What does therapy with you typically look like?

This is an excellent question with a potentially unsatisfying answer, it depends! I strive to meet my clients where they are, and as this can change session by session, it is rare for sessions to look exactly the same. It is usual for us to discuss what is happening in your daily life, how experiences from your past may be impacting your present, as well as reflections or insights made between sessions. There are no topics that are off limits in the therapy space, and I encourage my clients to at least dip their emotional toes into those topics that feel especially vulnerable. These are usually the areas that need the most attention and are likely what have led you to seek therapy in the first place.

Will therapy help?

In short, maybe! There are numerous benefits associated with participating in therapy and counseling, including: more adaptable coping strategies, increased distress tolerance, greater alignment with and awareness of your emotions, as well as general support for hard stages in life. Through the collaborative relationship between a client and therapist, many clients find that they are able to grow from their stuck points, explore new ways of being in their relationships, and feel more contented with themselves and their daily lives. It is also true that there may be some things that therapy can’t help with - ongoing stress and trauma experienced due to sociocultural, political, and financial pressures are unlikely to be resolved by therapy and there are no known cures for certain diagnoses. In these instances, what therapy can provide is a brave space to be seen, heard, and in community rather than suffering in isolation.

Because the relationship between client and therapist is so vital to the positive outcomes associated with therapy (some studies suggest that up to 80% of therapeutic success depends solely on the quality of connection between client and therapist), it is imperative that you find the best-fitting therapist for you!

What exactly does confidentiality look like in therapy?

Confidentiality is one of the major cornerstones on which the therapeutic profession sits, and essentially operates like the hallowed Vegas rule,

“Whatever is said here, stays here…with a few key exceptions.”

It’s such a vital component of therapy that client-clinician privilege has become enshrined and respected by law for those 18 and older. While I cannot provide minors with legal confidentiality (that right technically resides with their parent or legal guardian), I can offer privacy. Below are listed the unique circumstances where I am required to break confidentiality:

• If I believe that a client is in immediate and serious danger of harming or killing themselves.

• If I believe that a client is an immediate and serious threat to another person.

• If I have reason to believe that a child or dependent adult is experiencing abuse or neglect.

• If I am compelled to do so by court-ordered subpoena.

I do require that clients read and sign a copy of my informed consent document that includes this information as well as practice policies and procedures prior to our first session. Confidentiality and other aspects of informed consent will also be reviewed in our first session.

Why is therapy so expensive?!

Therapy is expensive and it can sometimes be difficult to justify to ourselves that our well-being is worth the investment. As you consider whether or not you are ready to make this financial commitment, please consider the following:

• A licensed therapist has completed a Master’s degree from an accredited program, and is specially trained and educated to aid clients with a variety of support needs. In addition to our academic work, we also complete 500+ hours of unpaid internship before sitting multiple national exams for preliminary licensure. We then engage in 3000+ hours of supervised work and additional exams before becoming independently licensed. Being a therapist takes time, grit, and dedication.

• A therapist’s education doesn’t end when we graduate! We continue to engage in continuing education and certification programs that allow us to better meet our clients’ needs and support our communities.

• Our work on behalf of clients doesn’t start and end with the 50-minute mark on the clock. Therapists must also complete treatment plans, chart notes, additional research, review diagnostic assessments, coordinate care with other service providers, attend weekly consultation/supervision, etc. Your therapist is probably thinking about you and your well-being more often than you realize!

• Finally, many private practice therapists are boutique business owners that specialize in offering a unique service and couture care for our clients! We don’t want to cut corners in the care we’re able to offer, and charging the appropriate rates for our time and expertise helps ensure that we can show up for our clients as our most compassionate and present selves.

I think I’m ready for therapy, but how does payment work?

Payment is due in full at the time of each session. I am able to accept payments via cash or credit card.  I do maintain a limited number of client spots available at a reduced fee for those in financial need. I am happy to discuss your particular situation and the availability of any reduced fee services.

Please note that any late cancellations (less than 24 hour notice) and/or no-shows will be charged the full fee for the missed session.

What is a Good Faith Estimate and do you provide them?

The purpose of a GFE is to help uninsured or self-paying individuals understand the expected cost of your healthcare items and services before they are provided, enabling you to make informed decisions about your medical care and budget accordingly. 

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill by visiting: www.cms.gov/nosurprises

My question isn’t listed here…

I am always happy to answer any questions that you may have! Please feel free to contact me at Hannah@WildflowerTherapyTX.com and I will do my best to respond within 3 business days.