How do I know if Lisa Chen & Associates is the right fit for me?

We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. It's a chance to get to know us, understand our approach, and see if we align with your needs. The purpose of an initial consultation is to determine if you are a good fit for working together. You can expect a 15–20 minute conversation where you will have the opportunity to share your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of the therapist's approach and personality.

Our fees range from $180 to $350 per 50-minute session based on the clinician's experience, specialized training, and services provided. Lisa Chen's fees are $350 per 50-minute session for both individual and couples counseling. Licensed Client Session fees are $200 for individual and $225 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. Associate Clinician fees are $180 for individual and $200 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. We also reserve spots for clients requesting a sliding-scale rate to accommodate financial needs.

Do you accept insurance?

Lisa Chen & Associates are out-of-network providers. We provide monthly insurance statements ('Superbills') for you to seek partial reimbursement from your insurance company according to your policy. For questions about your out-of-network benefits, please contact your insurance carrier before scheduling.

What is your cancellation policy?

Weekly clients are allowed 3 free cancellations every 6 months, and bi-weekly clients are allowed 2 free cancellations every 6 months, beginning from the date of your first session. You will be responsible for payment for your normally scheduled session time for all cancelled appointments beyond this. Please provide at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. You may always choose to reschedule and/or take sessions virtually to accommodate occasional scheduling conflicts.

How often should I expect to meet?

We recommend weekly therapy sessions for optimal progress. However, there are times when clients prefer to meet twice a week for more complex challenges. During your initial phone consultation, let us know if you are interested in more frequent sessions.

Are you offering in-person sessions?

Yes, we are seeing clients in our South Bay office located at 2615 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 326, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. We also offer telehealth sessions for California residents.

How do I get started with counseling?

The first step is to schedule an initial consultation by calling our office or submitting the contact form on our website. This allows us to understand your needs and match you with the best therapist for your situation. From there, we'll work with you to schedule ongoing sessions.

The Power of EMDR Therapy: How It Can Boost Your Motivation

Jan 30

Written By Lisa Chen

How EMDR is Beneficial

EMDR therapy has gained recognition as an effective treatment for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma. But did you know that EMDR can also help improve motivation? Research has shown that EMDR therapy can help individuals with low motivation, increasing their drive to reach their goals.

One of the main ways EMDR works is by helping individuals process and heal from past traumatic experiences that might be affecting their motivation and overall well-being. By working through these traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy can help individuals develop a more positive outlook on life, increase self-esteem, and reduce negative self-talk. All of these benefits can result in increased motivation and drive.

Another way EMDR therapy can improve motivation is by helping individuals identify their values and goals. By exploring their beliefs and desires, individuals can find a deeper sense of purpose, which can motivate them to take action. This can also help reduce anxiety and depression, as individuals become more focused on what they want to achieve.

Overall, EMDR therapy is a powerful tool for individuals looking to increase their motivation and improve their well-being. If you're struggling with low motivation or feeling stuck in your life, EMDR therapy may be the solution you've been looking for. With its focus on processing traumatic experiences and helping individuals identify their values and goals, EMDR therapy can help you boost your motivation and reach your full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is EMDR for motivation different from EMDR for classic trauma symptoms like flashbacks?
The processing mechanism is the same, but the target is different. Instead of focusing on a specific traumatic memory, we're often working with beliefs like "I'm not capable" or "It's not safe to want things," tracing them back to the experiences that planted them.

How many sessions does it typically take before someone notices a shift in motivation?
This varies, but many clients notice a shift in outlook within a handful of sessions, especially once we've identified the core belief that's been quietly running the show. Sustained changes in drive and follow-through tend to build over a longer stretch as new patterns take hold.

Is EMDR a good fit for someone who isn't sure they have unresolved trauma, just chronic low motivation?
Yes, that's actually a common starting point. Low motivation often has roots in past experiences even when nothing feels like capital-T trauma, and EMDR can help uncover that without requiring you to identify a specific event first.

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Lisa Chen https://www.lisachentherapy.com

The Power of EMDR Therapy: How It Can Boost Your Motivation

EMDR Therapy for PTSD: A Proven Treatment for Trauma Recovery