COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“When I dare to be powerful—to use my strength in the service of my vision—then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid”
-Audre Lorde
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In order for meaningful change to occur, we must first know WHAT we're dealing with, so that we can DO something about it. The less we know, the more we are stuck in patterns and thinking that does not help us.
If you feel like you run into the same problems over and over again, therapy can help you get "unstuck" by:
Revealing your reactive patterns of thinking, feeling, doing, and relating (the WHY you do what you do) and
Providing you with different ways of living (the HOW to do things differently) that aligns with how you want to live your life
No important, lasting change can be gained without intentional effort and practice. Changing lifelong patterns is hard work, it's possible! - and you won't be doing it aloneEnvisioning wellness together.
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People seek therapy for various reasons, including: a crisis, major life changes, trouble in relationships, struggling with self confidence or communication, some folks want to work on personal growth, etc.
In the first few sessions, I get to know you, what caused you to want to come to therapy, what has been going on in your life, your relationships, your strengths and stressors, and what you'd like from therapy. Afterwards, we collaboratively work together in an environment that is safe, healthy and in which you explore and grow.
In the early stages, I meet with clients once a week or every other for about 50 minutes depending on various factors.
For a lot of folks after time once we’ve addressed immediate concerns, underlying relationship patterns, and unmet emotional needs for example we may slowly start to space out sessions as you use the skills and work you have done in therapy into your day-to-day life until you feel like you're ready to end therapy.
Since no two people are the same, therapy looks differently for each person. My goal is to customize the space according to what you desire and need.
I believe that knowledge is power and by understanding your symptoms, together we can work through whatever is holding you back from living the life that aligns with you -
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally.
A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to you.
Counseling is completely confidential with a few exceptions. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.”
Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
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We will collaborate to develop a treatment plan specific to your individual needs. Not sure what you need or where to start? No problem.
When we struggle with our mental health, it's often difficult to make sense of our needs and desires. Most things are cloudy, and we don't have much motivation to identify our goals, hopes, and dreams. We will work on envisioning wellness together.
The main purpose of the first session is for me to get to know you. I will be asking some of the following questions:
"What brings you to therapy at THIS time in your life?
What are the biggest things impacting your life
What stress are you dealing with?
If you summarize your whole life into a few significant moments, what would they be?
How would you like for your life/relationships to be different? -
Discussions between a therapist and client are confidential. No information will be released without the client's written consent unless mandated by law. Therapists are legally mandated to make certain disclosures in circumstances where there is suspicion to harm yourself, harm others, or child abuse. All disclosures will be discussed with you in advance.
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I typically offer both in-person and online sessions for people in Minnesota where I am licensed to practice.
At the moment, I am only offering online sessions out of COVID-related safety precautions.
In-person sessions:
3460 Washington Drive Eagan, MN 55122
Online sessions (only in Minnesota): Through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video link provided per session that can be accessed via computer, tablet, or phone. -
Virtual therapy can be a great way to get support, but it’s not for everyone:
Those unable to acquire secure, steady internet connection (phone sessions may still be an option)
Those unable to acquire a safe, private space (no locked doors, thin walls, housemates barging in often)
Those diagnosed with a major mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe depression who need a higher level of care that I provide
Those struggling with significant alcohol or substance abuse that is out of my expertise/skill level
Those actively experiencing suicidal thoughts (call 911 or seek immediate care at your nearest emergency department, and follow up with a local in-person therapist) -
1) Telehealth Platform
I use Zoom which uses cutting edge technology to ensure the privacy and security of sensitive information. When it’s time for our session, click on the secure link you will receive. You will be able to see a page where our videos will pop up.
2) Quiet & Private
Secure a quiet, private space where nobody will barge in unexpectedly. Use headphones.
3) Provisions
Use a computer, tablet, or phone that has a microphone or camera. Make sure you have access to a secure, steady internet connection. (Phone sessions are also possible.)
4) Minimize tech issues
Close all other browsers and programs so that we can have full bandwidth usage and minimize lags or drops in connection.
5) Get comfortable!
Dress comfortably or grab a blanket. Have a journal, tissues, and your favorite cup of tea / juice/water/coffee. -
In our 50-minute weekly sessions, we will:
1) Explore your strengths, stressors, and resources
2) See how your past is spilling into the present
Relationship patterns (e.g., family of origin, romantic)
Major life events and traumas
3. Help you understand the long term effects of trauma and how to navigate the challenges that often develop as a result.
4.) Develop effective coping strategies to help you navigate any challenges you may be struggling with. -
Many problems can be dealt with in a brief period of time, but this is not always the case. There is no magic number or formula to determine how long it may take. During your initial intake assessment, you and your therapist will have a conversation around making a determination if your needs are best met by Envisioning Wellness.
If your counseling needs require a clinician who specializes in your area of need, you may receive a referral for a more specified level of care. We will explore your progress in session and determine when you have met your therapy goals together. -
We accept American Express, Visa, and Mastercard (including FSA/HSA debit cards) and cash.
Clients are required to maintain a card on file for payments and may elect for auto-pay.
At the moment, sliding scale slots are all full.
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Private pay clients have the freedom to choose the focus, duration, and frequency of therapy. More services are permitted without restrictions, such as online counseling.
A mental health diagnosis is not mandatory for private pay clients and therefore not added to your personal health record and you won’t have to worry that your health records may create problems for you in the future.
Insurance premiums and life insurance policies will not increase based on mental health diagnoses and treatments. -
If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. Sessions can be canceled ahead of time through the patient portal. Otherwise, you may be charged for the full rate of the session.
Therapy sessions are scheduled in advance and are a time reserved exclusively for our patients. When a session is canceled without 24 hour notice, we are unable to fill this time slot by offering it to another current patient, a patient on the waitlist, or a patient with a clinical emergency.