General questions… If you don’t find your answer, please reach out!
“Is everything I share with my therapist private?”
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychotherapy. However, there are some legal exceptions. As a therapist, I must: report suspected child, dependent adult, and/or elder abuse; tell authorities if you have an imminent plan to kill or seriously harm someone else; and intervene if you intend to kill yourself. There are a few other exceptions. However, in general, your privacy is protected to the utmost degree by both laws and professional ethics codes.
“Does going to therapy mean I am sick or that something is wrong with me?”
Therapy can be useful on so many levels that have nothing to do with being “sick” or “having something wrong.” Can we instead reframe therapy to mean, “having courage to explore self and/or to consider change?”
“How do I know if I have a problem with my food, weight, or body image?”
Ask yourself: “Is my relationship with my food, my weight, or my body image getting in the way of my quality of life? Enjoyment? Activities? My relationships?” If the answer is “yes” to any of those, then you may have a problem. You could find therapy to be beneficial.
“Do you, Alli, work with men who have eating issues or eating disorders?”
Yes!
“What’s distinct about a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)?”
Similar to other degrees and licenses, MFTs receive training to diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health issues. Different than other degrees and licenses that also allow a professional to provide therapy, an MFT’s education and training focuses specifically on relational aspects. This can include family systems, group dynamics, and marriage/couples’ counseling. Though I am also a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, unless otherwise agreed on, my work is as an MFT.
“How long is therapy?
Sessions are 45 to 50 minutes and typically occur on a weekly basis. Oops! You meant, “in general?” Well, that depends on specific goals and your personal desires. You have the right to stop therapy at any time, and you are also welcome to continue for as long as therapy feels beneficial.
“What are important resources for me to know about?”
Crisis-related
- Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center (available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day). (310) 391-1253 or 1 (877) 7CRISIS = 1 (877) 727-4747.
- Department of Child and Family Services (to report child abuse). 1 (800) 540-4000.
- Adult Protective Services (to report suspected abuse of an elder or dependent adult). (877) 4-R-Seniors (477-3646).
- The Hotline (for victims of domestic violence, their families, and friends). 1 (800) 799-SAFE = 1 (800) 799-7233.
- Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (provides service for survivors of sexual assault 24 hours a day). 1 (800) 656-HOPE = 1 (800) 656-4673.
- LAC DMH (Access line, mental health help). 1 (800) 854-7771.
- CRISIS TEXT LINE – Text the word CONNECT to 741-741
- TRANSLIFELINE – 877-565-8860 Available 7:00am – 1:00am Pacific Time – staffed by trans-identified volunteers
Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating-related
- Academy for Eating Disorders (education and resources for the public and professionals–international).
- Association for Size Diversity and Health (for Health at Every Size®)
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (lists free support groups–United States).
- Center for Clinical Interventions (FREE downloadable workbooks, adjunct healing sources).
- International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals(for professional certification).
- National Association for Males with Eating Disorders (for males).
- National Eating Disorders Association(for family, friends, teachers, & coaches).
“Do you take insurance?”
I can issue you a superbill that you can send into your insurance company for potential reimbursement. If you need help finding out if your insurance might cover out-of-network providers, I can offer you some questions to ask your provider.
“How do I get started?”
Click here or on the “Getting Started-Contact” tab for information…