Between Two Shores Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions about Therapy
Whether it's the first time or the tenth time, it can be intimidating to think about going to therapy. You have taken a huge step in getting this far! Here are some questions that I get asked often about therapy. If you have any other questions, please contact me and I will do my best to help!
Is everything I say really confidential?
Yup! Through the code of ethics, everything said while in therapy is 100% confidential. I can't tell your parents, spouse, kids, boss, or anyone else without your signed consent.
What does it mean to be a "mandated reporter"?
By law, a mandated reported must report these three things:
1. If someone is harming you.
2. If you are harming someone else.
3. If you are going to harm yourself.
This does include past abuse as well. Knowing this, it is always best to talk to your therapist first about any of these things to discuss what is going on and what the next steps will be.
Do you accept insurance?
Between Two Shores Counseling is in network with Optum, United, Husky, Anthem, Aetna, and Connecticare. There may be a deductible and copay with using insurance, which you can find out from your carrier. If you do not have insurance, I do offer a sliding scale which can pay paid via credit card, Venmo, or Paypal.
What is therapy like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, there is no set way therapy works. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history, and report progress from previous sessions. You can also expect me to use humor- it is a great way to not only build rapport, but also helps with anxiety. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term or longer-term. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular (usually weekly) sessions. Therapy can be fun or it can be serious. Because it is telehealth, you can come in your pajamas drinking a cup of coffee. Remember - it is YOUR time and YOU are in control!
What is the "homework" I hear about?
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process, which includes time outside of a session. Because the ultimate goal of therapy is to live a more content life, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process, such as reading a book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. Therapy homework is not something you are forced to do, but it can show you how to apply what you've learned in session to your real life.
How can therapy help me?
The possibilities are endless! You can gain a better understanding of yourself, learn new ways to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, body image issues, and even creative blocks. As a therapist, I am here to be a compass, a mirror, and a stuffed animal - I can help guide you, reflect back a new way to look at issues, and be there to support you.