Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The decision to begin therapy can be difficult. We hope that the following can answer some of your questions to help in your decision making process related to the therapeutic process. If you have any other questions, please feel free to call us at Balanced Life Counseling, LLC or email us at info@balancedlifelancaster.com so that we can address your specific questions.
What is the purpose of therapy?
The purpose of therapy is to have a “safe” place to discuss your thoughts and feelings and to begin working towards resolutions to your concerns. Another purpose of therapy is to have a non-judgemental, non-biased individual hear your concerns and give you a space where it is all about you when you come to therapy.
What is my role in the therapy process?
The more active a participant you are in therapy, the greater the benefit. You and your therapist will work together to identify goals for you in therapy, which will provide the framework from which to work in therapy. The work you do outside of therapy, is often just as important as the work you do in therapy. I may assign reading materials or homework to assist you with your goals between sessions. Homework, however, is never mandatory. We will work together on uncovering changes in thinking or behavior may be of benefit to you.
What is my therapist’s role in the therapy process?
Your therapist should provide a safe space for you to express your thoughts and feelings, where you feel you can be “yourself”, a place for you to work towards resolving problems, listen to your concerns and experiences and help you feel “heard”, explore alternative points of view with you, and help you make connections to the interconnectedness of your personal experiences, thoughts and behaviors.
Will my insurance cover therapy?
Most insurance plans have a behavioral health benefit. Oftentimes, you will owe a co-payment at each visit, similar to visits with your family physician. Some plans require pre-authorization for coverage, so be sure to contact your insurance provider prior to your first appointment. When you call your insurance company, you may also want to ask them if you have a deductible, if you have a co-pay and how many sessions are allowed per year. Sometimes they will give you an authorization number to give to your therapy practice for use when submitting the claim.
What to expect at your first appointment
The first therapy session can be a source of anxiety for some people. If you are nervous about your first therapy session, that’s normal. Remember that the goal of the first session is for the therapist to get to know you. A well-trained therapist will do that by asking questions about your life, your background, and what brought you to therapy.
The other important goal of the first session is for you to see if you feel comfortable with them. “Interviewing” your therapist about their approach, what kinds of issues they are most experienced addressing, and anything else that is relevant to your reason for seeking therapy is a useful way of finding a good fit. You can ask questions like:
- What kind of person and/or issue do you have the most experience working with?
- How do you approach therapy? Are there specific modalities you use?
- Can you give me an idea of what I can expect to happen in our sessions?
- (If you are a minor) What kinds of things do you have to share with my parents/guardians and what is just between you and me?
You and your therapist will discuss your goals regarding what you want to get out of therapy. This will help to focus your sessions and give you perspective on how you want to grow. These goals may need to change over time depending on circumstances, so it’s good practice to keep checking in about them as the therapeutic relationship continues.