Frequently asked questions
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Sol Y Luna Therapy is more than just a name—it embodies the philosophical foundation of my therapeutic approach. Rooted in the Spanish words for Sun ('Sol') and Moon ('Luna'), it reflects my cultural background and the dynamic balance that shapes both my clinical style and soul’s code.
Balance: The Sun ‘Sol’ and Moon ‘Luna’ represent the harmonious interplay of complementary energies, symbolizing the equilibrium we strive for in life.
Integration: The Sun and Moon coexist in the celestial dance of day and night, embodying the integration of contrasting yet complementary aspects of our being.
Authenticity: The Sun and Moon serve as luminous beacons of authenticity. They stand in their power without pretense, inspiring us to embrace our true selves.
Shadow Work: The moon reflects the light of the sun, just as the sun casts shadows across the lunar surface. This intricate dance symbolizes the inner work of exploring both our light and shadow selves.
Transpersonal and Holistic: Beyond just the individual, the name captures a cosmic, spiritual dimension, promoting a holistic approach that takes into account mind, body, and soul.
Cultural Resonance: Using the Spanish language is a conscious act of cultural acknowledgment, resonating deeply within the roots and the diverse communities I serve.
In essence, Sol Y Luna Therapy encapsulates an integrated, balanced, holistic vision of healing with a mystical touch. It's a space where you are encouraged to explore and honor all facets of your being—light and shadow alike.
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Yes! Finding the right fit for everything in life is important and typically requires time to “try on” or assess your initial thoughts. For this reason, I offer a Free 30-Minute Consultation on the phone or via Telehealth (online video).
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I offer therapy for adults, couples, and groups and work with some teens by referral from professional network sources. I use various clinical methods that are tailored to your needs. My main techniques include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores deeper emotional influences on your actions.
Attachment-Based Therapy: Builds healthier relationships and social skills.
Client-Centered & Compassion-Focused Therapies: Provides a safe, empathetic space for you to feel valued.
I also incorporate Indigenous Multicultural Approaches from my Mesoamerican heritage for a more holistic treatment. Contact me for more information or to start your healing journey!
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The short answer is NO.
The Formal Therapeutic Disclosure Policy at Sol Y Luna Therapy
I do not work with couples independently to assist them in drafting and receiving The Formal Therapeutic Disclosure. I also do not facilitate any Formal Therapeutic Disclosure Sessions independently, even if a couple has prepared the disclosure on their own or with a CSAT therapist before meeting with me. I do not provide facilitation services unless the couple's CSAT therapists remain actively involved and present during the Formal Therapeutic Disclosure Session(s).
As a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) from the International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals (IITAP), I am trained in all stages of The Formal Therapeutic Disclosure process and have extensive experience working with both Addicts in Recovery and Partners Healing from Partner Betrayal Trauma.
Referrals for The Formal Therapeutic Disclosure:
If you decide to undergo The Formal Therapeutic Disclosure Process after beginning individual or couples therapy with me, I will provide referrals to qualified clinical agencies or CSAT therapists who can competently guide you and your partner. CLICK HERE for the IITAP CSAT Therapist Directory.
If I am working with a client who wants to proceed with the Formal Therapeutic Disclosure and asks me to serve as their individual CSAT therapist throughout the process, I will consider this request. However, my involvement—supporting the Addict in Recovery draft and present The Formal Therapeutic Disclosure or assisting the Betrayed Partner in preparing to receive the disclosure—depends on my client's readiness and the potential benefits of participating in a detailed process. In addition, an initial case consultation between the other CSAT therapist and I must occur before deciding to participate in the disclosure process with my client. This ensures that both clinicians align with best practices, have proper preparation, and have a coordinated approach under IITAP’s CSAT Ethics and Training. Additionally, this consultation helps identify potential conflicts of interest among CSAT therapists. It also ensures that expected timelines and clinical schedules proceed smoothly. If a polygraph is involved, both therapists must source a polygrapher and check their credentials, methods, and availability well in advance before any Formal Therapeutic Disclosure Sessions are scheduled with the couple. Furthermore, treatment recommendations following the completed disclosure process should be carefully considered and agreed upon by both therapists.
