Frequently asked questions.

1. How do I know if I need therapy?

You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck in repetitive patterns, struggling with relationships, or just wanting personal growth, therapy can help. It provides a safe space to explore your emotions, develop coping skills, and create meaningful change.

2. How do I find the right therapist for me?

Look for a therapist whose approach aligns with your needs—whether it’s Somatic Experiencing, Inner Relationship Focusing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or trauma-informed care. Many therapists offer a free consultation, so you can ask about their experience, approach, and whether you feel comfortable with them.

3. What happens in the first session?

The first session is usually about getting to know each other. The therapist will ask about your history, current concerns, and what you hope to achieve. You can also ask questions and discuss how therapy will work moving forward.

4. How long does therapy take?

It depends on your goals, the challenges you're facing, and the therapeutic approach used. Some people see progress in a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing work over months or even years. The process is flexible and can be adjusted as needed.

5. Will therapy make me feel worse before I feel better?

Sometimes, yes. Exploring emotions and past experiences can bring up discomfort before healing happens. However, a skilled therapist will help you navigate this safely, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed.

6. Is therapy only about talking, or are there other approaches?

While talking is a key part, many therapists incorporate body-based (somatic), mindfulness, or experiential techniques that engage emotions and sensations in a deeper way. Approaches like Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, or Focusing work beyond just words.

7. What if I don’t know what to talk about?

That’s okay! A good therapist will help guide the conversation. Sometimes, just exploring how you're feeling in the moment can open doors to deeper insights.

8. How do I know if therapy is working?

You may notice shifts in how you handle stress, relate to others or feel about yourself. Growth can be subtle at first, but over time, you’ll likely experience greater clarity, resilience, and emotional balance.

9. What if I don’t like my therapist?

It’s important to feel comfortable with your therapist. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to discuss your concerns or explore working with someone else. Therapy should feel safe and supportive.

10. How much does therapy cost, and is it covered by insurance?

Costs vary depending on location, therapist qualifications, and if the therapist is in or out of network with your insurance plan. Check with your provider or ask the therapist directly to clarify your options.

11. What does it mean if my therapist is out-of-network with my insurance plan?

It means your therapist doesn’t have a contract with your insurance company. You can still see the therapist, and your insurance company will reimburse a portion of the fee. If you want to learn more about your insurance plan coverage, you can reach out to your insurance company and ask the following questions:

1. Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits for a 45-minute therapy session in an office setting? They may ask for a CPT Code - (90834 - 45 minute individual session)

2. Is there a deductible, and how much of it have I met?

3. What percentage of the session cost is reimbursed after I meet the deductible?

4. Is there a limit on sessions per year?

5. Do I need a referral or prior authorization?

12. How do I get reimbursed by my insurance company if I see an out-of-network provider?

If you see an out-of-network provider you will pay upfront at the end of each session and they will then provide you will a superbill to submit to your insurance company. Typically they will provide a superbill after each session, but sometimes they provide one at the end of each month.

Some providers provided courtesy billing. Courtesy billing is when a therapist offers to submit your out-of-network insurance claims on your behalf, even though they’re not in-network with your insurance company. It's a courtesy, not something they’re required to do.

Be sure to ask in the beginning how they handle billing.