Skip to content

How long does therapy take?

Human science is not exact. The length of therapy is relative to the severity of the disorder. How complicated and problematic is it? Are the stressors ongoing? What strengths do you bring to therapy? What areas need to be strengthened? Habits take time to change and self-exploration is a process. Together we decide when you have reached satisfactory improvement.

When and why does therapy work?

Dr. Pedalino believes that it is the therapeutic relationship that heals and promotes growth. Therapy is a team effort. She identifies the client as the captain of the team and she is among the players. Sportsmanship requires honesty, commitment and integrity. And like all sports, winning requires effort, determination, and skill.

How frequent are sessions?

Therapy involves skill building and retraining your brain; therefore, weekly sessions are preferable, sometimes more or less often, depending on the presenting issues.  For children, a minimum of weekly sessions is fundamental for their successful adjustment along with regular parent meetings.

FAQ Top of Page

Why do parents seek help for parenting? 

When parents seek help for parenting, they often report having tried it all. Dr. Pedalino wonders, however, if parents truly believed there was no more to try, why then would they schedule an appointment? This suggests an opening to learning more effective parenting strategies—that it is not just the child’s problem. Dr. Pedalino draws upon a wealth of parenting resources and helps coach parents in more successful ways to interact with their children.

How does play therapy work?

Barbara-Pedalino-Palm-Desert-Play-Therapy-OfficeTherapy for children is different than adults. Words can sometimes actually interfere with true feelings being expressed. Play is the natural language for children. There are times when the true cause of problems may never be known, yet calmness and confidence take over when whatever the issue was becomes resolved. It is almost magical.

How is payment handled?

Dr. Pedalino is a provider for Medicare and Insurance for Agua Caliente. PPO claims are submitted to your insurance company on your behalf. 

Dr. Pedalino also accepts check, cash and credit cards. Payment is expected at the beginning of each session.

jon-livingston-seagull-quote

Barbara Pedalino PsyD | Licensed Clinical Psychologist #27163

Phone: 760-702-0878

Fax: 760-770-4445

Email: drbarb@drbarbpsychologist.com