Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Do you provide in-person or online therapy?
Online via the virtual HIPAA-compliant platform Jane (similar to Zoom).
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes! I offer a free 15-minute video consultation to see if we'd be a good fit to work together and to answer any questions you have.
Are there forms I need to sign before starting therapy?
Yes. The informed consent and intake form.
I live in another state other than California. Can I still be seen for therapy?
No. I am only able to see clients who currently reside in California because my supervisors are licensed in this state only. You can reside anywhere in California and I can treat you, even if it's a different county from the one I currently live in.
Finances (Fees and Insurance)
Do you accept insurance for Dr. Attaway & Associates?
At this time, I'm only accepting self-pay clients and do not take insurance. I'm happy to discuss rates and explore options to make therapy accessible. Please reach out for details or to learn more about how we can work together.
Do you accept other payment methods for Dr. Attaway & Associates?
Yes. American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
How much do sessions cost?
I'm happy to discuss rates and explore options to make therapy accessible. Please reach out for details or to learn more about how we can work together. Please contact me for details.
Sessions
How long are sessions?
Regular sessions are the industry standard of 50 minutes per session. CRM® and EMDR sessions are usually 75 minutes to allow for deeper processing.
What is the recommended frequency of sessions?
One session per week is the standard. However, some clients are seen twice a week or biweekly depending on their needs.
How many sessions do clients usually have?
This varies from person to person. It depends on your trauma history, goals, level of collaboration and commitment to the therapeutic process, and many other factors.
Who is your supervisor?
At Dr. Attaway & Associates, Dr. Avis Attaway, LMFT #34493
How long have you been practicing?
Since March 2021
Are you licensed?
I will be licensed around the end of 2025/beginning of 2026! In the meantime, I am still working as a pre-licensed Associate therapist.
What kind of therapist are you?
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT).
From what universities did you graduate?
Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University) at the Monterey, California campus and online, graduated in Dec. 2021
Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Studies (Social Justice) from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), graduated in June 2011
What conditions do you specialize in?
Panic and Anxiety (including Climate and Eco-Anxiety), Depression and Suicidal Ideation, Trauma, Stress and PTSD, and Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, Invisible Disability and Auto-Immune Disorders
What other conditions/issues have you treated or helped with?
Addiction and substance abuse, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism, Career Counseling, Coping Skills, Grief and loss, Life Transitions, Racial Identity, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self Esteem, Self-Harming, Sleep or Insomnia, Spirituality, Transgender and Gender dysphoria, Women's Issues, Life Coaching, Mood Disorders (including Bipolar and Cyclothymia), Psychedelic therapy integration, and more...
Client Focus
Since you are a Marriage & Family Therapist, does this mean you only work with married couples and families?
No. While I do work with couples and families, I also work with individuals.
What are the client ages you work with?
Adults, preteens, teens, and elders (65+)
What communities do you work with?
All, including Immuno-disorders, LGBTQ+ Allied, Racial Justice Allied, BIPOC Allied, Body Positivity, Vegan Allied
What kind of therapy model(s) do you use?
I often use the somatic trauma treatment model called the Comprehensive Resource Model® (CRM). You can learn more about it here. I also am trained in and use another popular somatic trauma treatment model called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I'm also IFS-informed and use Internal Family Systems parts work with clients.
Do you use any other types of therapy?
Yes! Besides the above therapy models mentioned, other approaches I use include: Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping, mindfulness, RAIN of self-compassion, and somatic experiencing. My therapy approach is also attachment-based, climate and eco-aware, compassion focused, culturally sensitive, multicultural, person-centered, social justice-oriented, and trauma focused.
Are you still doing somatic coaching?
Yes! Please contact me for details :)