What exactly is an “MFT”?
The initials stand for Marriage and Family Therapist.  In California, an MFT must have a Master’s Degree in some form of Psychology such as Clinical or Counseling Psychology, or specifically in Marriage and Family Therapy.  There are other majors and I don’t know exactly what they are.  Additionally, the person must have had 3000 trainee/intern hours and have passed the California State exam for Marriage and Family Therapists.  Some MFTs have doctorates.  I have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Somatics.

You state that, “ Therapy does not have to last forever”.  If I came to see you, how long would we have to be in therapy?
There is no set time.  It really does depend on how committed each of you is to change whatever is interfering with your having the warm and loving relationship that you each want.  I also have clients who have gotten what they need;  they stop coming;  and in a few months and/or years later will come back for a “tune-up”.  Starting and stopping is up to you.  You are the best judge to decide if you’re getting what you want and/or if you’ve gotten what you want.  

You talk about “she” and “he”.  Do you also treat homosexual couples?
Absolutely!  I wish there were gender neutral words in the English language, and I don’t know them if there are.  I’d be very happy to learn them if there are.  Please let me know.

Do you tell me what to do?
Absolutely not!  I sometimes don’t know what is good for me.  How could I possibly know what is good for you?  I will empower you to explore your options so that you can decide what you want to do to get the warm and loving relationship that you want.

Where are you located?
My office is in Russian Hill in San Francisco.  There are 5 Muni lines which give easy access to my office.

Do you take insurance?
I know how important that might be to you, and we can certainly talk about it.  I’m always willing to give you a statement which you can send into your insurance company.  Additionally, I do work with the Victims of Crime Compensation Board if that applies to you. I also work with you and your lawyer if you are involved in a law suit. I will work on a lien so that I do not get paid unless you get paid.

How long are your sessions and how much do you charge?
My couples and family sessions are eighty (80) minutes, and my fee is $225.00.  My individual sessions are fifty (50) minutes and my fee is $125.00.  I do not charge for phone calls.

Do you have a sliding scale?
I’m sorry and I don’t.  I’ll be happy to give you some referrals to some low-fee clinics if you’d like.  Adding financial pressure to what you’re already dealing with would not be beneficial for you.

Can you guarantee that couples counseling will work?
I wish that I could.  I can guarantee that I will be present and available to you at each of our sessions.  I want everyone to have the loving and caring relationship that they want.  I will provide a safe place for you to work on the issues that are keeping you from getting what you want.  

What if my partner won’t come?
I’m sure that must be very painful for you and it is still possible to work with just you on the relationship.  The only way to get someone else to change is to change what you’re doing.  In our sessions, you will have an opportunity to look at some of the issues and decide which ones you want to deal with.  This will definitely have an impact on your relationship.

I hope that I have answered the questions you might have.  If I’ve missed something, I invite you to call and ask me any other questions or to talk to me about any other concerns that you might have.

If you are ready to get started, I would love to work with you.  Please call me at 415-474-6707 so that we may set up an appointment.  I look forward to hearing from you and meeting with you.

Take care,
Zora