FAQs

How many sessions do you recommend?

The recommendation of sessions vary depending on each client’s needs and level of functioning affected by issues or areas of concern. Sessions are normally conducted once a week, bi-weekly or once a month and it is the client’s decision how often to be seen.

How long do sessions last?

The first session can range from 1-1.5 hours. Sessions, thereafter, last 45 minutes to an hour.

What is the difference between a Therapist and Psychiatrist?

Therapists are licensed professionals in mental health who specialize in talk therapy and other modalities to assist with symptom relief, reflection, and growth. 

Psychiatrists can provide talk therapy on a limited basis, but mostly specialize in psychotropic medication management and prescription.

Research shows having one or the other for services is beneficial however, the best results involve a combination of talk therapy and medication management.

What types of insurance do you take?

We are paneled with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Subsets of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Optum, and Magellan.

‘I feel like something is wrong’ and how can I figure out if there is something wrong?’

The best way to figure out if something is ‘wrong’ is to have an assessment done by a professional. You do not have to have all the answers to have an assessment and an assessment does not mean something is ‘wrong’ with you. An assessment is an overview of information gathered from and discussed openly with the client about what is going on. Having a professional help you, is a good way to determine your needs.

How long have you been counseling?

Ashley: I have been counseling since 2016 when I graduated with my Master’s degree however have been practicing counseling related activities since 2013. I became provisionally licensed in 2017 and fully licensed in 2019.

LaNita: I have been counseling since 2014. I started in private practice doing rehabilitative and behavioral services. In 2018 I became a licensed professional counselor associate which means I had a provisional licensed and am now fully licensed in 2020.

What got you interested in counseling?

Ashley: My father became sick in 2011 and passed away in 2013 which encouraged me to get counseling to assist with processing his death. I did not have the experience I expected or wanted to have and that motivated me to get into counseling.

LaNita: I became interested in counseling when I was in college for undergrad. I realized how much I needed counseling because I was the first person in my immediate family to go away for college. I was homesick and sad. Going to counselor changed my life. I realized that I wanted to help people the way my counselor helped me.

What theoretical approaches do you use?

Ashley: I am a person-centered Therapist with a mix of existentialism because I feel it is important for individuals I work with to understand their purpose, their ‘why’, and the meaning behind things. I also use elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

LaNita: I consider myself an Adlerian.  Adlerian Theory can be used in a combination with other theories and techniques. I believe in assessing personal history, childhood memories in hopes of getting an understanding of core beliefs as it may play a role in one’s decision making and thought process.. Also being able to provide the Client with a different perspective on a conflicting issue. I will mix Adlerian a lot of times with existentialism because I believe in harvesting your purpose and not being afraid of the unknown. Another component that is important is  being holistic in mind and body.

How would you describe your method to approaching clients?

Ashley: I am very enthusiastic, optimistic, genuine and challenging. I consider myself someone who confronts clients and assists them in growing the way they want to.

LaNita: I believe in a working alliance. I work hard to assure that my Clients feel safe to say and feel what they need and want. Rapport is very important to my approach. I strive for my clients to feel nurtured, heard,comfortable with being in the moment so that they leave the session feeling lighter from “mental weight.”