FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you are considering therapy, there is usually a reason. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from counseling - many people seek support for stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck in life. Therapy with me (https://www.reginacounseling.com/my-approach)provides a safe, trauma-informed space to explore patterns, manage emotions, and develop practical strategies for personal growth and healthier relationships. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy,(https://www.aamft.org/About_AAMFT/About_Marriage_and_Family_Therapists.aspx) after receiving treatment, "almost 90% of clients report an improvement in their emotional health", family relationships, partner relationships, overall health, and other domains of their lives.

Every therapist has their own process, but here is what you can expect when working with me. First, you will receive intake and consent forms to complete, as well as structured assessment forms if needed. Once completed, we will schedule your initial session, either in person in Orange County (https://share.google/dMTClMjAEePdbo3Mm)or virtually through a secure video therapy platform. During the first session, we will briefly review the forms and start to explore your concerns, as well as relevant aspects of your personal history. For couples therapy, I often schedule two separate sessions with each partner after the initial joint session. This provides deeper assessment and a fuller understanding of relational dynamics. Subsequent sessions focus on your unique needs: helping you build emotional regulation, gain insight, apply strategies to improve relationships, address trauma, and support overall well-being. You can learn more about my therapeutic approach ()and how it integrates trauma-informed care, attachment principles, and evidence-based methods. Therapy is a gradual process, and change is rarely immediate or linear. With persistence, an open mind, and active engagement, small shifts in awareness and behavior lead to meaningful, lasting improvements in both individual and relational functioning.

Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and it’s natural to wonder if we’re the right fit. Research (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK608012/)consistently shows that "a strong therapeutic alliance is one of the most important predictors of positive treatment outcomes." I specialize in couples therapy with trauma-focused support,(https://www.reginacounseling.com/services) which means I am well-equipped to help clients address relationship challenges, improve communication, repair emotional disconnection, while fostering healthier individual and relational functioning. I also provide trauma and phobia treatment through Accelerated Resolution Therapy,(https://www.reginacounseling.com/services/copy-of-individual-therapy) a focused, evidence-based approach for rapid symptom relief and emotional processing. Ultimately, the most reliable way to determine if I am the right therapist for you is to schedule a session or consultation. This allows you to meet me, either in person or virtually, and experience firsthand whether our approach, energy, and therapeutic connection feel like a good fit. Reach out (https://www.reginacounseling.com/contact)when you are ready. I am here to support you!

Yes, I provide specialized couples counseling, marriage therapy,(https://www.reginacounseling.com/services/couples-therapy) and pre-marital therapy (https://www.reginacounseling.com/services/premarital-therapy)for partners who want to improve connection, communication, and emotional intimacy. My approach combines renowned evidence-based approaches for couples, along with trauma-informed therapy methods. Sessions focus on interrupting negative interaction cycles, improving emotional regulation, and strengthening mutual understanding between partners. Whether you are experiencing conflict, disconnection, or relational stress, therapy can help partners repair and deepen their bond. This integrative approach supports both individual growth and relational well-being.

The duration of therapy varies depending on your goals, needs, the issues you are addressing, and the frequency of sessions. Some clients notice meaningful progress in just a few sessions, especially with focused approaches like Accelerated Resolution Therapy for trauma or phobias.(https://www.reginacounseling.com/services/copy-of-individual-therapy) Generally, therapy is a gradual, intentional process that requires time to process emotions, build self-awareness, and develop practical coping strategies. Couples counseling or work on long-standing relational patterns often takes longer, as both partners’ experiences and barriers must be addressed to support healthier interactions and relational growth. Many clients find significant benefit from a commitment of six months, while others continue for longer depending on their goals and pace of progress.

My office for in-person sessions is located at 211 E. Imperial Highway, Fullerton, CA 92835,(https://share.google/dMTClMjAEePdbo3Mm) serving clients in Fullerton, Brea, Anaheim, Buena Park, Garden Grove, Tustin, Irvine, Yorba Linda, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, and surrounding communities. I also offer virtual counseling sessions for clients throughout California via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, providing convenient access to trauma-informed, relationship-focused therapy across the state.

I take client confidentiality very seriously, following professional ethical standards and applicable laws. Most information shared in sessions remains private, and your records are securely protected. There are a few exceptions where I may be legally required or authorized to share information: • If there is imminent risk of you harming yourself or others. • If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a minor, older adult, or dependent adult. • If a court orders disclosure. • If you provide written consent to share information with a third party, such as your doctor or another therapist.