FAQ’s
Frequently asked questions
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) refers to a collection of common questions and their answers, usually presented in a clear and structured format. It is created to provide quick information on topics that people often want to know about, ensuring clarity and reducing confusion.
The primary purpose of an FAQ section is to offer direct solutions and explanations, so that users can easily understand essential details without extra effort. It simplifies communication, saves time, and ensures consistency in the information being shared. By presenting queries and responses in an organized manner, FAQs make knowledge more accessible and reliable.
What is therapy?
Therapy (also called counseling) is a professional service that supports individuals through emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges. People often seek therapy for stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, or addiction. Seeking therapy isn’t a weakness; it’s a courageous step toward healing.
What should I expect from therapy?
Sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes and occur weekly or biweekly, depending on your needs. Together, you and your counselor will explore your concerns, identify goals, and work on strategies for change. You may also receive exercises or activities to practice between sessions.
What are the benefits of therapy?
Therapy can reduce emotional distress, enhance coping skills, increase self-awareness, and support long-term well-being. It helps create lasting, positive change in your life.
How do I know if I need therapy?
Therapy can be helpful when overwhelming emotions or harmful behaviors start affecting your ability to function in daily life. People see therapists for a variety of reasons, but some common ones include:
- You’re struggling to process a trauma, loss, or major life change.
- You often feel overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or angry.
- Your work, school, or relationships are being affected.
- You experience intrusive thoughts or harmful behaviors.
- You have unexplained physical symptoms.
- You’ve noticed major shifts in sleep, appetite, or energy.
How can I get the most out of therapy?
Therapy can be a powerful, life-changing experience—but it takes commitment and effort from both you and your therapist. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sessions:
- Choose the right therapist: Finding someone who feels like a good match is key. Consider their specialty, therapeutic approach, and personality to ensure you’re comfortable and supported.
- Sort out logistics early: Before your first session, make sure you understand how payment or insurance will work and how long you plan to commit.
- Think of therapy as a partnership: Progress happens through collaboration. Your active participation is just as important as your therapist’s guidance.
- Pick the right time for sessions: Schedule appointments when you’re least likely to be tired, distracted, or overwhelmed.
- Be honest and open: Share your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors openly. The more your therapist knows, the better they can help.
- Be patient with the process: Change takes time. Don’t expect instant results—give yourself space to grow and heal.
- Apply what you learn: Therapy often includes exercises or reflections to work on between sessions. Follow through to make meaningful progress.
- Stay consistent: Regular attendance builds momentum. Even when it’s hard, showing up matters.
- Welcome feedback: Your therapist may challenge you or offer tough insights. Stay open to this—it’s often where growth begins.
What are the various forms of therapeutic treatment?
Psychology Today notes that there are many types of therapy—often referred to as therapeutic approaches or theories. Here are some of the most common ones:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): This type of therapy helps you notice and change negative thoughts and behaviors that are making life harder for you.
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): DBT helps you handle strong emotions and improve your relationships with others.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: This therapy helps you understand how your deeper, often hidden thoughts and feelings may be affecting the way you act.
- Humanistic Therapy: This approach focuses on helping you feel better about yourself and build confidence and self-worth.
- Interpersonal Therapy: This therapy helps you improve your relationships with family, friends, or others in your life.
How long does therapy take?
There’s no fixed timeline for therapy—you can stop whenever it feels right for you. Everyone’s journey is different, and how long therapy lasts depends on many factors, like the issues you’re working through and the progress you make. We offer both short-term and long-term options, and we’ll work with you to find an approach that fits your needs.
How do I prepare for counseling?
Before beginning counseling, it’s helpful to think about what you hope to achieve and what you’re willing to do to reach those goals. Being open and honest with your counselor—and willing to share your thoughts and feelings—will help you get the most out of your sessions.
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Contact our office to find out if the therapist you’re interested in is currently accepting new clients.
- Once you’re matched with a therapist, we’ll email you a link to our client portal.
- In the portal, you’ll find the paperwork you need to complete before your first visit. Please review, sign, and submit it through the portal. Be sure to include:
- A copy of your valid driver’s license or ID card
- A current list of any medications you’re taking
- After we receive your completed paperwork, we’ll contact you to schedule your first appointment. We do our best to find a time that works well for you.
- About 24 hours before your session, you’ll get an email reminder with a link to join your appointment.
- Your first session (called an initial assessment) usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Only you and your therapist will take part in this session.
If you’re feeling nervous or unsure before your first appointment, that’s completely normal—please let us know. And feel free to bring any questions you may have for your therapist.
What is a therapy session like?
