surf therapy
Traditional talk therapy can keep clients stuck in their heads. People often understand their coping skills intellectually but struggle to apply them in real time. Surf therapy bridges that gap. By combining evidence-based therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Exposure Therapy, with the therapeutic benefits of the ocean, clients can learn real-time emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and present moment awareness.
surfing: Mindfulness in motion
For many people, the therapy couch or meditation couch isn’t enough. Surfing therapy provides a natural container where awareness is mandatory; clients can learn to stay present, read the waves, practice breathwork, and focus on what is in front of them. Surf therapy provides an immediate, body-based anchor to the present moment.
acceptance: letting go
The ocean cannot be controlled or optimized; it can only be responded to with willingness. Accepting where we do and don’t have control is inherent in spending time in the ocean. Surfing therapy provides an opportunity to practice acceptance and learn how to let go.
Exposure: learning to lean in
The ocean can be scary at times. It is a naturally unpredictable force. Surfing therapy is a natural form of exposure therapy, where one learns how to notice anticipatory anxiety, choose to lean in, and experience the empowerment from making decisions based on one's values rather than one's fears.
My Therapeutic Toolkit
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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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mindfulness-based practices
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somatic awareness
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Experiential Surf Therapy
We draw from these combined modalities to take your therapeutic goals out of the office. Together, they help retrain the nervous system, cultivate a more flexible relationship with intrusive thoughts, and build real-time resilience.
Frequently asked questions
Visit the FAQ page for a full list of frequently asked questions.
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I am licensed in the state of California.
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Yes, I am currently accepting new individual therapy clients.
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Please contact me directly to inquire about current session fees.
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Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes.
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No. These 1:1 sessions are completely customized to your physical comfort level. All equipment, including surfboards and wetsuits, is fully provided. Sessions are facilitated by a licensed therapist and former professional surf instructor to ensure complete safety.
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I offer both in-person and online (telehealth) sessions. Please note that in-person availability is limited.
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Payment is accepted via credit or debit card through Ivy Pay, a secure, HIPAA-compliant payment platform for therapists.
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If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice may be subject to the full session fee.
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No. Experiential Surf Therapy is a premium, standalone somatic exposure service that includes specialized equipment. It is strictly a private-pay, out-of-network offering and cannot be billed to insurance. For traditional 50-minute individual psychotherapy, I am in-network with select Aetna plans.
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In accordance with the No Surprises Act, all clients are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs for services. You will receive this estimate at the start of treatment or upon request.
Healing is not one-size-fits-all.
Our pace will be intentional: active enough to create momentum, yet grounded in safety and respect for your lived experience. Together, we’ll clarify your values, develop sustainable strategies for regulating your nervous system, and build habits of mind and behavior that support the life you want to live.
Whether we’re addressing OCD, anxiety, or navigating major life transitions, my goal is to create a space where you can reconnect with your body, expand your perspective, and rediscover a sense of possibility. My role is to walk alongside you, offering structure, expertise, and care, as you chart a path forward.