FAQs

What are your questions about making art?

What if I can’t draw a straight line?

Use a ruler. Truly, the idea that we need to be accurate, or execute our ideas perfectly stands in the way of genuine, spontaneous expression and art making. Stands in the way of fostering a relationship with our imagination. Sometimes we mistake talent for creativity which leaves us striving for perfection…and straight lines.

My mother/brother/cousin/aunt (you get the idea) is the artist, not me, is there hope?

Absolutely! There’s a mistaken notion in our culture that some people are born “creative.” And if you didn’t inherit that gene, well, tough luck. The reality is that if you give a small child a crayon, they know exactly what to do. That initial impulse to create can get squelched by performative demands from family, school or culture at large. With my guidance your artist can come out of hiding and play in a safe, supportive environment.

How do I get started creating at home?

To start right away, I recommend signing up for Creative Mentoring with me. Stay tuned for online classes and videos in the future. If you live in the S.F bay area, I invite you to take a class or workshop with me to get you going.

How can I tame my inner critic?

Ah yes. This one vexes all of us at some point or another. There are many ways to deal with the inner critic, especially when you’re making art. Rather than exile this difficult being we can integrate it. You can hold it as an important part of your being, though maladaptive and misguided. I offer gentle ways of bringing the inner critic into the creative process so it can grow and no longer needs to boss you around.

What if there’s a “real” artist in the class or group?

People with a variety of experience enjoy my classes and groups, yet all are encouraged to come to the table with a beginner’s mind. I seek to provide a non-comparative, non-competitive environment where expression is celebrated, and we can all learn from each other.

Can I be in a class if I’m not in the area?

Great question! I hope to offer online classes in the future. In the meantime, check out the option of Creative Mentoring with me.

Where are you located?

My studio is located off East Francisco blvd. in San Rafael, CA, beside the bay.

What if I don’t finish a piece during the class?

This is a good thing! It can be much easier to continue working on a piece-in-progress at home than to begin working on something new.

What materials do I need?

I keep the studio well stocked with a juicy array of water-based art materials and collage images. Here you’ll find all the pens, pencils, paints, stencils, stamps, glittery paints, brushes (…and more!) that you need to create.

Do you take insurance?

I am an out of network provider for most insurance companies. Payment is due at the time of our visits unless otherwise arranged. I provide billing statements on a monthly basis if you are in need of reimbursement of fees through insurance.

Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:

  • Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
  • What is my deductible and has it been met?
  • How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?

What is your fee?

$150.00 per 50 minute session. Reduced fee services are available on a limited basis.

Payment

Cash, check, Credit Card and PayPal.

Cancellation Policy

Because psychotherapy requires a serious commitment of time and effort, the need for consistency and attention to your personal process cannot be underestimated. With this in mind, I require payment for all appointments. If you cannot attend your regularly scheduled therapy appointment, due to an emergency, I will reschedule your visit close to your original time.

How long will I be in therapy?

This depends on your goals: Therapy can be brief to resolve a specific issue or longer term to address long standing unfulfilling patterns and challenges.

At the outset of therapy you decide what you want to focus on and we will frequently check-in regarding your goals. In the course of therapy, new goals and desires may enter the picture.

Do I have to make art?

Creative expression is a powerful way to express feelings, sort through issues and gain insight. Giving form either in session or at home to your experience is encouraged, but not required.

How do I get started?

Please contact me for a complimentary 20-minute initial consultation.

Let’s talk about the art of being you. 

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