Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy is a great opportunity when your symptoms of anxiety and depression are negatively impacting other areas of your life such as work, school, health, and relationships. If the things that usually help haven’t been working, it’s a great time to try therapy. It’s also important that you have the time to commit. I encourage those new to therapy to start with weekly or biweekly (every other week) sessions for the first three months. This ensures that you and the therapist can build a solid therapeutic relationship before tackling more difficult issues.
Why can’t I know my therapist?
Although your therapist might feel like a friend, the therapeutic relationship is unique and requires certain ethical considerations. These ethics are set by the American Counseling Association (ACA). You will be discussing sensitive matter with your therapist. Your therapist is less likely to breech confidentiality if your therapeutic relationship remains anonymous. Also, an outside relationship with your therapist, even if it’s someone that you previously had a positive relationship with, will negatively impact the quality of care. The therapist will not be able to remain objective and you will not receive the treatment that you deserve.
What should I expect?
Your first session is called an intake. I will ask you questions about yourself to get a sense of who you are, what you want, and what’s getting in the way of your goals. The intake feels a bit like an interview, but I work to build connection and warmth so that you don’t feel awkward or uncomfortable. At the beginning of the second session, I will discuss your treatment plan. This is a mutually agreed upon plan that states the problem, the goals, and what you and I will do to reach your goals. I start each session with a brief check-in to see how your week went and informally assess any changes to your mental health symptoms. Then we set the agenda and start the work!
Can I bring my coffee?
Yes! Bring your coffee, tea, green juice, whatever helps you feel comfortable. And you’re welcome to take off your shoes, sit crisscross, or fidget with a stress toy. This is your session.
How long will I be in therapy?
You and your therapist will decide that together. For short-term issues, such as coping with a recent yet minor loss or change, you might see your therapist for three to six months of treatment. If you are working through complex trauma, you might seek therapy services for longer. There is no magical number. However, I tell first time clients that once you’ve met your goals and/or struggle to find topics in therapy, it might mean that it’s time to stop treatment.
When will I start feeling better?
Therapy is not magical; it will not solve all of your problems. Sometimes, you will feel a little worse before feeling better. This is because you’ve most likely avoided talking about upsetting matters in order to cope with your emotions. However, if you are able to consistently attend weekly or biweekly sessions, and you are engaged in your treatment plan, you will start to see positive results within the first three months. If things aren’t going the way you hoped or you don’t feel like things are getting better, bring up your concerns with your therapist.
What are your fees? Do you accept insurance?
I currently accept most Aetna plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Cigna, Optum, and United Healthcare. My out-of-pocket fee starts at $130 per session. If I do not accept your insurance, contact your plan to inquire about your out-of-network benefits. I can provide a superbill at your request.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of what your services may cost.