Continuity of Care:
In most cases, I will keep the couple’s therapy relationship intact while the couple is referred to other qualified CSAT therapists for the Formal Therapeutic Disclosure Process. I will collaborate with the couple’s new therapy team to provide essential clinical information that supports each partner’s work during the disclosure process. Additionally, I will consult with each therapist about when to resume couples therapy once the disclosure process is finished.
Each couple’s journey after the Formal Therapeutic Disclosure process is unique. In couples therapy, common next steps often include the Betrayed Partner preparing and presenting a Letter of Impact, followed by the Addict in Recovery responding with a Letter of Restitution.
Couples therapy may also address key challenges such as sexual reintegration, establishing new boundaries for healing, and rebuilding trust. Couples work on improving communication, learning conflict resolution strategies, and deciding what, if anything, to disclose to friends or family about the addiction. Some may explore whether to stay in the relationship or separate, grieve the trauma of discovery, or even renew their commitment to reflect their evolving partnership.
Additionally, couples therapy supports partners in processing slips or relapses, managing residual Partner Betrayal Trauma, and identifying barriers to healing. The Addict in Recovery learns how to provide support while the Betrayed Partner navigates lingering pain and trust issues. Many couples also explore Kübler-Ross’s Five Stages of Grief, applying this model to their relationship as it existed before the day of discovery. This process helps them work through pain, anger, and resentment, develop skills to release grudges, and heal from the shame that binds them—whether as the Partner of an Addict or as an Addict acknowledging the harmful impact of their addictive behaviors on others.
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For Addicts in Recovery: You are not required to attend a 12-Step program. However, treatment works best with different types of support. Each treatment plan is tailored to you and usually includes activities between sessions- many find success in a 12-Step program added to their treatment plan. 12-Step groups provide essential support that can help prevent relapses between sessions. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, your treatment goals, and your overall mental health, a 12-Step program might be part of your treatment plan, or other similar support options may be suggested. If staying sober becomes difficult and you choose not to follow recommended treatments like participating in a 12-Step program, it may be time to review your treatment plan. This could involve changing your goals, seeking more intensive care, or switching therapists for better results.
For Partners Healing from Betrayal Trauma: Joining a 12-Step program or a Partner Betrayal Trauma Support Group is not required but is strongly encouraged. Dealing with a partner's addiction can lead to feelings of isolation, blame, shame, anger, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Many partners feel they have no one to talk to outside of therapy—often only speaking with the recovering addict, who may struggle to provide the support they need, potentially harming the relationship further. Therefore, a Partner's Support Group can be transformative. These groups connect you with people who understand your experience and can provide valuable insights and emotional support. Connecting with others who understand can significantly enhance your and their healing journeys.
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$165 for Individual Therapy (50 minutes)
$165 Couples Therapy (80 minutes)
*There are a limited number of sliding scale slots available. If you want to apply for the Sliding Scale Rate, please let me know during our Free 30-minute Consultation.
**A limited number of timeslots are available at a discounted rate for current licensed California State psychotherapists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and pharmacists. If interested in this discount, please ask about available timeslots.
***All full session fees are due on the day of your appointment at the end of the session. I use an automatic payment system that processes transactions at midnight on the day of your session. I recognize that automatic payments may pose challenges; I'm more than willing to discuss options with you if you need alternative payment arrangements.
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I do not directly bill or accept insurance. However, I provide Superbills, Invoices, and Monthly Statements for clients to submit to their insurance companies for reimbursement.
Before you start therapy, I recommend contacting your insurance provider to determine the coverage your plan offers for out-of-network mental healthcare providers and the percentage of your reimbursement.
*Medicare Provider Status:I am an Opted-Out Provider, which means I am not contracted with Medicare. Medicare will not reimburse you for the cost of my services.
