Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
How do I make an appointment?
All appointments are made through the requested therapist or life coach.
What is the availability of our Counselors and Coaches?
Please contact individual therapist or life coach for availability.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes. Jodie offers telehealth sessions throughout the State of Texas and Tennessee. Mark offers telehealth sessions across the US. Kathryn offers telehealth sessions throughout the State of Texas.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Cancellations must be done at least 48 hours prior to scheduled session time to avoid a full session charge.
How long does therapy last?
Each client’s needs are considered individually. You can rest assured that we do not believe in keeping anyone in therapy longer than they need to be there. We work individually with each person to determine their specific needs for therapy.
What are the different types of therapy used?
We used multiple theories based on the specifics of each individual client and whether they are family, couple, child, adolescent, or adult. This is not an exhaustive list, but a few of them are:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) helps improve the mood, anxiety and behavior by examining confused or distorted patterns of thinking. CBT therapists teach clients that thoughts cause feelings and moods, which can influence behavior. During CBT, a client learns to identify harmful thought patterns. The therapist then helps the client replace this thinking with thoughts that result in more appropriate feelings and behaviors. Research shows that CBT can be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including abuse, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can be used to treat older adolescents and adults who have chronic suicidal feelings/thoughts, engage in intentionally self-harmful behaviors or have Borderline Personality Disorder. DBT emphasizes taking responsibility for one’s problems and helps the person examine how they deal with conflict and intense negative emotions.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
Group Therapy is a form of therapy where there are multiple clients and uses the power of group dynamics and peer interactions to increase understanding of social skills and other various topics. Each group is designed for a specific topic.
Do you offer parenting or couples classes?
Yes!!! We can also bring them to your church, school, community, or social group at any time. Please contact us for more information.
Is therapy and coaching confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communication between a client and the therapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
Information you and/or your child(ren) report about physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect of a minor or an elderly person. As mandated reporters, we are, in such circumstances, obligated by Texas State Law to report this information to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
You provide information that informs us that you are in danger of harming yourself of others.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
Some court related issues.
Abuse from another mental health professional
You sign a release to have specific information shared.
Information shared with your insurance company to process your claim
Is therapy a good choice for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. Many state it is the best and most rewarding thing they have done in their lives. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life, such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues, including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Do I really need therapy or can I handle it on my own?
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How is therapy going to help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values
Developing skills for improving your relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Improving communications and listening skills
Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What can I expect from therapy?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around 50 minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective, you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
Compassion, respect, and understanding
Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
Real strategies for enacting positive change
Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Insurance
Do You Accept Flexible or Health Care Spending Accounts?
Yes, absolutely we are happy to accept these type of accounts.
Do You Accept Insurance?
We are considered an out of network provider. Please contact your insurance provider to determine what your actual cost of counseling would be. We will provide you with a detailed statement in order for you to file for reimbursement with your insurance carrier, however we can not make a guarantee.
Do Insurance Companies Require a Diagnosis?
This is often a concern for clients, a diagnosis will have to be given in order for you to be reimbursed under insurance.
Do You Provide Superbills for Insurance Reimbursement?
Yes, we can provide a superbill upon request.
What Should I Ask My Insurance Company?
To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?