faqs

What should I expect during the first session?

When you arrive for your appointment you will  “Check In” on the white kiosk in the waiting room and have a seat. Your therapist will be notified of your arrival and will come out to meet you at your scheduled appointment time.

Your first session with one of our therapists will be different from future visits. This initial intake is a time for you and your therapist to get to know each other, discuss your background and concerns, get to know one another better, and develop an idea for how to proceed. Your future visits will be more therapeutic in nature, focusing more on your goals that we define together.

How much does it cost to come to therapy?

There are several factors that come into play when determining the cost of therapy. These include your insurance coverage, the specific therapist you are working with, and what services you are receiving. We are in-network with most major insurance plans, and for those who do not have insurance coverage, you are able to self-pay for services. If you have more questions regarding the specifics of billing or costs, please call our office.

Is it worth the cost?

Therapy is an investment in yourself, assisting you in breaking self-sabotaging patterns, practicing new and effective thoughts and behaviors. This ability to think and behave more effectively can profoundly and positively impact your future relationships, your career, your health, and even your finances. We understand that for those without insurance coverage, therapy can be a financial commitment. If you are worried about the costs of therapy, or want to further discuss the benefits of counseling, we are here to discuss that with you.

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?

Finding a therapist that you are comfortable with is a very personal decision. Therapy is only as effective as the relationship between the therapist and client. For this reason, it is important to become familiar with your potential therapist’s education, experience, and areas of expertise. We have this information available for all of our counselors on our website. During your initial visit, you will meet your therapist face-to-face which allows you time to ask important questions and learn more about your provider.

How long is a therapy session?

Therapy sessions are generally between 45 to 60 minutes in length. If you are attending Intensive Therapy Sessions or a Retreat, these times will vary.

How long does therapy last? How will I know when I’m done?

How long you are in therapy varies for everyone, so it is hard to pinpoint the length of time you will be with us. For some, several sessions after an acute incident is enough. For others that are looking to change deeply rooted patterns and belief systems, or process through complex trauma, the process may take longer. During your first session with your therapist, we will discuss your length of treatment, and we will revisit this along your journey.

I don’t want to just talk about how I’m feeling; I actually want things to change in my life.

We understand your concern, and we want to let you know that a common misconception of therapy is that it is just talking about the past. While we will create a safe space for you to open up about your past and feelings that surface through this discussion, we will be actively working towards changes in the present and also your future.

If I go to therapy there must be something wrong with me; I should be able to handle this/figure it out on my own, right?

Making the decision to seek out therapy is not a sign of weakness. We believe it is the opposite. Understanding that you may need additional help from a professional when there is a challenge you need help with is a wise act of self-care. If you had a broken bone, you would reach out to a doctor to help in resetting it, right? When it comes to your mental and emotional health it is no different. Reaching out for professional support is a strong and conscious option when we are faced with challenges.

Is what I share confidential?

Absolutely! Everything that you share with us in sessions is completely confidential with the exception of:

1. Any immediate threats of harm to self or others (it’s for your safety and the safety of other)
2. Suspicion of child or dependent elder abuse (as mental health professionals, we are unable to ignore abuse)
3. Court subpoenas (it’s the law)

During your initial intake session, we will discuss all of this and our other office policies, allowing you time to ask any questions you may have.

Can you give me any medicine?

No, counselors are unable to prescribe medications. After evaluating your situation, we will decide if you need to speak to a psychiatrist who is a doctor who is able to prescribe medications. Many of our clients find medications useful to their mental health, however, many of them also progress well in therapy without the assistance of medication.

Why should I go to a trauma specialist rather than a general therapist? 

Trauma therapists are trained to recognize and understand the specific effects that trauma has on the brain and its function, the way it manifests through the symptoms of trauma, and the rationale for using specific interventions to deal with those symptoms.

For people who have undergone abuse as a child, trauma theory also shows how abuse and the circumstances around it interact with child development to create particular, problematic styles of handling life’s challenges. Trauma therapy is a focused and usually effective approach to reversing the many effects of trauma, (such as the intrusive symptoms of PTSD, addictive behaviors, a damaged ability to trust, and to enjoy intimacy, etc).

If you have any additional questions that we were unable to answer here, please feel free to contact us!