415.891.8638 robin@robinmayer.com

Robin Mayer LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
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Frequently Asked Questions

Does therapy work?

Yes! The first step is a phone call to me! We will chat for 15-20 minutes about your needs. I will listen to your thoughts and assess if I can help you and how I can do that. Sometimes I can best help with a referral to another clinician or organization. I have many resources that I utilize to get you the best services. It is always helpful to discuss what is going on in your life with a neutral person. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, directionless, helpless or hopeless, therapy will help untangle your thoughts, give you a direction, and an outcome that will add vitality to your life.

How do I start therapy?

We start with a free consultation by phone. I need to know a bit about you and what issues you want to resolve. I will ask you questions about what is bothering you, how long the issue has been going on, what you have tried so far to stop the problem. I may ask about recent changes in your life or relationships, grief and loss, and past trauma. If I think I can help you, we will schedule a first session. If I think your needs can be better fulfilled elsewhere, I will make a referral to you on the phone.

How often will we meet?

We will meet once a week. If more regular sessions are necessary, we can arrange that at a future date. I am available by phone during the week and weekends, as additional support. Weekly attendance is an important aspect of treatment as we build our relationship, and you learn the helpfulness of treatment.

How long does therapy last?

There is no fixed time frame for how long your therapy sessions will last. Each person’s therapy needs are different and therefore require a different length of time in order to achieve a successful outcome. Now and again, people will successfully complete a therapeutic goal, and return to therapy at a later date to address a different matter. Issues like communication skills, relationship counseling, and parenting assistance are often resolved quickly. Considering life-long patterns of problematic behavior may take longer to address and resolve.

Do you take insurance?

I accept some forms for EAP and several insurance providers. It is best to discuss this by phone as the list often changes. I provide insurance submission for all out-of-plan PPO providers for your reimbursement.

Who do you treat?

I treat adults, teens and couples. I treat people from age thirteen years to people in their nineties. I offer individual therapy, teen therapy, premarital and marital counseling (of all genders), and parenting coaching.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a therapeutic tool that utilizes neural research of how the brain stores and releases traumatic memories. The EMDR process helps individuals to experience healing of painful events and let go of toxic thoughts, feelings, dreams, and memories. It is different from traditional talk therapy, in that EMDR has a direct effect on the way the brain processes information. During an EMDR session, the therapist addresses with the client, a specific problem that is identified together. As the client brings to mind the event or disturbing feeling, the therapist activates the left and right brain hemispheres, in order to release the pain surrounding the incident and facilitate healing. The goal of EMDR therapy is to reprocess distressing memories. EMDR has been successfully used for trauma and abuse victims, as well as phobias, anxiety, chronic pain, and self-confidence.

Does marriage counseling or couples counseling work?

Yes! Couples counseling often does work. While it is commonly true that it takes some time for both parties to agree to come in to therapy, a neutral therapeutic party can help unblock longstanding patterns that lead to misunderstandings. The longer a couple waits before counseling, the more that ill feelings can build. Difficult as it may be, it is best to address the anxiety and resentment, as soon as possible. This frequently leads to the development of communication skills, empathy and enhanced intimacy.

Banner image credit: “Golden Gate Bridge BW” by Almonroth is licensed under CC BY 3.0