Frequently Asked Questions
Even though millions of Americans seek emotional help every year, there are still many who could benefit yet don’t reach out. The reasons are many. Some feel a stigma, some feel their problems may not warrant professional help, and some may fear being judged. There may have been a time when treatment was sought and the experience did not meet your expectations. Or, you maybe you just weren’t ready. Whatever the reason, here are some answers to those questions commonly asked by those inquiring about therapy.
What Is Therapy?
Therapy is the process that guides one toward achieving goals to improve the quality of their life. It’s the unhappy emotions, nagging concerns or lack of quality or purpose in life that drive people to seek a relief or a positive difference. Therapy works through tragedies, alleviates the stressors, and improves relationship issues. It can free those times when you feel stuck, and leave you with a sense of well being.
What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?
If you are looking for relief with emotional or physical pain, self empowerment, smoking cessation, phobias, habit disorders, or other compulsive conflicts, then clinical hypnosis might be a treatment for you. It can be helpful with immune disorders and stress-related illnesses. You can find information about clinical hypnosis at http//www. asch.net.
Another tool helping to deal with traumas is EMDR. This technique uses an eye movement response or tones to the left and right side of the brain to clear the emotional entrapment of trauma in the brain. More information can be found at www.emdr.com. Therapy becomes a process that develops into a compassionate, supportive and helping relationship to make the changes you desire.
What happens in a therapy session?
You talk about your concerns, issues, the risks you took, and your positive and negative outcomes. A session lasts 45 - 50 minutes. Usually, sessions are weekly or every other week.
Sometimes, it's suggested that a family member attend a session for further understanding, resolution of the problem or support. Assignments may be given to help begin the change process. These assignments might include, readings, journaling, or specific exercises to enhance the process for change. Assignments are designed to utilize your strengths. Usually, people feel a tremendous relief, understood, and that they have a new outlook, purpose and direction in life.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept many insurance plans. You may need to call to confirm whether or not benefits are covered. Be sure to be aware of the following questions:
- Does my insurance plan offer mental health benefits?
- Do I have a deductible and has it been met?
- How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
- Does my plan pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is there a limitation on how much is paid per session?
- Do I need a primary care physician approval?
Some companies have EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs). EAPs may offer 1 to 10 sessions at no cost to you. Check to see if your company supports EAPs.
Will therapy work for me?
You’ll know by the end of the first session whether we can work together. You’ve already done your research. Trust your feeling about it. If you feel I am not the right therapist for you, let me know and I’ll be happy to give you some referrals.
Do you see younger children?
As a rule, I do not see children under age 18. However, we might decide to invite your children into one or two sessions to work on family communication skills. If more therapy is needed for your child, I can give you referrals to therapists who specialize in children.
Sometimes, I see children for specific needs utilizing hypnosis. Call (513) 889-0084 for more information.
Does therapy for mental and emotional problems always work?
Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't. It primarily depends on you and the therapist. It is important to share your concerns in a serious, sincere, and open manner. Only if you are completely honest and open can you expect to receive the best support and advice.
How long will I be in therapy?
Often an issue can be resolved in six to ten sessions. Depending upon the complexity of an issue, more time may be necessary. Some may find a one time session as beneficial.
Is psychotherapy confidential?
Generally, all communications between a client and psychotherapist are confidential. Any information that may need to be disclosed (i.e physician, other professionals) require your written permission.
There are some limitations to confidentiality in therapy. If a client is harmful to self or others, the appropriate help is sought. By law, some situations are required to be reported. Abuse of children, the elderly, and mentally or physically handicapped are required to be reported to appropriate authorities. If your insurance coverage is paying all are part of the costs for therapy, you automatically give them consent to request information, such as your diagnosis, and appointment dates. If you fail to settle an account balance, then your name may be submitted to a collection agency.
How do we get started?
Call (513) 889-0084 or email me at drcarole@changingwayz.com.
I have two offices. One is at the Vernon Manor, 400 Oak St., Cincinnati, OH 45219 and the other is at 6580 Sosna Dr., Fairfield, OH 45014.
My office is closed on weekends and major holidays.
A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.
- Maya Angelou
