Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact you?

How long are sessions with you?

Sessions are typically 50 minutes.

Do you offer remote sessions?

Yes.  My office is located in Los Angeles, but I work with clients all over California and California residents in other states and countries who have relocated temporarily.

What kinds of COVID safety measures do you take for in person sessions?

My office is well ventilated with large windows, and I use a large air filter that filters out viruses. There is normally 8 feet of distance between us during sessions.  If this isn’t possible I offer masks. You may wear a mask during your session and if you prefer that I wear a mask then please let me know.  I have been triple vaccinated, and compliant with all CDC guidelines.  If I am even slightly feeling unwell I will alert you and we can meet remotely for that day.  I encourage you to do the same.

What is an MFT?

An MFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, requiring an Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, or Clinical Psychology from an accredited university, 3000 intern hours of supervised work experience, and the successful passing of two rigorous licensing exams. MFT’s are not limited to working only with marriages and families. They are licensed psychotherapists who work with individuals, couples, groups, and families using a variety of therapeutic techniques.

Do you take insurance?

I am not on any insurance panels and do not accept insurance, however, if you have a PPO plan that reimburses for out of network psychotherapy, I can give you an invoice (called a “superbill”) that you can submit to your insurance and they will reimburse you for part of my fee directly. If you would like the entire cost of therapy to be covered by insurance, contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers. You will be able to have a limited number of sessions with a licensed psychotherapist.

What other languages do you speak?

I am fluent in Farsi.

What is your fee?

The initial consultation session is $50, and is 50 minutes. This is the first session where you and I meet, and decide whether or not we feel good about moving forward into a working relationship.

My full customary fee for sessions after that is 225.00 per session.

Jennifer Cornett’s fee is 165.00 per session.

How does psychotherapy work for anxiety specifically?

It really depends on the problem. For ANXIETY DISORDERS specifically, I use a mixture of Exposure and Response Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. I like to target anxiety by talking about where it comes from (the root of the issue), what it looks like for you now (the behaviors and thoughts attached to it) and what practical, in the moment techniques to practice. I believe in naturally building resilience to anxiety provoking situations so that you can have your life and freedom back again.

Anxiety Disorders typically respond best to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy used together with Exposure and Response Prevention.  I also will weave EMDR into anxiety treatment.  Years of practice have brought me to conclude that using a combination of these modalities produces the best results, particularly when Anxiety Disorders and PTSD occur at the same time.

How Does PTSD treatment work?

PTSD and Complex PTSD require specialized treatment.  I use the following methods:

EMDR:  EMDR is an effective and efficient treatment for trauma.  For single incident traumas like accidents or disasters it works quickly to relieve the “gut punch effect” that memories often have.  For more complex trauma that involves prolonged traumas like childhood abuse it is weaved into sessions strategically.  EMDR works to make trauma memories less painful and decreases the confusion and paralysis associated with the memory.

Somatic Experiencing:  Similar to EMDR, Somatic Experiencing focuses on body sensations associated with memories.  Trauma is trapped in the nervous system, and by following sensations associated with it we can process the trauma so that it does not take over the nervous system.

Parts Work:  This kind of work was originally used to help individuals with DID but it is now widely known as IFS (Internal Family Systems).  Parts work allows us to access our different parts that help us navigate the world.  It helps us to communicate with our parts more effectively and compassionately.

Trauma Focused CBT:  When we look back at our lives with our adult eyes, we can make new meanings out of what has happened to us.  We can begin to makes sense of our traumas the way we could not as children.  This is the main goal of TFCBT.

What other kinds of problems do you work with?

I am skilled in the treatment of disorders resulting from relationship issues, life transitions, trauma, or abuse. These include Depression, grief/loss, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, Phobias, OCD, problems with intimacy, problems maintaining relationships, problems with boundaries, and vocational dilemmas. I am well versed in the issues of the gender variant and LGBT community. I have a particular interest in anxiety and PTSD. I am also bi-cultural, and am interested in the treatment of individuals who are bi-cultural, or are going through issues of assimilating to a new country.

I have worked with couples of diverse backgrounds, sexualities, and lifestyles. I work to resolve problems that arise from parenting, career differences, lack of commonalities, partner drug/alcohol abuse, difficult relationship with in-laws, special issues of gay and lesbian relationships, navigating polyamory, and open relationships.

What are your qualifications?

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20 years of experience in the behavioral field. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UCLA, and my Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology. I have published several articles on various online resources for anxiety treatment, psychotherapy and other mental health issues. I regularly hone my therapeutic skills by keeping up to date with the latest research, therapeutic styles, and theories. I attend trainings and workshops regularly for continuing education. I have worked in a variety of settings treating adults, children, couples, families, and groups. I have been both part 1 and 2 trained in EMDR through the EMDR Institute, an EMDRIA approved institution.

Where are you located?

My office in Westwood minutes away from UCLA.  It provides a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.  It is 2 minutes to the 405 freeway so easily accessible from various parts of LA including Santa Monica, West LA,  Culver City, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, and The valley.

What methods of payment do you take?

You are welcomed to pay with Venmo, Zelle, cash, check, and all major credit cards.

What if I just can’t afford therapy and don’t have insurance?

There are a number of low fee/sliding scale clinics in the area, and I will be more than happy to refer you. Your therapist, at these clinics, will most likely be an intern working under the supervision of a licensed therapist. Here Are a few nearby facilities that provide low fee therapy by interns:

Additional Resources

For low fee psychiatric and medication services try this website:  NeedyMeds