Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Common Questions about the Therapy Process and My Services
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What should I expect during the free consultation?
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Meeting and getting to know your child's therapist
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Discussing your reasons for reaching out
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Learning how I can help
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Answers to your questions about the process
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A snapshot into how virtual therapy works and feels
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How does online therapy work?
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Online therapy works very similarly to in-person therapy. The difference online therapy brings is the convenience and ability to join sessions from wherever you feel comfortable, avoiding traffic hassles, and commuting.
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Research shows that online therapy, especially video telehealth, is just as effective as in-person therapy
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Online play therapy: Not surprisingly, children adapt very well to therapy using an online platform for a number of reasons. One being, they tend to be well versed and familiar with using technology to communicate and entertain. As for parents, I typically walk you through setting up the space (camera position/adding appropriate toys/material/etc), what to do when a child leaves the area, and how to support the child throughout the session.
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Should I use my insurance?
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It is up to you whether you use your health insurance or not. Some reasons why my clients choose not to include:
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Increased privacy for kids and families. Insurance companies require a clinical diagnosis.
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Gives you more control over your family or child’s treatment
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No surprises over whether or not a service is covered
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How long does therapy last?
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This really depends on your child and family's needs. Each therapy experience is highly individualized and is dependent on a number of factors including, family/client engagement, presenting problems, motivation, commitment, and practice outside of session. I do not use a “one size fits all” approach. Therapy can last as long as needed to reduce or eliminate the problem, which can range from a few sessions to years. You are able to end therapy at any time.
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Individual sessions are usually 45 minutes
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Family sessions are usually 45 to 60 minutes
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Does my family/child need therapy?
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Here are a few reasons a child/family might need therapy:
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You’re noticing problems across multiple areas of life (home, school, community)
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Frequent mood changes (anxiety, sadness, anger, withdrawn)
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Frequent conflict between siblings or parents
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Frequent negative behaviors (defiance, tantrums, aggression)
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Attachment issues with a parent
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Challenges with adjusting to life changes (adoption, divorce, separation, moving, a new sibling)
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Your child or family has experienced significant life stressors (abuse, death of a loved one, foster care, etc.)
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What ages do you work with?
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I work with children ages 2 to 12 and parents. Individual child therapy sessions are typically offered for children starting at age 7. I also offer parent sessions without children to address parenting struggles.
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How will you make sure that my child will feel comfortable with you?
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Don’t worry, I provide a warm and fun environment that allows your child to feel safe in expressing themselves without judgment or fear of making a mistake. Your child will be invited to participate at their own pace, fostering increased feelings of security, control, and confidence.
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What are the next steps if I want to begin?
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First, before scheduling your first session, I strongly encourage booking a free consultation to determine fit.
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Second, upon determining this is the right choice, you will be scheduled for an initial intake assessment. This is not a therapy session, but a session to build rapport with your child and family. This session involves gathering extensive background information including family dynamics and history, current and past problems, and goals for therapy.
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Intake sessions can take 1 to 2 sessions to fully complete
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Third, we’ll develop a treatment plan, which is an outline of individualized goals and expectations for therapy appropriate for your family’s needs.
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Fourth, treatment begins as either individual child sessions or family sessions.
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