surf therapy

Traditional talk therapy can sometimes keep clients stuck in their heads. People often understand their coping skills intellectually but struggle to apply them while stressed. Surf therapy bridges that gap. By combining evidence-based modalities, like mindfulness, 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 some people, the therapy couch or meditation cushion isn’t always 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 and acceptance. 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

  • Line drawing of a staircase with a small flag on top.

    Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Minimalist clock with a compass arrow inside instead of traditional clock hands.

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Outline of two hands surrounding a lotus flower with multiple petals.

    mindfulness-based practices

  • Simple line drawing of a person with arms outstretched and legs apart.

    somatic awareness

  • Icon of a tree with a rounded canopy and a central trunk

    NATURE-BASED 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.

  • My standard fee for individual psychotherapy is $250 per session (50 minutes). Payment is due at the time of service via major credit cards, debit cards, or HSA/FSA cards.

    In-Network Coverage (via Alma):

    To make specialized care more accessible, I am in-network with select insurance panels through Alma, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum / UnitedHealthcare, and Carelon (Anthem Blue Cross). If you plan to use one of these providers, I can check your benefits and verify your coverage before our first session.

    Out-of-Network Benefits (PPO):

    For all other insurance plans, I am considered an out-of-network provider. Many PPO plans offer partial reimbursement for outpatient mental health. If you'd like to use out-of-network benefits, I can provide a monthly superbill (a detailed receipt with clinical codes) for you to submit directly to your insurance company.

    Questions to ask your insurance provider:

    • Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health (CPT codes 90834 and 90837)?

    • What is my out-of-network deductible, and has it been met?

    • What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed once my deductible is met?

    Private Pay Option:

    Some clients choose to pay out-of-pocket directly rather than use insurance benefits. Paying privately allows for complete privacy (no mandatory clinical diagnosis on your medical record) and full control over the frequency and duration of our work together.

  • I see clients in person at my Santa Monica office (720 Wilshire Blvd) and virtually via HIPAA-compliant telehealth across the state of California. In-person office availability in Santa Monica is limited, while telehealth offers flexible scheduling statewide.

  • Yes, I am currently accepting new clients for both in-person sessions at my Santa Monica office and telehealth sessions across California.

    How to Get Started:

    • Initial Consultation: We begin with a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation to discuss what you’re experiencing, answer any questions, and ensure we’re a great fit.

    • Intake Session: During our first official 50-minute session, we’ll dive deeper into your history, clarify your goals, and map out a tailored treatment plan.

    Session Format & Structure:

    • Standard Sessions: Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes, typically scheduled on a weekly basis to build momentum and consistency.

    • Evidence-Based Approach: Sessions are collaborative, active, and focused on practical outcomes—combining Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness.

    • Specialty Offerings: For clients interested in deeper experiential work, I also offer extended sessions and surf and nature-based therapy by request.

  • If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations or missed appointments with less than 48 hours' notice will be charged the full session fee.

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.

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