Kintsugi (金継ぎ?, きんつぎ): The Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. To treat breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.
Therapy
FIRST STEPS CAN BE HARD
Wherever you may be in your path of life, I look forward to learning about your personal journey. I offer daytime and evening appointments. To get started, visit my contact section:
About
FIRST STEPS CAN BE HARD
To focus on the life you would like to lead, it is sometimes helpful to speak with an expert. I can help you navigate your goals and introduce options to make different choices. It is encouraged to interview as many clinicians as needed to find a therapist who you feel comfortable with and can trust. Your therapy will only broaden as far as you will let it, so your connection with your therapist is very important.
What services are offered?
I offer 50 minute therapy sessions in person, by phone or video call.
Focus
AREAS OF FOCUS
Money
Marriage statistics show money issues as a leading cause of divorce. Analysts predict that the rise in bankruptcies and foreclosures will see a substantial increase in divorce rates within the coming years. If money were the true culprit, couples with substantial amounts of money would be blissfully happy. More often than not, money problems are a symptom of deeper problems that haven’t been addressed. Issues of power and control can just as easily surface whether an abundance of money is [...]
Sex
We will be talking about sex. For this important topic as well in all of our discussions, I work from a culturally sensitive and LGBTQI affirmative space. While nothing is off-limits and nothing is taboo to talk about, some people have trouble bringing up the subject of sex. Many couples experiencing a sexual problem are reluctant to talk about them. Sex is a multi faceted issue which can range from sexual dysfunction, such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, low libido, sexual addiction, painful [...]
Parenting
Being a parent can bring about a slew of different issues such as discipline, post partum depression, bedwetting, sibling rivalry, adoption, as well as marriage problems or adjusting to life as a new family unit. Therapy can be for parents, children or the entire clan. Together we can identify if your feelings surrounding these issues come from your family of origin, or new patterns that have formed in your life. We can talk about what your hopes and expectations are for [...]
Addiction
Historically, addiction has been defined with regard solely to psychoactive substances (for example alcohol, tobacco and other drugs) which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested, temporarily altering the brain chemically. How do drugs work? In the brain, drugs may either intensify or dull your senses, alter your sense of alertness, and sometimes decrease physical pain. Here are a few warning signs that someone may have a substance abuse problem: relying on drugs or alcohol to have fun, forget problems, or relax, having blackouts, drinking or using [...]
Grief
Grief is a reaction to a major loss. It is most often an unhappy and painful emotion. People who are grieving may have crying spells, some trouble sleeping, and lack of productivity at work. Family and friends can offer emotional support during the grieving process. Sometimes outside factors can affect the normal grieving process, and people might need extra support from their community. Grief may be triggered by the death of a loved one. Grief is the normal response of sorrow, [...]
Infidelity
After the devastating disclosure of infidelity, intense emotions and recurrent crises are the norm. The good news, however, is that the majority of relationships not only survive infidelity, but marriage and family therapists have observed that many marriages can become stronger and more intimate after couples therapy. Infidelity is one of the most common presenting problems for marriage and family therapists. It is devastating to relationships and can be one of the more difficult problems to treat. While the majority of [...]
Questions
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
HOW DO I KNOW THAT YOU’RE THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ME?
I may not be. Choosing the right therapist is the most important decision you will make in this process. I encourage my patients to find someone they feel the most comfortable with, so that they can achieve the best results. Some factors that may or may not affect your decision in choosing a therapist may include: gender, race, religious beliefs and sexual identity. If you are concerned about any of these or any other specific issue, I encourage you to ask about them during your consultation.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
The length of your process depends on what you bring into the room and how far you want to explore it. Each session is scheduled at the same time every week and lasts for 50 minutes. The cost for each session is $325. A 50 minute consultation is offered to new clients for $200. Fees are payable by credit card, Venmo or cash.
MY RELATIONSHIP IS IN TROUBLE, SHOULD I BRING MY PARTNER WITH ME?
Yes! Couples therapy is for people who are married, people seeking divorce, as well as for individuals dating. People who have felt that their relationship is “stuck” or feel misunderstood by their partner can learn new ways to connect and communicate with the person they care about in therapy. Couples counseling can help you rebuild your relationship or support you in your decision to end your commitment and aid in navigating through feelings of resentment, anger and sadness.
WHY DO I NEED A THERAPIST? CAN’T I JUST TALK TO MY FRIENDS?
Speaking to your family and friends during the therapy process is encouraged, however, a therapist looks at your issues from an objective point of view with no personal or previous involvement. Therapists are professionally trained as listeners to help you get to the root of your problems and guide you to a solution.
I AM TOTALLY NORMAL. WHY WOULD I NEED THERAPY?
For some people and families, there have been cultural or personal stigmas attached to seeking help. Therapy is for people who have a desire for a deeper understanding of self-awareness and for people who may be seeking change. Therapy helps you learn tools and techniques to improve your intimate relationships and quality of life.
I NEED A LOT OF ADVICE. CAN YOU FIX MY PROBLEMS?
During our therapy sessions, I will not be giving you advice. Together we will focus on the unhealthy patterns and symptoms in your life that you may want to change. As a therapist I will be providing support and will be your guide, but you still have to do the work.
Statistics
DATA ON BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH (US)
The following statistics are taken from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and represent some of the more common mental health issues that we face.
Clients.
“My husband and I went to Tejal after having a difficult time in our marriage. It was our first time in therapy and we weren’t sure what to expect. Months later, she has helped us get to a better place. I cannot express how much she has helped and how grateful we are.”
“I took my son to Tejal for severe school anxiety. She really gave him not only the tools to cope with the situation but also the ability to communicate what he needed from us. Now we are able understand where a lot of this fear is coming from and our relationship has gotten much richer in general.”
“I could not speak higher of Tejal. I have made large strides since starting with her. She has helped get my life to a place that I’m comfortable with and allowed me to recognize issues that were stopping me from being happy.Thank you!”
In therapy, the broken relationships and cracks in family history are worth examining for the purpose of meeting new goals, letting go of shame, processing anger and healing. I’ve been in private practice in Marina del Rey since 2001 and have been privileged to be able to work with individuals, couples and families struggling with a variety of issues, including depression, intimacy issues, substance abuse, trauma, eating disorders, sexuality, and grief.