FAQs
How should I pick a therapist?
To choose the right therapist for you, you should consider your goals. Find a therapist who specializes in your specific concerns and goals. It is important to find your therapist approachable and easy to talk to. Therapists often have biographies online that you can read to determine what their training, education, specialties, and counseling styles include. These biographies can give you insight into who the therapist is and if the therapist’s counseling style sounds like it could be a good fit for you.
Now that I have started, how do I know this is the right therapist for me?
Having a good fit with your therapist makes a significant difference in making progress in counseling. It is recommended that you give your therapist 2-3 visits to find a connection. However, if you immediately feel that the therapist is not a good fit for your counseling needs, you probably should seek a different therapist with whom you will feel comfortable. The following questions are important ones to ask yourself, in order to determine if your therapist is the right one for you. Do I feel comfortable with my therapist? Can I be honest and open with my therapist? Is my therapist responsive to my concerns and questions? Do I feel confident in their understanding of my concerns? Am I confident in my therapist’s ability to help me with my concerns?
How long will appointments last?
The length of your session is dependent on a number of factors. The classic therapy “hour” will last 50 minutes. Extended sessions are available for those patients who want to schedule longer sessions. Plan for your sessions to last 50 minutes unless otherwise discussed with your therapist. If you find that you would like longer sessions, the length of the appointment may be negotiated between you and your therapist, but will be assessed the appropriate associated fees.
How often will I attend therapy?
Typically, you will attend one session weekly for the first 3 months. This is highly recommended and can be reassessed and depending on progress, the sessions could be decreased to less visits a month. Some patients with more complex or severe symptoms may benefit from a higher frequency of visits per week. It is important that children ages 10 and younger are seen weekly in order to make any progress.
What are homework assignments and why are they a part of therapy?
The most important, positive changes that you will make in your life will occur in your everyday experiences outside of your therapist's office. To help you make these "real life" changes, your therapist will help you design homework assignments. These assignments will show you how to apply the ideas and skills you've learned in therapy between sessions. This process will enable you to become your own therapist once your work with your cognitive therapist is complete. Homework may help your progress in therapy if you give it a try. You will never be criticized if you have difficulty with it. It is your therapist's responsibility to create an environment in which you will feel free to explore and learn and in which you will not have to worry about being judged. Research on cognitive therapy homework has demonstrated that the patients who take part the most in designing and doing between-session assignments tend to make quicker and more long-lasting progress than those patients who, for whatever reason, choose not to involve themselves with the homework.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR, short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapy method backed by evidence that’s used to treat trauma. It involves a therapist guiding the client through bilateral stimulation, like eye movements, sounds, or taps, to help process traumatic memories. This stimulation is thought to assist the brain in handling these memories more effectively. The core idea behind EMDR is that traumatic experiences can get “stuck” in the brain, causing ongoing distress and issues. By helping the brain reprocess these memories in a controlled setting, EMDR aims to reduce symptoms and support healing.
Can EMDR therapy be used for children or adolescents?
Yes, EMDR therapy can be used for children and adolescents, although the approach may be modified to suit their developmental needs. Children and adolescents can experience trauma and may benefit from EMDR therapy just like adults. However, the therapist may use more creative and playful methods to engage younger clients, such as using toys, art, or storytelling to facilitate processing of traumatic memories.
How long does EMDR take to feel effective?
The time it takes to feel the effects of EMDR therapy can vary from person to person. Some individuals may notice improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require more time. Factors that can influence the timeline include the severity of the trauma, individual differences in processing, and how well someone responds to the therapy.
Do you accept insurance?
Mindful Haven Therapy sessions are paid out of pocket through your patient portal, where your credit card is saved to auto pay, on the day of your counseling session. As a courtesy to patients, you may request a monthly Superbill to be provided so that you can submit it to your health insurance personally, for out-of-network reimbursement that they will send to you directly.
What is your cancellation policy?
As a patient of Mindful Haven Therapy, your counseling sessions are reserved specifically for you on a continuing time span exclusive for your treatment plan. Nobody else is permitted to schedule in your reserved spot, so others are turned down if they request the time reserved for you. You must cancel your upcoming appointment at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations that are less than 24 hours in advance, or last minute, or those who don’t show up at all, will be charged for the full missed session. Knowing that emergencies do happen, exceptions are made when warranted and the charge is waived.
