FAQs

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, We will help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with therapy. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

If we think medication is needed to decrease symptoms to engage in therapy work, we will refer you to our prescriber team through Journey Clinical for a psychiatrist evaluation.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. We tailor the therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

Will my sessions be remote or in-person?

Individual therapy sessions will be held remotely using a secure HIPPA compliant video platform. Group art therapy is held in-person. 

You must be located in NY state for all telehealth sessions. To get the most from your session, please make sure your environment is distraction free and you have access to a strong WI-FI connection and privacy.

Will my sessions be mostly talk therapy or art therapy?

Psychotherapy using verbal processing and art to access the subconscious is the foundation of training for creative arts therapists. We will follow the lead of the client when it comes to the balance between talking and creative expression. 

How does art therapy work?

There are two types of art therapy approaches: Art as Therapy and Art Psychotherapy. Art Psychotherapy approaches include offering directives and prompts such as: Color your feelings in the Body, Create a Worry Tree, Draw a Picture of a Safe Place, Draw a Nightmare and Change the Ending, etc. These interventions will be suggested based on the content of your sessions. 

Art as Therapy includes an Open Studio approach in which art materials are offered with no specific instruction except to express what surfaces.

Creative Arts Therapy approached utilize different creative approaches along with art, such as added music to sessions or movement.

Please let your therapist know your preferences.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and am I good fit?  If so, when should we add this to my treatment?

If you've been to therapy for years and tried medications and still feel stuck, KAP may be a beneficial option for your treatment plan. KAP is also useful if you are currently experiencing severe depression and anxiety which causes a distress that needs immediate relief.

Ketamine is also a powerful catalyst to ongoing psychotherapy where a solid rapport has been built but rigid ego defenses may be preventing the work from going deeper.

Ketamine can be utilized to boost energy and motivation due to its neuroplasticity effects making it easier to apply behavior changes and healthier habits required to make lasting changes. Overall, Ketamine treatments can make therapy more effective.

We don't endorse the use of any illegal substances, and we will refer you to a professional specialized Ketamine prescriber.

See the KAP speciality page for more info on the process.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.