top of page

FAQS

You Ask - I Answer

WHAT IS COUNSELING? IS IT THE SAME AS THERAPY?

Counseling, therapy or psychotherapy are terms used interchangeably and refer to the exploration and processing of peoples thoughts and feelings. Mental health providers study human development, behavior, emotions, social systems and brain functioning and are trained in methods to help individuals build their own toolbox to face any barrier or set back life presents to them.

WHO NEEDS THERAPY?

This is the million dollar question... Everyone can benefit from therapy, YES, everyone! That is the thing, all individuals struggle with emotions, with relationships, with stress, with school,  work, you name it. Therapy was not created just for people with major life challenges. It helps even with minors setbacks or obstacles and it helps us prepare ourselves better in case of a more challenging problem. You learn life skills and how to take control of your own thoughts and emotions. Yes, it is pretty cool!

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SEARCHING FOR  THERAPY

You do not have to be an expert when sorting through profiles, you just need to ask the right questions.

1- Make sure you find a provider that is licensed with the State of Texas to provide Mental Health services, this guarantees a level of professional education and training.  The most common licensures are: Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). These all have a  minimum of a master's degree and have passed the State requirements to practice. 

2- Ask the type of therapy they provide and an explanation of what the modality means or resources on where to read on the type of treatment.

3- Request a preliminary consultation, if possible, this helps both the client and therapist see if they are a good fit for each other. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYQUIATRY

Psychology uses talk therapy to help clients modify human thoughts and behavior. Psychiatry uses medical models to treat mental health conditions by use of medication. They are both valuable and helpful. The need or preference depends on the client and their symptoms. Both branches refer to each other depending on the severity of symptoms, previous treatment history, and client functioning.

HOW LONG IS THERAPY ?

Each session usually last 50min to 1 hour. If more time is needed both counselor and client will discuss the need. Therapists usually recommend starting treatment with weekly sessions and slowly work their way to once a month depending on client needs and progress.

I'VE HEARD THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF THERAPY. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

There are a lot of different "types or modalities" of therapy, this means counselors can use a variety of methods, exercises, and theories to help guide clients through their thoughts and feelings all with the same goal of improving their quality of life. Sort of like exercising, doing cardio, Pilates, Zumba or HIT training, they all help you get fit and improve your wellness; the same is for therapy. Some therapist use a variety of methods depending on the presenting issue and goals in session and some are more specific.

WHAT KIND OF THERAPY DO YOU OFFER?

I consider myself an eclectic therapist, because I pull techniques from different modalities and theories but I predominantly base my counseling strategies on the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CTB) Model. It is an evidenced based and very well researched modality to treat and significantly improve the most predominant mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety and relationship issues.

DO YOU PROVIDE IN-PERSON THERAPY?

Yes! I offer both In-Person and Telehealth Sessions in order to accommodate the needs of my clients.  I use a privacy compliant online portal for all communication, documentation and record keeping with my clients.

IS THERAPY CONFIDENTIAL?

Absolutely. Confidentiality is mandated by the State of Texas and has a few legal and crisis limitations but do not worry, all this will be explained to clients before starting services.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN SESSIONS

Before becoming a client: a 15 min Free consultation to talk in general about what you are looking for and why. 

First Session:  a full assessment, gathering as much history as possible and background information. 

Subsequent sessions: determining goals and priorities and collaboratively developing a road map for treatment. Exercises, challenge of thoughts and points or view, empathetic listening, role playing, unconditional support and review of sessions and feedback at every visit.

WHAT IS THE PAYMENT STRUCTURE FOR YOUR SERVICES?

 I am a Self-Pay practice and I do not accept insurances. I will; however, provide clients with a superbill to submit to their insurance upon request. Payment is due upon completion of the session both in person or online.

bottom of page