Anniversary; Reflections and Looking Ahead

Reflecting with Gratitude…

I celebrated my 3rd year of official therapist licensure in November, my 7th year practicing as a therapist, and -having began my graduate education in 2014, -Fall 2024 also established the 10th year of my life’s dedication to mental health…I am truly grateful to have found my life’s calling. Thank you for being part of my journey.

Last month also marked our Presidential election: we will soon swear Donald Trump into office*. Whatever your political position, our country’s collective health and wellness is impacted by this divisive presidential elect, as many families prepare for regional and international effects outside of their control. The historical magnitude of this overwhelming era of human rights, value-clashing, and social-media-overstimulation does not escape me, especially as a Highly Sensitive. I appreciate being an intimate witness to the unfiltered, raw, vulnerable human stories of this time; to be able to offer some shared insights and wisdoms for enhancing the resilience and joy throughout this wild ride we’re on together.

If you are a Well1 Client or family member, thank you for being you. You give us all hope, just by being willing to reflect and bring about awareness… that creates truly great change.

Looking ahead…

You may already be aware that Well1 has an upgraded therapy space (an exciting realization of the initial practice vision *high 5*). I look forward to hosting continued individual and family therapy sessions, as well as welcoming workshops and group-meet ups. If you have an idea or a need for either of those, please share! This is our space.

Some other visions and FYIs for the near-future are:

✧ As we move into the busyness of the Holiday season, please let me know as soon as possible if a cancelation or reschedule is needed -I will do my best to accommodate. A gentle reminder that the full agreed-upon session rate/insurance co-payment is charged for a no-contact/missed session, unless informed within 24 hours of illness or if a reschedule slot is available within the same week of initially scheduled/missed session.

✧I’ve learned over the years that Well1 families can be especially generous with gift giving during this time. While I appreciate the acts of graciousness, I want to remind you (and your gift-giving kiddos) that your presence is enough of a present; our professional service relationship, though a very caring one, does not require such an act. If your family does feel compelled to offer a token of appreciation, I ask that you please do not gift me anything that costs more than $10 (I prefer hand made, written, or drawn gifts, most of all).

✧I will see clients as scheduled on Monday 12/23, but will be out of office beginning 12/24, returning Monday January 6. Please utilize your individualized safety plans, 9-8-8, or go to Starview Behavioral Health in case of mental health crisis. https://www.starsinc.com/bhucc-longbeach/

✧I will be updating therapy treatment plans, objectives, and interventions in order to offer client’s their own custom “therapy companion” booklets, for managing and tracking session-focus.

✧Highly Sensitive Connection, Peaceful Period, and Parent-Support groups are on the horizon (please let me know if you are interested in taking part in either the adult or youth group/s).

✧I currently have intentions for offering Marriage and Family Therapy Supervision, mentoring, and consultation in the new year if you or anyone you know is setting about this helping profession.

✧In looking to offer this space and maintain the quality support of my practice, I am requesting rate increases beginning January 1, 2025. These requests are made to those clients currently paying less than the updated rate of $150.00 per 50-minute hour (including a parent-update-chat, time-limited to 30 minutes unless otherwise scheduled, as needed). I will also have a limited amount of insurance-slots and will no longer be accepting new CIGNA clients, moving forward. We will discuss and confirm rate updates on a 1:1 basis as 2024 ends and the new year arrives.

As always, therapy should be accessible for all, and the financial component need not be an additional stressor – you are supported regardless of rate change.

I wonder what more you may need from your therapy space? Maybe it’s time to schedule a parent-chat or discuss treatment goals together?

Wishing you and those you care for a mindful end of 2024, a peaceful start to 2025.

Be well!