How long do sessions last?

Sessions typically last between 45 and 53 minutes, though some extend to 60 minutes when a specialized trauma treatment protocol is being used.

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What should I expect at the first session?

Your first session is a chance to get to know your provider and ask any questions you have about the clinic or the therapy process. You'll review your intake paperwork together, and you'll have space to share about yourself: what brings you in, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy.

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How long do I have to keep attending therapy?

This is a very common question, and when most therapists answer with "it depends," clients are often frustrated. But it really does depend. Good therapists have no desire to keep you coming back without improvement. There are other clients waiting to receive services, and beyond that, we genuinely like to see our clients feel better. The healing process, and how long it takes, is a multifaceted matter that draws on many factors: the type of pain, how long it has been there, why it is there, who was involved in creating it, whether there is a genetic component, whether the causes are still present, how comfortable you feel about therapy, how comfortable you feel with your therapist, whether you have support outside of session, and more.

 

Why do I need a therapist? Why can't I just talk to a friend or family member?

Family and friends can be a great source of support, so do talk to them. These people are your first line of help, and when you have access to their time and attention, use it. Often, though, people come to therapy to discuss things that are harder to share with others, or things they've tried to share but reached a dead end with, because those around them didn't know how else to help.

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What can I expect from therapy?

Many people seek therapy hoping to go back to the way they were before. I often tell clients that, short of inventing a time machine, we have no way to return to the past. What therapy offers instead is an opportunity to heal old wounds and to develop and practice new skills you didn't have before. In that sense, you could end up better off than you were before.

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What is the difference between psychotherapy and counseling?

While many people use these terms interchangeably, counseling tends to be shorter-term and more problem-focused, whereas psychotherapy tends to be more person-focused. For example, if someone struggles with taking tests, a counseling approach explores ways to build new skills to do better on exams. In psychotherapy, while there may still be some psychoeducation to help the client learn skills, there is a deeper level of exploration, asking questions like: Why is he this anxious about exams? What does it mean to him to do well, and what does it mean to do poorly? How long has he had this fear? How did it first emerge? How did his family react to it?

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What do the initials after a provider's name mean?

The letters after a professional's name indicate their degree(s) and licensure. Some providers will add letters for additional training that they possess and usually identify those in their titles for clarification.

 

• Degrees: PsyD, EdD, and PhD indicate a doctoral degree. MD indicates a medical doctor. MA or MS indicates a master's degree.

• Minnesota licenses: LP is Licensed Psychologist. LPCC is Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. LICSW is Licensed Clinical Social Worker. LMFT is Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

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What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are physicians who completed medical school and received specialized training in mental health. While some do psychotherapy, most today primarily prescribe medication.
Psychologists hold either a master's or a doctorate in psychology and usually provide psychotherapy, and sometimes psychological testing. Psychologists rarely prescribe medication, though in some U.S. states they are authorized to do so.

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I'm very private, and it's important to me that the issues I talk about stay confidential. Is my confidentiality completely protected?

By law, mental health providers are obligated to protect your confidentiality fully, with a few exceptions. These exceptions relate to child or elder abuse, a threat to harm another person, a risk that you may harm yourself, or a court order to release records. In addition, if you want to use insurance to pay for therapy, it will be necessary to provide the information your insurer requires, which will likely include a diagnosis. If that's the case, we'll discuss with you what is disclosed.

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How do I become a client?

1. Fill out our intake questionnaire (available on the main page)

2. Once you complete it, we'll reach out and send you an invite to the client portal with additional forms to fill out.

3. Our office manager will contact you about available appointments and schedule your first visit.

4. Bring your insurance card (if you're using insurance) and a photo ID to your appointment.

5. Arrive on time.

6. When you get here, feel free to have a seat in our lobby and help yourself to coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or water.

7. If you’re meeting your provider via telehealth be sure to be in a private location where you are able to speak freely and that you’re located in Minnesota.