What if I don’t dream? Or rarely remember a dream?
Not to worry. We will have plenty to discuss and explore, and more than likely, the dreams will come. Every person dreams every single night, multiple times a night. First off, you may not have someone asking you about your dreams on a regular basis. That alone often shifts things.
Further, there would be a very good reason (or reasons) that you are not remembering those dreams at this time. Once we start to understand the reason(s) for not accessing dreams, the dreams often start to emerge, even if slowly over time.
Like any relationship, sometimes the more we listen to the dreams, the more the dreams reveal.
Can’t I just consult a dream dictionary online to find out what my dreams mean?
While it’s true that there are common images and themes that tend to show up collectively (i.e. flying, teeth falling out, naked in a classroom, etc.), a dream can only be properly understood in its correct context. So while there may be some truth to these collective symbols, your dream will have a very particular meaning to you based on your unique life story. This unique meaning is what you will need for your healing. No dream dictionary can help with that.
Is this like opening Pandora’s Box? Aren’t some things better left forgotten or unknown?
There is an old saying that what we resist, persists. There is a common misconception that confronting our pain leads to overwhelming or endless suffering, when in fact, it is the lengths we go to (seemingly) avoid our pain that keeps us wed to our patterns of suffering. If we continue to keep certain memories or experiences suppressed (consciously or unconsciously), the emotional content will inevitably sneak up in our waking lives in unpleasant ways. I believe that if you are able to recall a dream, then you are ready to hear its message. Our dream minds communicate vital truths to us every night and we cannot usually hold on to everything revealed. Exploring these terrains safely and slowly within the unique setting of therapy allows for a gentle integration.
Where is your office located?
In 2021, I closed my physical office space in Santa Monica and have been providing treatment via Zoom or telephone exclusively ever since. While there was an adjustment from in person treatment, Zoom and/or phone have proven to be effective platforms for treatment.
What is your fee? Do you accept insurance?
My current standard rate is $225 per 45-minute session hour. I am happy to provide a free consultation (approximately 20 minutes) prior to scheduling a session to determine goodness of fit. While I am not contracted with any insurance companies, I may be able to provide you with a superbill, which you can submit to your insurance for out of network (OON) reimbursement. I have limited sliding scale availability; please feel free to contact me for more information.
Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions.