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Common Questions

Below you’ll find a list of common questions about therapy and about my practice, Sound Psychotherapy. Feel free to use the quick links below or browse the page.

How will therapy help me?

Therapy is an opportunity to look at patterns of thinking and behavior that may contribute to everyday challenges. It is an opportunity to go in depth and identify unresolved challenges. A therapist can provide support with an unbiased, open, and curious mind. People from all walks of life attend therapy and have different motivations to do so. Some look to resolve childhood trauma, current struggles with addiction, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, communication difficulties, grief, self esteem issues, and life transitions to name a few. Some people come to therapy to move through creative blocks in order to enhance their everyday life. Therapy is a dynamic, engaging, and active process.

I usually go to friends, family, or spiritual advisors for advice or I like to solve my problems on my own. How will therapy be different?

Therapy is a very vulnerable space and it takes an immense amount of courage to show up. Therapists are trained to create a container for growth that happens within the individual. A deep connection can be formed between therapist and client to help gain self-awareness and develop a toolbox to face everyday challenges. Friends, family, or spiritual advisors may have a bias as to how they believe you should heal and move through challenges, whereas a therapist is trained to understand and allow you to move through your challenges.

I see the term “therapist” “counselor” and “clinician,” what is the difference?

A psychotherapist is one who has a master’s degree in social work, professional counseling, or marriage and family therapy, along with many supervised clinical hours and years of experience to obtain licensure (e.g. LCSW, LPC, LMFT). There are many crossovers with the work that these professionals do, with the difference coming down to the individual and what their theoretical orientation is. We all work under the same mental health umbrella.

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

You’ll get an idea if you feel comfortable and safe enough to reach out. I offer consultations so you can ask me questions that you may have not found an answer through on my website. A connection is important in this therapeutic relationship and connecting prior to scheduling a session can help you determine if I am the right person to be on this journey with. If I am, I will frequently ask for feedback as we partner together, to be sure I am meeting your needs, and continue to be the right therapist for you.

What can I expect during my first session?

While I look at the first session as an “intake,” to gather pertinent life span information, it is also an opportunity to discuss what you’re looking to gain out of therapy. Together, we can develop goals with measurable objectives. I also cover the “administrative stuff” such as practice policies and informed consent.

What if I don’t know what my goals are or what I want to accomplish in therapy?

You are not alone. With the support of a therapist, this can be explored in session. For most clients, goals change and morph as treatment continues, which is normal and expected.

How long do people stay in therapy?

It depends! Therapy can be short term and goal directed, or long term to unfold difficult patterns that have developed throughout your lifespan. There is no one-size-fits all as each individual is treated to tailor their needs. For the majority of clients, weekly sessions are the most powerful to create consistency and a path towards healing.

What we talk about remains between us right?

Confidentiality is an integral part of therapy. At the beginning of our time together, you will sign an “informed consent” which shares what can and cannot be shared during or after a session. Highly sensitive material is disclosed by clients, and therapists are bound by this confidentiality agreement unless written permission is granted by the client. Often, clients would like their therapists to collaborate with the medication providers, doctors, naturopaths, or for the younger population, school guidance counselors or social workers. This can only be done with the client’s permission.

State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

  • Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders require a report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
  • If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming themselves or has threatened to harm another person, emergency services will be called, along with enacting the duty to warn a person who has been named.
  • Insurance companies require protected personal information including diagnosis and treatment plan for every session.

Do you offer phone or telehealth sessions?

Yes. This also depends on your insurance provider. As of now, telehealth and audio/phone sessions are still being covered by insurance. Please contact your insurance provider for the most up to date information.

Can you prescribe medication?

As a licensed clinical social worker, medication management is not in my scope of licensing or practice. Psychotropic medication is prescribed by psychiatrists, medical doctors, or APRNs. While I am familiar with medications, I can not give advice or guidance in terms of prescribing. I am always open to collaborating and communicating with your medication provider if I have your consent. While medication can be beneficial, it has been proven that the long term solutions to mental health challenges, emotional challenges, and behavioral challenges, and the pain they cause cannot be treated by medication alone. Therapy is an avenue for sustainable growth and healing.

Do you take my insurance?

All insurance companies operate differently. If you want to utilize your insurance, and to find out if I am in network with your provider, you can contact your provider and ask the following questions:

  • Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
  • What is my deductible and has it been met?
  • How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?
  • Are telehealth sessions covered the same as in person sessions?

Even if you have insurance, you may have a “co-pay,” or an out of pocket cost if you have not met your deductible. High deductible insurance plans have HSA or FSA spending accounts where money has been contributed for medical expenses and come in the form of a credit card. I accept these cards as a form of payment and can provide a receipt for the account.

Why are you not paneled with all insurance companies?

When a therapist accepts payment from an insurance company, in return, they must submit a diagnosis and upon audit, provide ongoing documentation of your treatment, and reasons as to why treatment continues to be necessary. Your privacy and progress in treatment is important to me without the interference of insurance. Additionally, policy benefits can change constantly and without warning. By taking financial responsibility for your treatment, you are in full control of your services and do not have to worry about an abrupt ending in treatment due to complications with insurance.