Questions & ANswers
What is The Professional Friend?
My role as The Professional Friend is a mental health warrior and advocate. I share and normalize mental health while promoting sex-positive education and culture.
I'm an empathic life consultant who is knowledgeable and easy to talk to about topics relating to being human. I'm a support person, a listener, and a resourceful sounding board.
What is a life consultation? What do we talk about?
The definition of a consultation is a meeting with a professional for purposes of gaining information or the process of discussing. In a life consultation, you can talk to me about anything and I can provide feedback based on my experience, knowledge, and expertise. Topic examples: social skills, sexual expression, empowerment, resume assistance, dating advice, encouragement to find a licensed therapist, boosting productivity, etc.
You can book a one-hour consultation with me to discuss a topic and not worry about committing to more appointments. You can talk and I can listen; just as a good friend would.
NOTE: the services being provided do not constitute behavioral health treatment, counseling, or the practice of psychotherapy. A referral will be offered if these services are needed or requested.
Is a consultation like a therapy session?
No! In a therapy session, a licensed mental health professional helps the client explore and process emotions, thoughts, and behaviors often relating to childhood experiences, traumatic events, etc. A therapist is licensed to diagnose and treat people with severe mental health issues. If this is what you seek, I encourage you to find a licensed mental health professional. Click here to be redirected to local resources.
Are you a Therapist? Counselor? Life coach?
No. Although I have a Master's degree in Counseling, I am NOT a licensed mental health professional and I do NOT provide therapy, diagnose, or treat mental health disorders.
Although similar, Life coaching differs from consulting. A life coach can help you achieve a set of goals and work towards them as a guide. A life consultant provides advice or information from their knowledge, expertise, background.
What are your qualifications?
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Sexuality from California State University Northridge. I have a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University Long Beach. I was a Sex Education Intern with the Center for Positive Sexuality and an Ambassador for the American Sexual Health Association. To learn more about me, click here. Read client testimonials here.
Do you have an office location for in-person consultations?
I currently do not have an office. I am available for consultations via phone, text, and video chat.
What is the fee for a consultation?
I charge an hourly fee that we agree upon during the free 15 min phone consultation where I can answer any and all questions you may have.
Are you available 24/7 like a crisis hotline?
No, my contact information is not a suicide or crisis hotline. Click here for 24/7 crisis hotlines. My phone and email are used for scheduling purposes unless we have a scheduled consultation via phone/text. For contact hours, click here.
Who can use your consultation services?
Anyone 18+ can use my consultation services. I work with people of all ethnicities, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or religion. If you could use a friend, you can use my consultation services!
NOTE: To any past, present, or future therapy clients that I treated as a supervised Registerested AMFT, I cannot provide consultation as The Professional Friend or respond to your comments/messages. Consequently, any person seeking consultation with me as The Professional Friend cannot be provided therapy by me as a supervised Registered AMFT.
Still have questions? Don't be shy!
Check out my interview with Starter Story for more details on how
I started The Professional Friend!
