What to expect
HOW can THERAPY HELP me?
I use talk therapy to get to the root of the problems that are intervening in your life. I help you reset your mind and body to regain a feeling of security. Working together, You will learn to gradually begin to release the trauma you’ve endured. I will assist you in rebuilding what feels lost, and help you reconnect with hope. Through therapy you can feel purpose and move towards a healthy life.
WHAT kind of therapist are you?
I am open and honest. I love what I do and bring both my personality and expertise into my practice. I am familiar with the topics that are concerning you so you won't need to wonder if I understand or if I am okay. I take a lot of notes so I can share a letter with you after the session.
How do I know if this is a safe space?
If there is one place where you can talk about anything, it is here. I can assure you that you will not be judged based on race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, sexual interests, life circumstances or beliefs. I have your best interests at heart and am here to support you in living your most fulfilling life.
WHAT IS THE FIRST APPOINTMENT LIKE?
The first appointment begins with a virtual tour of my office and paperwork. Then we address any questions or concerns you have. Your time is important to me, so I like to jump in straight away. I start the sessions with what brought you in and more importantly what keeps you going. As we finish, we will confirm your payment information and schedule another appointment.
HOW DO I contact you?
The best way to contact me is through the connect portal or directly email me at mailegracetherapy@gmail.com. I can also be reached at (559) 964-7223 (please leave a message). Although I work flexible hours, I am not on call. I return phone calls and emails within a 48hour period.
HOW DOES TELE-HEALTH WORK?
I use an easy HIPPA compliant platform through Simple Practice. Ten minutes before the session you will receive a link to the session. It can take some time to get used to seeing people on screen. If you ever have a question about the process please let me know! I work on a sit/stand desk and sit on a yoga ball. I invite you to get comfortable in your space too, to get the most out of our meeting.
HOW MUCH DO SERVICES COST?
I charge $145 per 55-minute session and $180 per 80-min session. Therapy should feel comfortable. If you are concerned about paying for therapy, reach out and ask me about my sliding fee scale. I accept payment via debit or credit card, HSA or FSA card, (and other contactless payments) at the end of each session.
DO YOU accept INSURANCE?
I believe in affordable and convenient health care. Currently, I accept United Health Care, Oscar, Aetna, Cigna and Oxford. I also accept PPO clients from Mines and Associates. I am also happy to provide you with receipts and super bills. If you have questions about your coverage reach out to me and we can find out together.
How long will i need to go therapy?
This depends on what you would like to work on, the frequency of your attendance, and your commitment to the work. Sometimes clients come in for one thing and then find they really would like to work on other things too. Sometimes, we are able to get to a spot where you are feeling good within a couple sessions and then we go from there.
What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative therapy is a highly respectful and collaborative approach that views people and problems as separate. For example, a client who consults me who report a relationship with depression would not be labeled as depressed, but rather, would be viewed as persons who are sometimes paid a visit by depression. This distinction allows me the ability to see the ‘rest’ of the person rather than seeing a person as being completely totalized by the problems that might sometimes intervene in their lives.
Narrative therapists view people as multi-storied and their identity is seen as a social construction, meaning that stories told by the people around us influence who we believe ourselves to be. Sometimes broader societal structures tell stories about us without our consent. For example, Western culture often stories male-identified persons as aggressive, non-nurturing, and devoid of emotion. Not all men, however, find this construction of maleness to fit the kind of person they want to be. Narrative therapists help people to identify the dominant societal stories and assist them in locating alternative or counter stories that better fit who they would most prefer to be.
Rather than diagnosing or making expert interpretations, narrative therapists ask questions to draw on the knowledge of the person who consults them. This knowledge includes the community, cultural, and ancestral knowledge a person carries with them and is assumed to be of immense value. Counter stories are arrived at through a process of co-creation rather than the therapist providing prescriptive techniques or dispensing advice. This process helps to create a set of conditions where people have the potential to be in awe of their own knowledge and abilities in ways they might not have even been aware of before the start of the therapeutic process.
Click to schedule an appointment or call (559) 964-7223 for a free consultation!
What is EMDR?
Are we a good fit?
WE PROBABLY ARE A GOOD FIT IF:
You know Telehealth is a good fit for you.
You belief human rights and social justice issues are important.
You are interested in moving your body in ways that feel comforting.
You are ready to explore, be curious, break down unhelpful stories and move towards comfort.
You want to manage your trauma and learn how to live differently.
You want to experience grief differently and be able to live a more empowered life.
You want to challenge some of the oppressive stories running your life.
You are looking for a new way to see things.
You are looking for a trained professional who will co collaborate with you to find a healing outcome.
WE PROBABLY AREN’T A GREAT FIT IF:
You are looking for in person therapy.
You are looking for structured therapy with home work.
You want an expert to tell you what to do.
You feel strongly about having a diagnosis.
If you are looking for religious counseling.
You don’t really want to go to therapy.
