Westside Counseling Center
Susan Zinn, Founder
I am a licensed psychotherapist in California and New York specializing in heart-focused psychotherapy for adolescents and adults. I provide individual, family, and group psychotherapy for people looking to develop the tools and resources needed to make lasting positive changes in their lives.
Whether you are seeking psychotherapy to overcome an eating disorder, wanting to learn life-changing skills to improve your relationships, or needing support to help your teen through a life transition with more ease, healing and growth is possible here.
As a psychotherapist, I am committed to empowering people to build the internal strengths needed to explore the challenging emotions and experiences that have blocked them from living the life they desire. As humans, we are wired to heal and regardless of our genetics or life's challenges, there is no limit to the capacity of the human body, heart, mind, and spirit to positively transform. I look forward to supporting you to realize your fullest potential.
I welcome adolescents, families, and adults seeking psychotherapy services for support with the following challenges:
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Life Transitions
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Relationship and Family Issues
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Divorce Coaching
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Psychological Trauma (Single Incident, Developmental, Complex, PTSD)
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Anxiety and Depression
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Disordered Eating and Body Image Issues
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Sexual Trauma and Sexuality
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Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
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Self-Identity Formation and Young Adult Individualization
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Academic, Sports, and Professional Performance
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Pregnancy and Postnatal Mood Changes
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Parenting
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Addiction and Recovery
I encourage you to spend time on my website learning about my practice and the various services I provide to see if I am the right therapist for you.
How Therapy Works
Psychotherapy and personal development are an investment of your time, resources, and energy. It has been my experience that the more informed you are about the process of therapy, the more benefit you will receive from the therapeutic experience.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions that are not provided in this guide.
What to expect
All initial sessions are treated as a consultation to determine therapeutic compatibility. We will discuss what brings you to psychotherapy and I will provide an honest assessment as to whether I can help you achieve your therapeutic goals. We will also discuss your important background information to provide context for the reasons why you are seeking psychotherapy and you will also have the opportunity to ask me questions. Subsequent sessions will be 50 minutes in length.
Duration of psychotherapy
The overall duration of treatment can be mutually decided upon and should be based upon the objectives, needs, and goals of each client seeking psychotherapy treatment. Some clients prefer short-term therapy while others prefer a long-term approach. Feel free to discuss your preferences.
Approach to psychotherapy
I approach psychotherapy holistically by integrating heart-fcoused, psychodynamic, somatic, and behavioral modalities tailored to each client's therapeutic needs. While Psychodynamic Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and Attachment Theory guide my theoretical orientation, I am also skilled in using evidence-based behavioral interventions such as Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am experienced in various mind, body and heart interventions such as HeartMath, Sensory Experiencing Psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness and meditation awareness practices. My goal in using these interventions is to help target and alleviate activating symptoms, increase healthy coping skills, improve self-regulation and self-care, and treat traumatic memories to get people out of their heads and more into their hearts.
I realize a multidiscipline approach may be best to support some people's therapeutic needs. In this pursuit, I collaborate with a trusted team of physicians, dietitians, psychiatrists, mindfulness and body practitioners to provide individuals with every opportunity to improve their quality of life.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding any one of these modalities or for additional information about treatment.
Cost of sessions
While therapy is costly, it is also an investment in yourself. All fees will be discussed by phone prior to booking your initial appointment and sliding scale rates for individuals experiencing financial difficulties may be available. Payment of cash, check, or credit cards are accepted and due at the end of each scheduled session.
Insurance
I understand that one of the main obstacles in receiving professional support can often be financial and I will do what I can to ensure you are able to receive the help you need. At this time, I do not accept private insurance and I am considered an out-of-network provider. However, dependent upon your insurance plan, I am able to provide you with a superbill at the end of each month that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
If you choose to utilize your insurance, I encourage you to contact your insurance provider prior to our first session to determine your reimbursement rates by asking the following questions:
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Do I have mental health coverage?
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What percentage of my bill will be covered for services obtained by an out-of-network provider?
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How many sessions will be covered per calendar year?
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What is my deductible and has it been met?
*Please note that insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis in order to qualify for reimbursement.
California Victim Compensation Program
If you are seeking therapy as a result of having been the victim of a crime, I may be able to support you under the California Victim Compensation Program. Please go to victim.ca.gov for more information.
Cancellation policy
All appointments require at least 48-hour notice of cancellation to avoid a charge for the full amount. Appointments for Monday should be cancelled by Friday afternoon.
Privacy
It is of the highest importance that all information about you be kept confidential and this office adheres strictly to all HIPPA standards.
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency (a situation that requires immediate attention due to concern for harm to self or others) call 911 or proceed to your nearest hospital emergency room.
Disclaimer
All material provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or mental health provider. Direct consultation of a qualified provider should be sought for any specific questions or problems. Use of this website in no way constitutes professional service or advice.