Your therapist creates a plan tailored to your goals. Sessions include skill-building, emotional processing, and stress management. Many clients find therapy feels like an honest conversation in a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can be fully themselves.
Do you prescribe medication?
No, we don’t have a medical doctor or psychiatrist on staff. Our licensed professional counselors are trained to diagnose and treat mental health concerns using talk therapy, including behavioral and cognitive techniques. If medication is needed, we’re happy to help you find a psychiatrist who can provide that support.
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is a key part of counseling. It protects your privacy and helps build trust between you and your counselor. This means that what you share in your sessions stays private—unless you give permission for it to be shared.
However, there are a few situations where a counselor is required to break confidentiality:
- If you are at risk of harming yourself or someone else
- If there is suspected abuse of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult
- If a court orders the counselor to share information
What will it feel like when I finish therapy?
How you feel at the end of therapy depends on your personal goals. For some, it means moving from overwhelming anxiety to feeling more in control and able to handle life’s challenges. Others may focus on building confidence, inner peace, and resilience. Some people see therapy as part of a longer journey of personal growth and self-awareness.
Ultimately, the outcome of therapy reflects the effort and intention you bring to the process. The more you invest in it, the more meaningful the results are likely to be.
What happens in a consultation call?
The initial consultation call is a chance for you to see if a therapist feels like the right fit before scheduling a full session. Depending on the therapist, this call usually lasts about 15–20 minutes.
Use this time to ask questions (see our list of questions to ask your therapist), share a bit about yourself, your goals, and the challenges you’re facing. Be sure to also talk about important details like fees, scheduling, and location.
If you have any doubts or concerns about starting therapy, don’t hesitate to bring them up. Your potential therapist can help answer your questions and ease any worries you may have.
What can I expect during the first session?
The first session focuses on understanding your history and goals. Your therapist will listen carefully and co-create a treatment plan with you. You’re encouraged to share only what feels comfortable.
What happens in a regular session?
Session length and frequency can vary depending on the therapist’s approach, but the typical format is a 50-minute session once a week. You and your therapist may decide to meet more often based on factors like the intensity of your situation, costs, and availability. Since each therapist works differently, your consultation call is a great opportunity to learn about their style and how they structure treatment.
Do I have to talk about my childhood?
Not unless you want to. If exploring childhood experiences may help, your therapist will let you know. You control what’s discussed and when
What kinds of exercises or homework might be used?
Homework is a common and helpful part of therapy that lets you use what you learn in sessions in your everyday life. It can help you practice new skills, handle difficult situations, and track your progress. However, homework is always optional—you can decide whether or not to do it.
Your therapist will respect your choice and work with you to find the best way to support your goals.
Journaling is one way to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You can write, draw, paint, or use any method that feels right to you. What matters most is what you express, not how you do it.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness includes techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga that help you stay present. It reduces stress and promotes emotional and physical well-being.
Do you have a physical office?
No, not at the moment. Most of our services are provided online. In special cases, we do visit clients in hospitals, rehab centers, or other healthcare facilities.
When will coaching and workshops be available?
Workshops are expected to launch by the end of 2023. Updates will be shared on our website and Facebook page.
How do I reach you?
- Phone: 409-256-6171 (voicemail & texting)
- Email: sandy@sandycrisp.com
- Website: sandycrisp.com
- Client Portal: For existing clients
- Facebook: Sandy Crisp Counseling
If I don’t answer, your call will go to voicemail where you can leave a confidential message. I return calls within 24 hours. If your call is urgent, please mention that in your message. I don’t answer calls or check messages while I’m with a client.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please do not call me. Instead, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
If I’m away for more than 24 hours, I will post the name and contact information of the therapist covering for me in your client portal.
What are your fees?
The prices below reflect our standard rates. If cost is a barrier to getting the help you need, please reach out—we’re here to help and offer options to make therapy more affordable.
- Regular Full Session: $100
- Regular Half Session: $50
- Initial Consultation: Session Fee + $15
- Assessment, Testing, or Evaluation: $50–$500
We are proud to be an Open Paths provider.
Discounts are available to ensure you can access the support you deserve. Please contact us to learn more.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major credit cards are accepted. You can pay securely through the client portal.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance directly. However, in many cases, we offer services at a rate equal to your insurance copay—and we don’t limit the number of sessionsFor example, if your insurance covers 4 visits with a $75 copay per visit, we would charge you $75 for each session and not limit how many sessions you can attend.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes! We have flexible pricing options to ensure affordability. Let’s discuss what works best for you.
Can I request a Good Faith Estimate?
Absolutely. You’re entitled to a Good Faith Estimate for therapy costs. Just ask, and we’ll provide one.