Frequently Asked Questions
This is my first time seeking therapy, WHERE DO I START?
You can start by sending me an email: vivi@vivivallintherapy.com to schedule a free 20min consult.
Both partners must be present for consult if you are seeking couples session information.
Scheduling a consult does not mean you are committing yourself to therapy with me. It is a chance to have your questions answered and get a feel for working together. After our consultation, you can schedule the first session or take as long as you need to decide on next steps.
Considering cost and scheduling is important. However, I find that prioritizing working with someone that FEELS right for you is essential and possible. I recommend taking advantage of other free consultations. If we determine I am not the right person for you at this time, I can provide referrals to other wonderful therapists in your area.
WHo do you work with?
I am open to working with anyone who resonates with my approach. I also am committed to serving and celebrating people of color, lgbtqi+ folks, immigrants, first-generation, healers and activists.
How many sessions will we need?
It depends on your individual or partnership needs. We can talk more about this in the consult and once we clarify your goals for therapy.
Is Individual Therapy a Requirement for couples work?
No, I do not require concurrent individual therapy if you are working with me in couples therapy. Being in individual therapy can be helpful in further understanding your own feelings, needs, and fears. I will recommend individual therapy if there is something that would benefit from individual work and support outside of partner sessions.
Will couples/partners therapy save my relationship?
I don’t know. Couples/partners therapy is about exploring where breakdowns are happening and learning to communicate from an authentic place about our feelings and needs. It can clarify issues and provide the opportunity to work through them. My role is to support, provide understanding and guide you toward honest and safe communication.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS AND RATES?
I am available Fridays and Sundays at this time.
My free structure is detailed below:
FEES FOR MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY (both individual and couples)
I value transparency, collaboration and accessibility to mental health services. My rate structure reflects honoring the time, energy, and care I bring to my work. It also reflects my education, specialized training and professional licensing.
50-minute individual session $180
60-minute couples session $200
90-minute couples session $250
I do not accept insurance. I can provide a super-bill if your insurance covers out-of-network outpatient services.
Cancellations made within 24-hours are charged at full-rate.
FEES FOR Speaking
My rate reflects my specialized training, certifications and education. I am committed to being a life-long learner and taking the time for my own growth and learning in the form of trainings, supervision, consultation with colleagues, readings, and my own therapy. My rate will vary in accordance to length of presentation and travel costs needed.
2 hours $400
FEES FOR TC-TRAUMA SENSITIVE YOGA
My rate reflects my certification in this methodology. For more information on current offerings for TC-TSY go here.
FEES FOR Workshops
My rate for workshops varies. For more information on Let Yourself Cry, Cabrona! workshops go here.
Do you accept insurance to pay for THERAPY?
I do not accept insurance directly. I can provide a super-bill if your insurance covers out-of-network outpatient services. You can call your insurance provider and inquire about your Outpatient Mental Health Benefits for couples sessions.
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR professional experience?
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor, license #7156. I have completed more than 3,000 hours of supervised therapy sessions and passed the state ethics and national licensing exam. I was licensed in 2019. I'm required to complete continuing education courses each year as part of maintaining my licensure status. Below are other additional credentials:
MA, Counseling (Loyola Marymount University)
MA, Yoga Studies (Loyola Marymount University)
PACT Level 2 trained
Certified Trauma Center-Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator
Certified Child-Parent Psychotherapy Therapist
3-years Generative Somatics Courses (Somatics & Trauma courses)
200-hr Yoga Teacher Certification (People’s Yoga)
Trained as a Naturalist (Audubon Center Debs Park)
Can you help my partner/family member/friend?
I am happy to answer your questions about my services, but they have to be the one to make the call for therapy to proceed. Therapy works best when the person is ready and motivated. Specifically for partners work, it is important that both partners are open to the process.
We NEED TO SEE SOMEONE ASAP. WHAT IS THE SOONEST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT YOU HAVE?
I am unable to provide emergency response. If you currently feel like you are at risk of harming yourself or someone else, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
You can contact me at my email: vivi@vivivallintherapy.com. I return emails within 24-48hours.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN THERAPY?
Yes! Therapy has been an important part of my healing and growing journey. I’ve had both positive and negative experiences in therapy. These experiences inform my approach to emphasize collaboration, inviting your cultural values and building trust and safety first. I believe in the value and power of therapy because I have experienced it myself! I also know the limitations, which is why I work with you to identify complimentary referrals to other professionals when needed.
I have also been in couples/partners therapy. My partner and I worked with a PACT trained therapists and benefitted from their approach. We were able to learn how to communicate our needs with more safety and compassion for each other.
HOW DOES TELE-THERAPY WORK?
These are live video sessions via Zoom. We can discuss advantages and liability differences. I can offer tele-health sessions to anyone in the state of California.
Any other questions? Send me an email: vivi@vivivallintherapy.com