Questions & Answers
What can you expect from your initial consultation?
The initial consultation is generally a time for “information gathering”. In order for therapists to effectively evaluate your concerns, develop possible interventions, and arrive at possible diagnoses (As required by insurance companies), they need to learn as much as they can about you in a short period of time. Remember, you are the only person who can tell your life story; the therapist is there to listen.
Does my insurance cover the therapy?
Many insurance companies include mental health benefits. We encourage you to contact you insurance company to inquire about such benefits.
Do you file my insurance?
Moving Forward, PLC does not participate on any insurance panels, or are participants as an in-network provider with any insurance companies. However, many insurance companies have out-of-network mental health benefits. We can provide you with a statement of receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
How long is a therapy session?
The initial intake is 60-90 minutes. Therapy sessions are typically 50-60 minutes.
Which age groups to you work with?
At Moving Forward, PLC, our therapists are trained to work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.
What is talk therapy?
Talk therapy, otherwise known as psychotherapy, is a process in which you discuss current thoughts, feelings, and life stressors. The goal is the establish coping skills and devise solutions that can help you to manage your stressors lead the life you want to live. There are many types of talk therapy, we use multiple modalities which can be tailored to focus more on thoughts, behaviors, interpersonal skills and the goals you want to accomplish in therapy.
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is a type of psychotherapy, typically used with children ages 3 to 12. During a play therapy session, the therapist creates a safe environment for the child who is open and allowed to play, with few limits. The selection of specific toys are meant to allow the child to express emotions in a healthy way, as the child’s interaction with the toys may provide a non-verbal indication of thoughts and emotions. As the therapeutic process continues, the therapist may introduce specific toys or art and creative activities that are related to the issues the child is facing, to help the child find the best modality to express their somatic symptoms into words.
What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?
Oftentimes, the terms are used interchangeably. However, counseling is often utilized to identify short-term problems and crises. It involves a short-term process with the goal of changing behaviors. Psychotherapy helps individuals identify and work through problems that have built up over a longer period of time, with the goal of understanding your thoughts, feelings and actions more clearly. This is typically a longer process that involves delving into an individual’s background to identify problems.
How often are counseling or psychotherapy appointments scheduled?
Typically, therapy appointments are scheduled 1-2 times per week. However, frequency of sessions can be very individualized, and is something you should discuss with your therapist.
Will my therapist talk about me to anyone else without my permission?
Absolutely not! As therapists, we are ethically and legally bound to keep the content of our session confidential. The only exception is when a person in therapy is either an imminent risk to himself or others, or in cases of child abuse and neglect; in these cases, the therapist is obligated to contact the appropriate authorities. The therapist at your request with a formal letter with authorization to release information, will contact and discuss your case or your child’s case.