Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take insurance?
No, we do not directly bill your insurance. We ask for payment at the time of service by cash, check, credit card, or Health Savings Account (HSA). If you wish, we can provide a claim statement for you to submit to your insurance provider for any out-of-network reimbursement.
What should I expect?
We like to begin with a free 30-minute consultation over the phone or in person. This consultation allows us to begin to get to know each other. We will talk about why you are seeking therapy, as well as determine if the services and providers at Integrative Awareness are a good fit for you and your goals. It is important for both parties to feel as though there is a good fit, as we believe the therapeutic relationship is a vital part of the therapy process and acts as a catalyst for change and progress.
In general, therapy sessions are 55 minutes long. Sessions are guided by your needs and treatment goals. 75 and 90-minute sessions are also available if you and your therapist agree the added time would be beneficial; this is usually for family, couples, and EMDR sessions.
How long will I be in therapy?
This is a tough question to answer. Just as each person, family, couple, etc. is unique with their own hopes and wishes for therapy, the length of treatment is also unique. The length of treatment will depend on your goals, as well as other factors such as scheduling frequency and the presence of life stressors in general. Some may be able to come in for just a few sessions and decide they have accomplished what they hoped for, while others may find therapy to be an ongoing positive support to incorporate into their lifestyle.
How often do my child, adolescent, and/or I come to therapy?
Weekly sessions are preferred at least at the onset of therapy. Weekly sessions are ideal to help establish the therapeutic relationship and build on your motivation for progress and change. After approximately six weeks, we feel more comfortable with spreading sessions out to every-other-week if you wish.
We are happy to discuss scheduling options that will best fit you and your family’s needs and availability. We do not want scheduling to become a barrier towards you getting the services you desire and are hoping for.
How does therapy for my child or adolescent work?
We take a collaborative approach to treatment, especially for children and adolescents. We recognize the importance of working individually with your child or adolescent to get to know them and build the therapeutic relationship, as it is important for youth to believe their therapist is on ‘their side’ and positively supports them. We also focus on working together with parents and other important people in the child or adolescent’s life. At minimum we recommend monthly family therapy; this can be done in a variety of ways, including family sessions with the entire family, family sessions with just the parent(s), etc. You will work directly with your therapist to decide what is best for your child/adolescent and your family. We are also happy to speak or meet with other adults that are important in your child/adolescent’s life, such as their teacher(s), extended family members, pediatrician, coach, nanny/babysitters, etc., but will only do so with your written authorization.
You mention the therapeutic relationship A LOT… What is this?
Good question! The therapeutic relationship is a unique relationship; it is different than any other relationship a child, adolescent, or adult has. The connection between therapist and client offers support, acceptance, and challenges within a safe environment. The insight, skills, and awareness that are uncovered and developed in therapy occur within the context of the therapeutic relationship and then become a new or revised part of the client.
What is trauma? And how may it be affecting my child or me?
Trauma is an emotional response to an event or a series of events that are experienced as life threatening. Trauma can occur in many different ways; some may experience a single-incident trauma, such as a car accident, natural disaster, sexual assault, witnessing a crime, etc., while others may have experienced more complex trauma in which they have had many experiences of trauma, such as neglect, sexual and/or physical abuse, domestic violence, etc. that have repeatedly occurred over time.
Each person experiences traumatic events in their own unique ways as it often depends on a person’s background history, overall wellbeing, and support system. Some common effects of trauma can include feelings of fear and shock, as well as avoidance of sights, sounds, and smells that remind you of the traumatic event, flashbacks, relationship difficulties, erratic changes in mood, and physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, insomnia, and dizziness. Although these experiences following trauma are normal, some people find they have difficulties moving past them and seeking help from a professional is often beneficial to regain feelings of control over the event(s).
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