Frequently Asked Questions
Pragmatic Questions
Where is your office located?
I conveniently have three office locations to choose from, based on whatever works best for you. Please check out my “Contact” page for information on location details!
How long is a typical session?
Generally, a session is 45 minutes; occasionally, patients will request a double session lasting 90 minutes.
What are your office hours?
I work by appointments only, including weekends. Find my number on my “Contact” page to schedule your appointment today!
What is your cancellation policy?
48 hours beforehand is preferred. However, life happens and I can be flexible depending on the circumstances. I also give my patients one free last-minute cancellation. Otherwise, I do charge for missed sessions if you are unable to schedule another session during that same week.
Are there other things I should know about your office?
My Norwalk office is conveniently located between a barber shop and donut shop. My Tustin office is located at Stevens Square right behind Rutabegorz. My office in Newport Beach is located on Dove Street.
What is a free initial phone consultation?
The free phone consultation gives you an opportunity to ask any questions about my practice and myself that you may have. We also use this time to determine if we are a good fit and if I am the right therapist for you. If we are not are good fit, I am happy to refer to one of my colleagues.
Therapy Questions
What age range do you work with?
My client roster includes peoples ages 12 to 70.
Do you work with men? Women? Couples? Adolescents?
The short answer is yes! I work with all these in groups – and Veterans!
Do you work with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures and religions?
Yes! Because I am a person of color, I have patients from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds who seek out my services.
Do couples fight in front of you?
Yes, without fail. But that’s not a bad thing. It could be a sign of progress.
Do you offer video or phone sessions?
Yes, absolutely! I feel it is important for my patients to have their sessions if they cannot be there in person.
How long will I be in therapy?
The length of time you will spend in therapy depends on what brings you to therapy, how long you have (or haven’t) dealt with it, and is something we decide together.
“Fun” Questions
How long have you been in practice?
I have been practicing as a licensed psychologist since 2003 and a psychoanalyst since 2011. However, I have been known as a “psychologist” since 1993 in Sri Lanka (where I am from), where licensure is not a requirement.
Have you been in therapy yourself?
Yes! I have enjoyed every moment of it.
What is your educational background?
I have a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University. I got my second and third doctoral degrees (PsyD, PhD) in Psychoanalysis from the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis in LA. I am also a certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-II).
Should I wear waterproof mascara?
Highly recommended. Even for guys.
Cats or dogs?
Both cats and dogs, and they’re welcome in my offices!
Is your furniture comfortable?
I’d like to think so. Let me know after you come in!