What is Therapy and Who is it for?

Therapy sessions are typically held on a weekly basis, especially in the beginning, to establish momentum and ensure consistent progress. Regular sessions help maintain continuity, build a strong therapeutic relationship, and allow for steady work on your goals. As progress is made, the frequency of sessions may be adjusted based on your needs. Sessions are typically 55 minutes long.

The duration of therapy can vary significantly based on client circumstances and the specific focus of treatment. Research indicates that sex therapy and couple's therapy may typically last between 6 to 24 sessions to address specific concerns using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). However, more complex concerns, including trauma or long-standing relational patterns, may require longer-term therapy, which could last several months to a year or more. The duration ultimately depends on the client’s progress and the depth of the issues being addressed, as effective therapy is a personalized and evolving process.

Sex therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach aimed at addressing various sexual issues for individuals and couples. It can help with concerns such as low sexual desire, compulsive porn use, erectile dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation, pain during intercourse, and anorgasmia, among others. In this safe and professional space, clients can explore these sensitive topics without judgement and also heal sexual trauma. There will be no inappropriate physical closeness, touch, nudity, or sexual speech outside of a professional context. The focus remains on providing support and guidance to help clients navigate their sexual health and enhance intimacy.

A New Thing Therapy is an out-of network provider. An out-of-network provider is a therapist who does not participate in your insurance company's network, meaning that their services may not be fully covered by your insurance plan. As a result, payments are made out of pocket and are typically due at the start of each session. However, obtaining a superbill—a detailed receipt of your therapy sessions—can help you receive reimbursement from your insurance company. This superbill will be emailed to you and includes all necessary information, such as the services provided, diagnosis codes, and payment details, allowing you to submit a claim for potential reimbursement depending on your coverage plan.

I do offer a sliding scale, which is a flexible payment option offered by some therapists that adjusts the cost of services based on a client's financial situation. Its purpose is to make therapy more accessible to those who may not be able to afford standard rates due to varying income levels. To qualify for a sliding scale fee, clients may need to provide additional information, such as proof of income, details about dependents, and monthly expenses. It's important to note that there are limited spots available for sliding scale services, and they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's advisable to inquire about availability if you're interested. This approach helps ensure that individuals receive the support they need, regardless of their financial circumstances.

When engaging in telehealth therapy, it's important to know that we use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to protect your privacy and confidentiality. As our services are licensed in North Carolina, you must be physically located in the state during your sessions. Please ensure you are in a confidential space with your camera on for the duration of the appointment, and refrain from operating any machinery/vehicle or being under the influence of substances during our time together. A reliable internet connection is essential for productive therapy sessions with minimal distractions.

You have a legal and ethical right to privacy, often referred to as “confidentiality,” in therapy. This means your therapist is bound by law and ethics to keep your session information private, including session dates, discussion content, personal identifying information, and even the fact that you are attending therapy.

There are four exceptions to this confidentiality where a therapist is legally and ethically required to share certain details about your case:

1. You provide a signed Release of Information, granting your therapist permission to discuss your case with others, such as a family member or another healthcare provider.

2. You indicate a desire, intent, or plan to harm yourself or someone else.

3. There is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect concerning a minor child, an elderly individual (aged 60 or older), or a dependent adult.

4. A court order is received, requiring the disclosure of your information.

I have a 48-hour cancellation policy in place to ensure that all clients have the opportunity to access available appointment times. The therapy hour is specially reserved for you, and last-minute cancellations can negatively impact both your progress and the ability of others to receive timely support. If notice of cancellation is provided less than 48 hours before your scheduled session, the full session fee will be charged. While I understand that emergencies can arise, any exceptions to this policy must be discussed with the therapist on a case-by-case basis. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

No, I do not prescribe medication, as I am not a medical doctor. However, I may be familiar with some medications and their affects as it relates to your treatment and symptoms. While many of my clients find that medication can be beneficial, others make significant progress in therapy without it. If you're seeking an evaluation for psychiatric medication, I recommend reaching out to your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. If you are currently on medication, I can coordinate care with your prescribing doctor with your written permission also known as a Release of Information form.

I do not work with children under the age of 16. Additionally, I do not provide treatment for eating disorders, psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder), or clients in high crisis who may need more intensive care, including those with suicidal attempts or ideations. However, if such issues arise during treatment, I will provide support as needed. If the support you require falls outside my scope of practice or training—such as specific treatments for parenting, family planning, fertility issues, violent couples/families. I do not provide any psychological assessments or evaluations for child custody, support animals, ADHD testing, gender affirming surgery, neurodivergent testing —I may be able to refer you to other professionals who can assist you and have the expertise to do so.