FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m nervous about starting therapy, is that normal?
Therapy can be vulnerable and new. It can be really scary and frightening to share your story and the emotions that present with this. That fear can be overwhelming and make you question whether therapy is right for you.
We acknowledge that part and welcome it to therapy. It takes courage and bravery to continue to lean into therapy to guide you to a sense of healing. Therapy is a space where you get to be yourself and take as much space as you need to feel heard and understood. We are here to hold the space for you in whatever way you choose. Without expectations to ensure your greatest comfort throughout your time in therapy.
What if I don’t want to talk about something?
It’s completely normal and ok for things to feel overwhelming or even frightening to talk about. You get the choice of how much and when to share during sessions. You’ll never be alone as you set these boundaries and we want you to feel completely comfortable setting your limitations.
We will collaborate with you on when you feel ready to open up. We will ask permission before asking questions, giving you the opportunity to say no or disclose that you are nervous. Whatever shows up for you, however you show up and whatever is present for you, we will explore that together.
Together, we will overcome any difficulties and work on the tough stuff when you are ready. It also may be helpful to think of your first few sessions as a casual conversation about what has been occurring in your life and how your body is reacting to it.
How do I know if my therapist is the right fit for me?
Take your time to read through our website. If you get a sense that a therapist may be a good fit on how the words resonate with you, then give us a call.
If you choose to have a free video or phone consultation, you can ask one of our therapists how they have helped other people like you or specific questions regarding your symptoms to really get an understanding of how they may understand you and your needs. You’ll be able to tell me what’s up and we can decide together how we can help. During your first few sessions, you will be able to take the time to really get to know how we work as therapists and if our approach is right for you. Our approach may not work for everyone. What’s most important in finding the best fit for you. We can explore that together.
I’m scared that if I open up, you may think I’m crazy
This makes you human, and a courageous one at that. This perceived judgment of being “crazy” is one we commonly hear. We are here to tell you that what you perceive as crazy, may be some of the most beautiful parts of you.
We promise you, you are not alone. Through our own experiences working with clients and our own life journeys, we understand that statement of feeling “crazy.” You’re not “too sensitive, too much or too dramatic.” Nothing you say will cause us to judge you or be unable to work with you. We know you may feel overwhelmed and exhausted from managing the ups and downs you experience throughout your day. We know the feeling of defeat when you can no longer hold it together and resort to isolating, numbing or exploding. We truly know each part of you has the best intention and are excited to get to know these parts.
Does what we talk about remain confidential?
We know that your privacy is of utmost importance to you. You are as safe as you can be here. You can feel secure in knowing that what you have to say is confidential unless you say you or someone else is in immediate danger. Your privacy and your safety is so important to use. If you have questions regarding confidentiality and its limitations, do not hesitate to ask and we will thoroughly explain these limitations to you.
How long will therapy take?
You may be struggling and want fast relief from your symptoms. We hear you. We want you to know that therapy is an individualized process and some clients may find relief in a few sessions and some may take up to a year or longer.
Most clients will find some relief within the first few sessions that they can use as momentum to feeling more calm and at ease with themselves. We can discuss your goals and timeframes within our first few sessions and choose the modality that will best fit you. We have found that a combination of EMDR and parts work may provide faster relief in symptoms.
What can I expect during my first session?
It may be easiest to think of your first session as a casual, structured conversation about you and your therapist where you can really get to know each other. This will be your space to share as much or as little about yourself as you choose. If you are choosing to utilize insurance, your therapist will need to complete a diagnosis assessment during your first session as this is required of insurance companies to pay for services. Know that while this is needed, your therapist will do their best to make this as comfortable for you as possible.
Some questions your therapist may ask are:
- What brought you to therapy?
- What is most important for me to understand about you?
- What is your overall goal for therapy?
During your first session, you can expect your therapist to ask about any traumas you may have experienced in your life and self-harm or suicide attempts. We will always ask permission before asking these questions and want you to know that you can say no during this time. When and how you disclose your experiences is your choice! As therapists, our goal is to create the space for you and respect your choice to say no.