So, why is it so hard to find in-person therapy in the LA area?
TBH, just like the rest of humanity, a lot of therapists got comfortable working at home and didn't want to go back. Many therapists gave up their office spaces during the pandemic and never got new ones.
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As much as I've grown to love telehealth, I still have a place in my heart for in-person therapy. There is something about being in the same room as someone else that is hard to replace, even with the best technology.
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Benefits of in-person therapy
Increased sense of connection with the therapist
I hear from many clients that they feel a stronger connection with their therapist when they meet them face-to-face. There is something to be said about occupying the same physical space with someone and the energy exchange that occurs.
Greater privacy from family members
Sometimes the people that you want to talk about are right there in your house! Having issues with your husband? Maybe you don't want him overhearing what you have to say about him in your therapy session. Meeting in my office ensures that the space is 100% confidential.
More visual cues for me to assess and use in therapy
One of the biggest advantages of meeting in person is that I can see not only your facial expressions, but also how you move your body, your gait and your posture. I'm a somatic therapist, which means that I pay extra special attention to things like body language.
Integrating holistic practices into in-person therapy sessions
One thing you'll get to know about me is how I integrate a holistic approach into everything I do. Being in-person allows us to practice mindfulness in the same environment. I will be able to prompt you to pay attention to certain sounds in the environment, visual cues or sensory stimuli to help guide you into the moment.
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It will also be much easier to track for subtle signs of relationship harmony like eye contact and our vocal rhythm with one another, without the interference of the computer.
What to expect in a first session
I'll make sure you feel comfortable and settled
It's very important to me that my clients feel comfortable in my space, so I'll ask if you need water and encourage you to get comfy. You can take your shoes off and move pillows around to your liking. I can adjust the A/C up or down, too.
We'll set goals collaboratively for our work together
The first session is all about getting to know you and establishing goals for your therapy. Studies show that when the therapist and client are on the same page about goals, therapy is much more successful.
We will get to work on at least one of your concerns
I like to say that when you walk out of your first therapy session, you should have at least one new tool or one new mindset shift to bring with you into the week. It's also my aim to help you feel a sense of relief after the first session, like you've begun to unburden yourself of things you've held onto for months or even years.
How to make the most of sessions
Keep a journal of your thoughts from the week
Even if you had a lot on your mind the previous week, you may find that you struggle to remember things. Keeping a journal can help you make note of concerns, questions or insights that you can explore in more depth in your session.
Bring your therapy journal with you to session
Have that journal with you, not just to reflect on the previous week, but to make note of any revelations you had in session that you want to revisit. If there was something I said that you want to remember later you can also pop it into the journal. This can help crystalize the new neural pathways you're creating.
Gift yourself an environment free from distractions
Your therapy time is 100% focused on you. By turning notifications off on your phone and removing your Apple Watch, you'll make it so much easier to tune into your inner thoughts, emotions and body sensations, without getting disturbed by the outside world.
Your questions about in-person therapy answered
Finding the right in-person therapist in Los Angeles
The top predictor of positive outcomes in therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist.
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The easiest way to find the best fit is to speak with a few different therapists over the phone and see who you connect with the most.​
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This is why I provide every potential client with a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine a good fit.