If you are a Medicare Beneficiary or become a Medicare Beneficiary while receiving services from me, you must disclose that information to me before you start therapy or as soon as you become a Medicare Beneficiary. We must immediately enter into a private contract for therapy services so I can work with you. If you do not disclose that you are a Medicare Beneficiary paying out of pocket, a penalty, including a fine, will be applied to my private practice. Therefore, it is essential that if you decide to work with me and are a Medicare Beneficiary, we must enter into a contract agreement that I prepare for you to document and submit to your Medicare administrative team and for me to keep on record to avoid any penalties and fines.
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Your individual needs and the achievement of your treatment goals determine the frequency of our sessions. Here's how it typically works:
Initial Phase: Most clients start with weekly 50-minute sessions for the first 2-3 months. This helps to build momentum and make meaningful progress toward your objectives.
Evaluation: After the initial phase, we will assess your progress and discuss potential adjustments to the session frequency. Depending on how effectively you meet your treatment goals, this could involve transitioning to bi-weekly or monthly check-ins.
Maintenance: Once we both agree that you have met your primary therapy objectives, we will focus on maintaining those achievements. At that point, we can adjust the frequency of our sessions to accommodate your evolving needs. In some instances, it’s not unusual to introduce new treatment goals, which may require continuing with regular weekly therapy sessions.
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In-Person Sessions: Available from Mon. through Sat. from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Walnut Creek, CA.
Online Telehealth: Available for clients throughout California.
Flexible Appointments: For special circumstances or make-up sessions, in-person and online telehealth sessions are available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only.
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24-HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY & FEE
Please provide at least 24 hours of notice to cancel an appointment for any reason. Failure to do so will result in a Late Cancellation Fee, amounting to 50% of the total session cost.
NO SHOW POLICY & FEE
If you miss a session without prior notice, it will be categorized as a “No-Show,” and you will be charged a No-Show Fee, which is 100% of the total cost of the session.
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Legal Requirements
As mandated by Section 2799-6 of the Public Health Service Act, if you're not using insurance or federal health programs, or if you choose not to file a claim with your insurance, you have a legal right to ask for a "Good Faith Estimate" from your healthcare provider. This estimate will outline the expected charges for the medical services you are planning to receive.
Your Rights
Right to an Estimate: You are entitled to a written "Good Faith Estimate" that provides a breakdown of projected costs for your medical treatment. This includes related expenses like tests, prescriptions, equipment, and hospital fees.
Timing: You should receive this estimate in writing at least one business day prior to the scheduled service or item. You also have the freedom to request this estimate from any healthcare provider you're considering.
Disputing Bills
Bill Exceeds Estimate: If the final bill you receive is $400 or more over the provided "Good Faith Estimate," you have the option to dispute the amount.
Dispute Fee: There is a $25 charge for initiating the dispute process. If the reviewing agency finds in your favor, you'll only be responsible for paying the original estimated amount.
Additional Information
Document Preservation: Make sure to keep a copy of your "Good Faith Estimate" for your records.
For further details or questions about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit the official website at http://www.cms.gov/nosurprisesor call their helpline at 800-985-3059.
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No hablo español con fluidez, pero crecí en una familia mexicoamericana y puedo entender y hablar algo de español básico. He trabajado con éxito con familias que principalmente hablan español, utilizando una mezcla de inglés y palabras sencillas en español. Si te sientes cómodo usando algo de inglés en nuestras sesiones, podemos tener una consulta gratuita de 30 minutes para ver si somos una buena combinación. Mi objetivo es asegurarme de que te sientas escuchado y comprendido en nuestras conversaciones.
I do not speak advanced fluent Spanish. However, I grew up in a Mexican-American family and can understand and speak basic Spanish. I've worked successfully with families who mainly speak Spanish by using a mix of English and simple Spanish words. If you're comfortable using English and some Spanish in our sessions, we can have a Free 30-Minute Consultation to see if we're a good fit. I aim to maintain ethical standards and ensure you feel heard and understood in our conversations.