Location
Counseling usually occurs in my office on California Ave in down-town Palo Alto. Should you arrive early, there are a number of coffee shops, restaurants and a health food market within a short walking distance from my office. For people living outside the area, I also provide sessions via telephone.
Rates
My hourly fee is $115, payable by check or cash at the end of each session. For those clients who prefer to pay by credit card, I also accept PayPal payments (see below). When paying by credit card, the payment should be made before the time of the session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do sessions take place?
I most commonly meet with clients in my office on California Avenue in down town Palo Alto. For clients who live outside the area, or for those who often travel, I also offer sessions via telephone.
How often do we meet?
If you want to make significant changes in your life then it is helpful to meet for an hour-long session each a week. For clients who have been working with me for a while, or for those with busy schedules who find it hard to meet weekly, we can also arrange a different schedule (for example, two times a month).
How is Happenstance Counseling different than psychotherapy?
Therapy often deals with dysfunction, or in trying to help people overcome significant emotional or behavioral problems. Happenstance Counseling works with people who are highly functioning but would like to experience greater success, meaning and satisfaction in their lives and careers.
How long does counseling take?
Happenstance Counseling helps you to take action in your life starting with the first session. So you should begin seeing positive results immediately. Nevertheless, a general rule of thumb is that it takes at least a 3-month period (12 sessions) to experience significant changes in your life.
What if I want to stop my sessions and start again later?
It is not unusual for people to stop their sessions and start back up again later. You can also change to a different schedule (more or less monthly sessions) according to your needs.
What if I miss a session or am late for a session?
If you need to reschedule an appointment, a 48 hour notice is appreciated and a minimum of 24 hour notice is required. If you miss your scheduled appointment without a 24 hour notice you will have to pay for the missed session. If you are late for your session, it will still end at the usual time.
How much does it cost?
Counseling rates can be found at the top of the services page.
What if I have more questions?
An important part of the counseling experience is in having a good “fit” with the counselor. You want to make sure that you are comfortable with the counselor, that he or she is sensitive to your life concerns, and that the approach taken is resonant with your personality and needs. It is because of this that I encourage you to start off with a free initial session where we can get to know each other and you can find out more about how happenstance counseling can work for you. Click here to find out more.
Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.
