Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to some of clients' most frequently asked questions
Q:
Wouldn't it be better if I worked things out myself?
Alone time to reflect is great but sometimes we are unable to work things out ourselves. Working with me will allow you to consider things you may have not considered before. Additionally, processing trauma or situations out-loud with another person will allow greater probability to move through your struggles vs staying stuck in them.
A:
Q:
Who can I call if I feel my rights have been violated?
If you think I may have violated your privacy rights, you may file a complaint with me, as the Privacy Officer for my practice. Due to telehealth, I am not in my office.
Phone: 619.350.4755 Email: mweathersmft@gmail.com
You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by:
1. Sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201;
2. Calling 1-877-696-6775
3.Visiting www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints.
I will not retaliate against you if you file a complaint about my privacy practices.
A:
Q:
Do your work after "business hours"?
My business hours vary. Right now I am available in the afternoon/evenings and on the weekends. You can find my availability when booking. If there is a specific time you are looking for but don’t see it available, please email me.
A:
Q:
How long does it take to feel better?
I believe it is difficult to put a timeframe on healing. Depending on what you are coming in to work on, together, we will discuss an average timeframe for healing after your initial session. Throughout therapy will assess how things are going and check in on your emotions and state of stability/ progress.
A:
Q:
What can I expect from Therapy?
Therapy can be a bittersweet process. Sometimes things begin to feel worse before they get better. This happens because often times our defense mechanisms kick in to try their best to keep us safe when uncomfortable feelings arise. Coming to therapy, unhelpful defense mechanisms will be gently challenged to create new ways of being. Instead of ignoring, suppressing, or numbing out, you will be encouraged to try different behaviors and practice new skills to create, for yourself, a better way of living. One that feels good to you. Therapy is a shared journey and a process that we will travel together. You will always make your own decisions, and I do not have all the answers to your concerns, but I do have an ability to listen, reflect, and ask you thoughtful questions to get you thinking. This will help shape the direction of your work and growth. I will respect you and you can expect that I will offer opinions and suggestions from time to time. Therapy sessions are 50 minutes long.
A:
Q:
How much do you charge?
-
$145.00 per individual therapy session
-
$165.00 per couple therapy session
-
$185.00 per family therapy session
-
$145.00 per 2020 stress related session
-
$35-45 per group therapy session
My fees are listed below:
Q:
How will I know if you're the right therapist for me?
During our first call, we will chat briefly about who I am and who you are and decide if we think it is a good fit. Within the first couple sessions you will be able to sense if I am the right professional to help you through what you are struggling with. Please also read my “About Me” page and follow my professional Instagram and Facebook page to get a sense of who I am and how I work.
A:
Q:
How often will we meet?
I will make a recommendation about how often we should meet based off of your intake questionnaire and initial therapy session. Ultimately, you will be able to decide what will be best for you after hearing my recommendation. Throughout therapy we will assess how things are going and check in on your emotions and state of stability/ progress. As you progress and goals are met, we will be able to decrease how often we are meeting, this is called the ‘maintenance stage’ of therapy.
A:
Q:
Who do you typically work with?
I work with a variety of people and do individual, couple, and family therapy. I am knowledgeable in anxiety, depression, trauma, borderline personality disorder, cooccurring disorders, substance dependence, bipolar disorder, thought disorders, and family’s struggling with communication and connection. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming & support those dealing with gender identity/expression issues; self, family, and community acceptance; & those pre, during & post transition.
A:
Q:
Are there issues or types of client's that you DON'T work with?
I do not provide treatment to those actively struggling with an eating disorder and I do not conduct child custody evaluations.
A:
Q:
What is your cancellation
policy?
I require 24 hours notice of cancellation. If this doesn’t happen you will be responsible for paying for the missed appointment. An exception may be made in the case of an emergency. Meeting consistently is key to maintaining progress.
A:
Q:
What theoretical approach do you use?
I believe that through a safe, therapeutic connection, healing can begin. Once the relationship has been formed, there is a strong foundation to build from. I find that “insight-oriented” psychotherapy works best with my clients, but I will adapt depending on the needs of the client. Often, I use both insight-oriented modalities alongside cognitive based practices to build insight and an ability to use skills to cope with and manage difficult feelings that arise throughout the human experience.
A:
Q:
Do you prescribe medication?
No, I am not a medical doctor. Many client’s find medication helpful in conjunction with therapy. If you are curious about how medications may help you, please go through your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. If you decide to take psychiatric medications, I would like to coordinate care with your doctor.