What problems do you treat?

During my over 40 years of experience, I’ve developed expertise in treating many psychological problems. Here is a partial but not exclusive list:

• Childhood Trauma

• Panic Attacks

• All forms of Anxiety

• Sexual abuse

• Persistent depression

• Bipolar disorders

• Borderline Personality

• Creative blocks

• Problems with love

• Failed previous therapies

Please reach out if you are struggling with something else.

Do you do supportive psychotherapy?

All psychotherapy is, and should be, supportive. The foundation of any psychotherapeutic relationship is a safe space for getting to the heart of what’s causing your symptoms. That means empathic support. Yet, in my experience, support isn’t enough. I also provide in-depth attention to the root causes of your symptoms. Plus, in either psychotherapy or psychoanalysis with me, I will give you the individualized help you need to work these out over time.

Can I work with you if I’m not in California?

I am only licensed in California and registered in Florida to practice. If you live in Arizona and wish to consider working with me, the Arizona Psychology Board would allow me to register.

Are psychoanalysis and psychotherapy different?

Psychoanalysis and psychotherapy are different. Yet, the psychotherapy I practice is psychoanalytic psychotherapy. In both, your psychological struggles will be understood in light of your unique history, vulnerabilities, and how your “child mind” interpreted your experiences. 

Psychoanalysis, because we meet for 3, 4, or 5 sessions per week, allows a deeper and more active structure for working out your symptoms and problems. Having each session soon followed by another session helps to contain anxiety, can make you feel safer if you have suffered trauma, and will deepen the understanding we gain in each session.

In psychotherapy, although there are fewer sessions per week, I will still give you the depth of my psychoanalytic understanding. It's important to know that change depends on many personal factors, including motivation and capacity for insight. I work actively in every psychotherapy session to help you achieve the results and change you need.

How long will I need to come for psychotherapy?

There is no set length for psychotherapy. Change takes time and a trusting relationship with me. Neither occurs quickly. Effective psychotherapy is an emotional, not a cognitive, process. Everyone wants solutions, but there are no quick answers. For successful psychotherapy, it’s important to honor whatever pace you need to open up the feelings and experiences that must be understood. Building trust and feeling safe are essential.

Lasting solutions come from closely understanding the feelings you had to shut down. Feelings have deep roots, and for change to occur, it’s necessary to take time to link those feelings to the past, your current symptoms, relationship difficulties, and ways you feel about yourself. Because of this, each psychotherapy unfolds in its own way.

Will I see results quickly?

From the beginning of our work together, I’ll actively focus on the specific details of your symptoms and their links to your early history. If you feel understood in a new way, maybe even a way your problems haven’t been understood before, you should feel some relief fairly quickly. Lasting change takes time, though, and is much more than symptom relief.

Do you prescribe or recommend medication?

I’m a psychologist with a Ph.D., not an M.D., so I don’t prescribe medication. If medication is something you wish to try, are already on, or need for immediate relief of depression, anxiety, or panic attacks, I can give you a referral for a medication consultation.

If we meet frequently enough to provide the necessary understanding of your acute symptoms, you may not need medication. But medication can be useful if your symptoms are intolerable. Resolution of persistent depression, anxiety of any form, or panic attacks does come from an in-depth understanding and working out the root causes of your symptoms.

What are your fees?

I discuss fees in our complimentary 25-minute Zoom consultation. If I cannot meet your financial needs, I’ll do my best to recommend a therapist or clinic that can. 

Do you accept insurance?

I’m not a member of any insurance company panel and, therefore, am an out-of-network provider. I do not bill insurance companies or accept direct payment from them. I ask for payment of your therapy bill at the end of each month. However, I will provide an insurance superbill along with your monthly statement. This will allow you to bill your own insurance company by attaching the superbill to your claim form. Your insurance benefits will be reimbursed to you. If you have a PPO, your company should pay a portion of your monthly therapy bill. An HMO will not reimburse you for sessions with a provider out of its network. 

Did I Answer Your Therapy Questions?

I hope I’ve answered your therapy questions. If I haven’t, or if you have other questions, you can reach me at either (310) 273-4827 or sandracohenphd@gmail.com. 

And, anytime you’re ready, please schedule a 25-minute complimentary Zoom consultation to see if we’re a good fit. Therapy can be a big help to you.