IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME IN THERAPY?
This is a common question I ask callers seeking services from my remote group practice. Many of my potential clients, answer “no” to this question, however there are more than just a few who say “yes”. Those who say yes often have questions about how this will all come together. They want to know what to expect and rightly so. Some may even ask if therapy is the right thing for them.
As a therapist, I appreciate answering these questions because I believe it helps the potential client to relax and feel that it’s okay to reach out for therapy and that they are doing something great to help themselves. It also allows me to share some things about my practice that may help them to make a decision. Here are questions I frequently answer for therapy novices but I think these may help whether you are a first timer or you are an OG in therapy.
What is therapy like?
In therapy, typically you talk about what is going on with you. What is causing you to seek therapy in the first place. This is called talk therapy. Talk therapies consists of various approaches. Each therapist chooses the approach or method they work best with or that works best for their client. Talk therapy is the most common method used in psychotherapy. Some therapists, such as psychoanalysts, may not talk much with their clients but most therapists will ask questions, provide feedback, clarification and interpretation, make recommendations/suggestions, make observations, challenge your thinking, help you to identify and manage your feelings. I also use somatic therapy in my practice. All of this is done in the context of building a trusting relationship between you and your therapist. The trust in this relationship is at the pinnacle of the therapy experience.,
What happens if my therapist does or says something I don’t like?
Therapists are human. Therefore, not perfect. If your therapist says something that is offensive to you in any way, your best bet is to address and get clarification. You can also leave your therapist and tell them why. Unfortunately, clients often choose to leave therapy without ever telling the therapist why. This can be a self-sabotaging choice. If your therapist engages in serious violations you can call the regulating body in that state.
How do I begin?
You will receive intake, demographic and informed consent form. Additionally, I may conduct a bio-psychosocial assessment. This provides valuable information and begins the process of getting to know the client. I have questions about their current situation, how and when it started and how it affects them. I also ask about their personal history, family of origin, experiences in childhood, the mental health of them and their immediate family, as well as substance abuse issues. There are also questions about medical issues and treatments. Afterwards I determine the diagnosis and we develop goals for therapy.
How long will I be in therapy?
Great question! Some people stay in the therapy for several years. Most people have a much shorter stay of a few weeks or months to a year or two. It depends on your needs and on what you are working on. Some people drop out or terminate after a few sessions for a variety of reasons. I prefer to work with people who want to stay longer than a few months in therapy however at Langniappe we see short term clients also.
What about insurance?
If you have an HMO and I am a part of that network of course you may use your insurance. If you have a PPO plan, I am also able to work with that. Like many therapists I limit the amount of insurance clients I take on. There are countless reasons why many therapists won’t even take insurance. That’s another article!
What about payments?
You are expected to pay for each session at the time of the session or before. I ask my clients to pay through Ivy Pay. This is a HIPAA compliant platform designed for therapists to accept card payments. The client is sent a text message to put a card on file. The card is billed for co-pays, if using insurance or for the full fee if you are self-pay. This has become fairly standard in this market as it reduces the hassle of making payments and also reduces the risk of the therapist not being paid for sessions, especially missed or late cancelled sessions. Yes! There are clients who drop out of therapy owing their therapist. I learned the hard way.
How do we schedule?
You begin by scheduling your first session. You can expect to attend weekly sessions. Bi -weekly sessions are also offered by therapists however, this often depends on the issues the client presents, client/therapist availability, costs or a combination of these.
You can schedule by phone or email and with some therapists, via website. At Langniappe we set an appointment for a time and date, the clients confirms this appointment by placing their card on file through Ivy Pay at the time the appointment is being set. Through our online practice management platform, the client is sent some forms and documents that include, intake questions as well as informed consent to read and complete in a simple process. Please read your informed consent, as it will contain the practice policies, such as cancellation and attendance, client confidentiality, mandatory reporting etc.
How will we meet?
At Langniapppe we will meet online! At this time most therapists are also working this way or by phone. We are a remote therapy practice and with over 10 years of experience, working remotely with clients! At the time of the appointment you will receive an email invitation to join a video session with your therapist. You will also receive an appointment reminder before your session.
I hope these questions help to encourage you as you reach out for therapy, either for the 1st or the 21st time.
