Therapy Explained: Your Common Questions Answered
About Therapy
About Therapy with Jasmine
FAQs about Therapy
1. What should I expect during my first therapy session?
The first session usually involves an intake process where the therapist asks about your background, current struggles, and goals for therapy. This helps them get to know you and begin building a treatment plan. You can expect questions about your mental health history, family background, and any specific issues you're facing.
2. How long will therapy take?
The length of therapy varies based on individual needs and goals. Some people may benefit from just a few sessions, while others may attend therapy for several months or even longer. The therapist will work with you to determine a treatment plan that makes sense for your situation.
3. How often should I attend therapy?
Initially, therapy is often weekly, especially when starting out. Over time, the frequency may decrease as you make progress, or you may choose to continue weekly or biweekly sessions based on your needs.
4. What happens if I don’t feel comfortable with my therapist?
It’s important to feel comfortable with your therapist. If you don't feel that the therapist is a good fit for you, it’s okay to bring it up and discuss it. Therapists are accustomed to feedback and may adjust their approach, or you can choose to find a new therapist.
5. What is the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and therapist?
Psychologists typically provide psychotherapy and are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of mental health conditions. They often hold a PhD or PsyD.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy but are more focused on the medical aspect of treatment.
Therapists (or counselors) can be licensed social workers (LCSW), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). They provide psychotherapy but cannot prescribe medication.
6. How do I know if therapy is working?
Therapy can be a gradual process. Signs that therapy is working may include noticing small improvements in mood, better coping with stress, or gaining insights into your behavior or patterns. It’s important to have open communication with your therapist to evaluate progress.
7. Will therapy be private and confidential?
Yes, therapy is generally confidential. Therapists are legally and ethically bound to protect your privacy. However, there are exceptions, such as when there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if abuse is disclosed.
8. What if I don’t feel like talking during a session?
It’s okay to have days when you don’t feel like talking. Therapists are trained to help create a comfortable space and can guide the session in different ways, such as using art, writing, or mindfulness exercises, to help you open up when you're ready.
9. How do I choose the right therapist for me?
Consider factors like the therapist's specialization (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma), their approach to therapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy), and their personality. It can also help to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other professionals.
10. What if I don't want to talk about something?
You are in control of what you choose to share in therapy. If you're not ready to discuss something, that's okay. Your therapist will respect your boundaries and can help you work through difficult topics at your own pace.
11. Is therapy just for "really serious" problems?
Therapy is not just for crisis situations or severe mental health issues. Many people attend therapy for personal growth, to improve relationships, manage stress, or cope with life transitions. It's for anyone who wants to better understand themselves and improve their mental health.
12. Do I have to go to therapy forever?
No, you don't have to go forever. Some people benefit from short-term therapy (a few months), while others may choose to continue longer. Many people also return for therapy during challenging times, even if they previously completed a course of treatment.
13. What can I do to get the most out of therapy?
Be open and honest with your therapist. Come to sessions prepared to talk about what's on your mind, and be willing to do the work outside of sessions, such as completing homework assignments or practicing new coping skills.
14. How do I know if I need therapy?
If you're struggling with feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness, or confusion, or if you're having trouble managing daily tasks or relationships, therapy might be helpful. Therapy can also be beneficial for anyone who wants to learn more about themselves, cope with life changes, or improve mental well-being.
FAQs about Therapy with Jasmine
1. How much does therapy cost?
The first 30 minute consultation is free. Afterwards, I charge a set fee per 50-minute session. I have a limited number of sliding-scale spots available to clients attending sessions on a weekly basis. The sliding scale fee can be as low as $50 and is determined by referencing “The Green Bottle Method” by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. Additionally, you are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate to estimate the expected charges over the course of year. You can request a Good Faith Estimate from me at any time.
2. How do I pay for sessions?
Payment is due at the time of service and will be automatically billed and processed the day of your appointment utilizing a debit or credit card. I require that your card information be kept on file and securely saved via SimplePractice.
3. Will therapy be covered by insurance?
I do not accept insurance at this time, however, I am able to offer you a superbill to submit to your FSA/HSA or to your insurance as an out-of-network (OON) provider. It is your responsibility to ensure your insurance is up to date and reimburses for OON services. You will still be responsible for covering the session fee if there is an insurance issue.
4. What if I need to cancel a session?
You can cancel a session up to 24 hours before the session’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before session or fail to show up for session without notifying me, you will be charged for the entire session fee. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to hold your session time exclusively for you and is a standard amongst therapists. If you fail to show up for session without notifying me of your cancel 3 times, all future sessions will be canceled.