FAQ
Getting Started:
How do I know if we're a good fit?
I offer a consultation call so we can briefly discuss what's bringing you to therapy and determine whether my approach aligns with your needs.
My work is best suited for Black and Brown Millennials and Gen Z adults and couples who are ready for depth-oriented, relational work. If you're looking primarily for short-term, surface-level support, I may not be the best fit- and I'm happy to share spaces where you can find other providers.
What happens in the first session?
Our first session is intentional and collaborative. We'll explore what's currently feeling stuck, your relational history, and what you hope to shift. We will begin to identify patterns early so you leave with clarity about where we're heading.
The Therapy Process:
What makes your approach different?
I integrate EMDR Therapy, Gottman Therapy, and attachment-based therapy to help you move beyond insight and into emotional processing.
Many clients come to me already self-aware. They understand their patterns intellectually- but still feel stuck in them. Our work focuses on helping your nervous system shift, not just your thoughts.
We don't just talk about change.
We work toward integration.
How long will therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, history, and level of engagement.
Because this work is about going deep and addressing roots, it is not designed to be rushed. some clients attend weekly sessions over months. Other incorporate intensives to accelerate movement around specific blocks.
We will also revisit goals to ensure our work remains focused and aligned.
I've done therapy before. How is this different?
Many of my clients have been in therapy before and gained insight, yet still experience recurring relational patterns.
This work goes deeper into "why" and, through EMDR and attachment-focused interventions, we target the root of patterns so that shifts can feel embodied rather than just intellectual.
Investment & Payment
What are my payment options for therapy?
I am a private pay provider and in-network with a few insurance providers. A superbill can be provided upon request for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Note that insurance does have limitations including session caps and requires diagnosis. Not all of my services or your needs may be covered through your insurance.
Why private pay for therapy?
Working outside of insurance allows us to:
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Protect your privacy
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Avoid unnecessary diagnostic labeling
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Move at a pace that supports meaningful change
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Tailor our work without restriction
Many clients choose private pay because they value autonomy, depth, and therapy that prioritizes transformation over documentation.
What are Good Faith Estimates?
I will provide this to you before we begin services and update it if anything changes. I will discuss this further with you during the intake process. You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. Make sure your clinicians gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your service. You can also ask your clinicians, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or services. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Therapy Intensives
What is a therapy intensive?
Therapy intensives are extended sessions (half-day or multiple day formats) designed for focused, immersive work.
Unlike traditional 50-minute session, intensives allow us to stay with the process long enough to create meaningful breakthroughs without the "stop and start" rhythm of weekly therapy.
Ever had an ah-hah moment at the end of the session but then had to stop because time was up? What if you were able to keep going in that moment.
Or struggle with being completely present for the therapy hour because you have some place to run to afterwards? This is a space to dive into yourself and your needs without the whiplash of jumping to the next thing.
They are especially helpful if you:
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Feel stuck in a specific relational pattern
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Are navigating a rupture or transition
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Want accelerated movement
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Prefer immersive, concentrated work
Custom scheduling and pricing are available upon inquiry.
Logistics
Where are sessions held?
Sessions are offered virtually for clients located in California and Texas.
What is your cancellation policy?
A minimum of 24 hours notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments are charged the full self-pay session fee.
Consistent attendance supports the structure and momentum necessary for deeper relational work.
Is this the right time to start therapy?
Therapy is most impactful when you are ready to engage honestly and actively in the process.
This work requires reflection, accountability, and a willingness to explore patterns beneath the surface. If you're ready for intentional growth- even if it feels uncomfortable at times- this may be a good fit.
What's your experience providing therapy?
I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (California and Texas) with extensive training in trauma-informed and attachment-focused therapy. Over the past 15+ years, I've specialized in helping people navigate:
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Attachment and relational patterns
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Romantic and peer relationships
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Trauma, grief, and anxiety
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Life transitions and goal planning
I'm a Certified EMDR therapist and trained in Gottman Method, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and structural Family Therapy which allows me to tailor therapy to your needs- helping you move beyond insight into lasting change.
Can I follow you on social media?
Absolutely! I will not follow you back but you're welcome to check out my business accounts. You can find me on Instagram under @act_with_marcelle. Keep in mind that my social media content is not a replacement for therapy services and more for entertainment. I do not communicate with clients or provide therapy services through social media.
Clinical Consultation
Where can I find more information on EMDR Consultation and Clinical Consultation for clinicians?
I provide clinical consultation and EMDR support for therapists seeking guidance in culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and attachment-focused work. Whether you're new to EMDR, looking to deepen your practice, or navigating complex cases, I offer individualized and group consultation to help you feel confident and competent in your work.
My consultation services include:
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Case consultation for EMDR and trauma-focused therapy
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Guidance on integrating attachment-based approaches
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Support with complex relational or developmental cases
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Strategies to enhance clinical effectiveness and client outcomes
I work with therapists who want:
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Practical guidance and support in applying EMDR safely and effectively
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A culturally responsive perspective for working with BIPOC clients
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Structured feedback on challenging cases or professional growth
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A space to explore, reflect, and challenge themselves to improve their confidence
Consultation can be scheduled on a one-time or ongoing basis, tailored to your learning goals and clinical needs.
If you're a clinician ready to expand your trauma-informed toolkit and deepen your understanding of EMDR and relational therapy, reach out to learn more.
Check out my consultation information here including why this work is important to me.