Diane Brosh, M.A., M.F.T.
What is Therapy?
Therapy is a self-paced and non-confrontational dialog between you, the client, and myself, the therapist. In this dialog, we shall identify and gently "unpack" the hidden beliefs, feelings, and attitudes that lock you into unproductive behavior patterns and prevent you from realizing your full potential.
In this process, you will gain "Aha!" insights into why you feel and act the way you do in various situations. These insights allow you to consciously choose a more productive behavior pattern.
Sometimes (but not necessarily), previously hidden feelings will cause discomfort and anxiety when they first reappear. However, you set the pace and only experience these feelings in your own time and when you feel able to do so.
Therapy is non-judgmental: There is no "standard" or "preferred" way of living, being, or thinking for you to conform to. We simply seek to reveal the naturally energetic, beautiful, loving, and productive person that you already are inside.
How Do I Know if I Need Therapy?
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"I can't find the right job."
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"I can't seem to keep a girlfriend."
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"I don't get along with my family."
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"I don't have any enthusiasm for my work or my friends."
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"I feel tired and depressed a lot of the time."
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"I drink more than I should, but I can't seem to stop."
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"My partner and I just aren't getting along."
If you find yourself thinking thoughts similar to those above, or if money, job promotions, vacations, new clothes, and so on, simply don't make you feel happy, fulfilled, or connected to the world and those around you, then you will most likely benefit from therapy.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
This depends greatly on the individual and the issues that you are dealing with. Smaller issues may only require several months; deeper and more complex issues could require a year or more
Couples Therapy
A lack of communication and understanding between partners can show up in a relationship as a distancing, lingering resentment, or feeling of "falling out of love." Under these circumstances, it's time to "tune up" your relationship!
In couples therapy, you will learn to really listen to your partner. You will be amazed at how little you have both actually listened to each other in the past! You will:
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learn techniques to use at home to resolve conflict
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learn techniques to listen to and understand your partner
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learn techniques to get to a place where each partner gets what they need
The therapist does not "take sides," and nobody is "wrong." It is a bizarre fact of life that people take on the stresses and strains of living together (and often raising a family) without any training whatsoever. In Couples Therapy, you will learn simple but powerful techniques to help you live and work together, and to love and appreciate each other.
How Much Does Therapy Cost?
There is no doubt about it; therapy is a major commitment, both in time and money. In terms of time, you will need to commit to weekly 50-minute sessions in Agoura Hills. I have a mixture of daytime, weekend, and evening sessions that become available as other clients finish up their work. In terms of cost, it is a similar commitment to making a major purchase. A weekly session costs $200. (I also have a small number of sessions available at a slightly lower fee.) Thus, the monthly expense would be about $800.
Only you can determine if such a major commitment can take a high priority in your life and your budget.
Do You Take Insurance?
I am licensed to provide the necessary forms for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Note, however, that all therapy sessions must be paid for by you at the time of the office visit.
What is an MFT?
This is a license issued by the Board of Behavioral Science of the State of California to therapists who have a Masters or Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, who have passed both written and oral examinations administered by the Board, and who have completed 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. An MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist) is licensed to provide psychotherapeutic sessions to individuals, couples, and families who experience problems in their relationships to family, friends, coworkers, and community.
I am also a clinical member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
I Need a Particular Type of Therapist
Perhaps you would prefer to work with a male therapist, or a therapist who is, for example, gay or lesbian or of the same ethnic background as yourself. The relationship that you establish with your therapist is very important; so it is important that you feel that you can relate openly and honestly to your therapist. If you have special needs, please call and I would be happy to give you appropriate referrals.
818.889.5423 | dianebrosh@gmail.com | 28310 Roadside Drive, Suite 140 Agoura Hills, CA 91301