How does therapy work?
Reaching out for help the first time can be nerve wracking.
Let us try to reduce worries by answering the following common questions.
How do I get started?
Are you uncertain if we may be the right fit? Read our clinician's profiles and then reach out to us by email or phone and ask us questions so that you can determine if our practice and clinicians will be a good fit. You can also schedule a call with our coordinator to ask your questions. Once you are ready, we will schedule an initial appointment, gather payment/insurance information, and invite you to our Client Portal to complete our intake paperwork. You will also receive a Welcome email that will confirm your appointment, provide our office address/teletherapy session information, and if you are using your insurance we will provide a quote of your insurance benefits.
What happens in the first session?
We will review your intake paperwork and sign any additional forms. The remainder of the time will be focused on learning about you and what is bringing you to therapy. We may ask clarifying questions. Sometimes it takes more than one session to understand the full scope of your needs. By the end of the evaluation, your clinician will be able to offer you some impressions of what your work will include and you both will decide if he/she is the best person to provide the services you need in order to meet your treatment goals. If you have questions, discuss them whenever they arise with your clinician.
For more information, check out our Blog Post: What to Know about Starting Therapy
What is a therapeutic relationship?
It is the relationship or therapeutic alliance and connection between you and your therapist. This relationship is built on trust, respect, non-judgement, caring, and collaboration. The relationship between you and your therapist creates a safe place where you feel comfortable and supported to work and address the concerns that brought you to therapy. We strongly believe that you should feel comfortable with your clinician. We view therapy as a collaborative relationship, wherein you provide the problems or areas of concern that you would like to address and your clinician will use their expertise to assist you in making changes.
How does therapy help?
After the establishment of a therapeutic relationship and development of collaborative treatment goals, therapy only works with your active participation. The more you are willing to share openly, explore non-judgmentally, and develop insight; the more you will gain from your appointments. An important part of your therapy will be practicing new skills that you will learn in our sessions. Your clinician may ask you to practice outside your sessions and will work with you to set up homework assignments. You will probably have to work on relationships in your life and make long-term efforts to get the best results. These are important parts of personal change.
What do I do?
Psychotherapy and counseling is not like visiting a medical doctor. Participation in therapy requires you and your best efforts. It's important to be open and honest with your therapist. They are there to support you and provide a safe space for you to share your thoughts and feelings. For example, sharing with your clinician important experiences, what they mean to you, and what strong feelings are involved is essential. This is one of the ways you are an active partner in therapy. Additionally, Consistency is key in therapy. Attending your sessions regularly can help you stay on track and make progress towards your goals.
How long does therapy take?
Therapy is an individualized experience. Change will sometimes be easy and quick, but more often it will be slow and frustrating, and you will need to keep trying. There are no instant, painless cures, and no “magic pills.” However, you can learn new ways of looking at your problems that will be very helpful for changing your feelings and reactions. The length of therapy can vary depending on your individual needs and goals. Some people find that just a few sessions are enough to make significant progress, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. Your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
What if I don't like my therapist?
Therapy is a very personal experience, and it's important that you feel comfortable and connected with your therapist. If for any reason you don't feel like your therapist is a good fit, it's okay to talk to them about it and consider finding a new therapist who better meets your needs. Our client care coordinator can assist in matching you with a new therapist.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on your insurance coverage. We accept a variety of insurance plans and offer affordable self-pay rates for those without insurance. We also offer a reduced rate for those who qualify. To learn more about payment options: Rates and Insurance