Frequently Asked Questions
How DOES individual therapy work?
There are many ways to look at the therapeutic process and it will look a little different for each individual. Logistically speaking, if we decide to work together— we will have an intake session, in which we discuss your history, background, culture, etc. to gather the foundational aspects of your story. From there we will spend a few sessions simply getting to know each other well and creating a safe space for sharing. I want to learn what makes you tick and what gives you the ick. What tears you down, what fills you up, and everything in between. From there we can really start digging into the issue(s) or goal(s) that brought you to therapy. We will collaborate on a therapeutic route based on your specific needs that may include activities such as processing emotional memories, identifying & breaking patterns, learning & implementing new coping strategies, identifying personal values, to name a few.
Does talk therapy REALLY work?
I personally believe that anyone open to the therapeutic process (or able to learn to open up within the process) can benefit from genuine human connection and increasing self-understanding. Engaging with a trained helping professional that can be present with you, hold up a mirror for you, accept you, challenge you, support you, and celebrate you can be a potent route to healing and self-actualization. It isn’t all fuzzy and fun (though much of it can be!) It can also be uncomfortably confronting at times. Some level of resistance is normal because growth is often painful at first. But most folks that have been through it agree it is a worthwhile investment! But you don’t have to take my word for it because there is plenty of science and well-established studies that have found, in the most basic sense— talking it out with guidance…CAN help. *All that being said, high acuity mental health issues often require a higher level of care than psychotherapy alone* in which appropriate referrals can be given.
How long does Therapy take?
This all really depends on the person, the issue(s), the goal(s), and modalities used. It could take 5-10 sessions or 10 months, or more or less. What I can tell you is— after a couple sessions, together we will form a therapeutic plan and will have a better idea of duration. We evaluate and re-evaluate as we go to make sure we’re on track and you are getting what you need from the experience. Some clients start out weekly and then drop to monthly or go per diem for maintenance/accountability. Bottom line— it’s your experience to design as we go.
Do you take insurance?
I am unable to take insurance at this time, but am taking steps to do so in the future. For this reason, I offer lower than average rates at $80-$90 per session and am willing to discuss further discounts with those experiencing financial hardship. It’s tough out there and the average cost of an individual therapy session in Austin, TX ranges from $100-$300. So please let me know if you need additional assistance finding accessible mental healthcare. I can also provide superbills to clients seeking reimbursement from their health insurance provider.
What the heck is “mindfulness”?
If we decide to work together, I will eventually ask you how you’ve come to define “mindfulness” for yourself. For me, Mindfulness is a concept and a practice. A way of being in which we focus our attention on the present moment with curiosity and openness. When we show up this way over and over it increases self awareness, reduces internal noise, and brings more intentionality to our actions as opposed to blind reactivity. Essentially, it can help us ride the waves of our lives with more ease and peace of mind.
What is Walk & Talk Therapy?
Welp, this is much like it sounds! It is a form of psychotherapy that takes place outdoors, usually in a park or quiet neighborhood rather than in an office setting. It blends the benefits of movement and nature with the therapeutic process which many clients find to be more productive and dynamic than traditional psychotherapy. Being outside in open air can provide a calming effect, walking side by side can reduce intensity of eye contact, and gentle steady movement can regulate the nervous system. This is a great option for established clients that maybe dealing with anxiety, depression, recovery, grief, or life transitions. Confidentiality remains a top priority, so if this becomes of interest to you we can further discuss strategies for maintaining your privacy and comfort.
What are your credentials?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate # 99378 and have a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling. I am authorized to work as a counselor/therapist under Associate Licensure issued by the Texas Behavioral Executive Council. You can verify my credentials here > https://bhec.texas.gov/verify-a-license/ . I encourage you to verify credentials of any clinical and medical professionals you may consider receiving services from now and in the future.