Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m uncomfortable talking with a stranger?

It is totally normal to feel uncomfortable at the start of therapy. You are always in control of what you share and if there is ever a question you don’t want to answer you can simply say, “I don’t want to talk about that right now.” We will not take offense to you respectfully speaking up for yourself!

What should I expect from the intake appointment?

Intake appointments are different from therapy sessions. Intakes are all about getting things set up with paperwork, filling out assessments so Jennifer can have an idea of your current symptoms, and gathering information about you and your history. You aren’t expected to share everything at the intake appointment but whatever you feel comfortable sharing will help get your treatment off to a positive and effective start. You can come to the intake appointment with your own questions about therapy, the new therapist, and what might happen in future sessions.

How do i know if jennifer is a good therapist for me?

A good fit therapist is going to be someone you feel comfortable being around, someone who you can share with without feeling judged or misunderstood. A good fit therapist is also going to be able to provide you with the kind of treatment you are looking for. Ask your new therapist about how they will help you with your unique concerns, if they can confidently answer you, that’s a good sign! You can also ask yourself if you feel hopeful or excited about returning for your next session, that answer will give you a lot of important information you should take into consideration.

What does jennifer do in a session?

A lot of different things! Oftentimes sessions will begin at the purple couch. Jennifer will sit across from you and check in about how you are feeling, what you want to work on, and how you want to work on things that day. Sometimes folx stay on the couch and do more of a talk session, other times Jennifer will suggest some possible activities that could assist you with what you want to work on that day. Some examples include: collage, painting, sand tray play, writing, mindfulness exercises like guided breathing or meditation, interactions with canine Animal Partner, Eben, taking a walk outside (with or without Eben), playing a game, drawing, coloring, play-doh, etc. You get to decide what you are comfortable with that day.

Will my information remain private?

Since we do not contract with insurance companies we will never have to share your treatment plans, assessments, or session notes with your insurance company. If you want to be reimbursed by your insurance for your sessions they do require a diagnosis to be listed. Therapy records are private and confidential. In rare cases a court may ask for therapy records, these requests are managed on a case by case basis.

Will i get diagnosed?

Whenever someone is in treatment with a psychotherapist they will be given a diagnosis. These range broadly from things like Adjustment Disorders to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Jennifer believes you are entitled to know what you have been diagnosed with and will often be collaborative with you about it such as asking your thoughts about certain symptoms and discussing different ways symptoms can show up in a person. You will be included in the process because it is your treatment.

What should i expect from the video consultation call?

The video consultation calls are a mutually beneficial opportunity for you and a potential new therapist to get a sense of if you might work well together, if the therapist can help you with what you are looking to get from therapy, and if you get good vibes from the initial meeting. Jennifer usually asks the following questions: What has brought you to be looking for therapy? What would you like to be different in your life after you’ve been in therapy for a while? Have you gone to therapy in the past and how was it, what did you like/dislike about your previous experiences? Do you have any mental health diagnoses you know of or medications that you take? When are you available for sessions? Do you want to meet in-person or virtually? Do you want to schedule an intake appointment now?

What will happen after the intake session?

You always have a choice about your treatment. Typically, after the intake appointment you would schedule your next appointment, usually in the next week, and your therapist may suggest you think about your own goals you want to work on in therapy to share in the next session. If it doesn’t feel like the best fit therapist for you, you can always contact your therapist and share this while asking for referrals to other providers that might be a better fit for you and what you are looking to find.

Will I have to talk about hard topics?

The best answer here is, sometimes. You don’t have to talk about hard things all the time in therapy, in fact, celebrating when things are going well is an important part of therapy too! While there is a lot of research out now suggesting that we don’t always have to retell our traumas in order to heal from them, I still find that most people do want to eventually talk about the dark times. Sharing with a trusted person and feeling heard, understood, and validated can be a very powerful tool for healing. This is best done after a lot of trust has been built up with your therapist and you have a solid list of coping skills that you can reliably use to help yourself regulate your emotions when you get activated. You will not need to talk in detail about the hardest parts of your life at the very beginning of therapy.

Will jennifer tell my parents everything I say?

Absolutely not. There are rules about what therapists need to share with a minor’s guardians. Jennifer reviews these rules with everyone at the beginning of therapy and periodically as time goes on so that you are in control. Jennifer will work with you to be able to share some important things with your parents if that makes sense with your treatment goals. Jennifer never wants to break your trust or confidentiality and will try to include you as much as possible. Emergencies do happen when things may need to be shared but Jennifer will review these type of situations with you at the beginning of your treatment.

What if i don’t want to just sit and talk?

You’ve got lots of options! Some examples include: collage, painting, sand tray play, writing, mindfulness exercises like guided breathing or meditation, interactions with canine Animal Partner, Eben, taking a walk outside (with or without Eben), playing a game, drawing, coloring, play-doh, etc. You get to decide what you are comfortable with that day.

How will i know what my therapy goals are?

Usually in the second session you and Jennifer will talk about what you want to be working on in therapy. Together you will brainstorm ways to address your therapy goals and will ultimately come up with around 3 goals and 3 objectives that will make up your treatment plan. Treatment plans are usually active for about 3 months and are then reviewed with you to see if there are things that need to be changed, added, or taken off if they’ve been achieved. Jennifer’s approach to treatment planning is collaborative and inclusive so you are getting treatment you want and agree with. If you can’t think of any goals don’t worry! Jennifer knows how to help you get to the important information that will guide your treatment.