Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of therapy/counseling?
Learn more about yourself, and how you respond to your surroundings. Improve relationships. Relieve/manage stress. Overcome depression, anxiety, psychological trauma, stress, etc.
The more we know ourselves, the better we can navigate our world and the people in it. Remember, it doesn't have to be bad to get better. So, you don't have to wait until your life, relationship, or experience feels miserable before addressing.
This is a title. Click here to edit and add your own text.
Learn more about yourself, and how you respond to your surroundings. Improve relationships. Relieve/manage stress. Overcome depression, anxiety, psychological trauma, stress, etc.The more we know ourselves, the better we can navigate our world and the people in it. Remember, it doesn't have to be bad to get better. So, you don't have to wait until your life, relationship, or experience feels miserable before addressing.
What can I expect in my first session?
During your first session, we are getting to know each other. At the root of all successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. This is the time your therapist learn about what brought you to see him/her, and begin to understand you as a person, beyond your presenting challenges. We also start to plan and develop a realistic plan for upcoming sessions.
This is an extra long title. Click here to edit and add your own text. It's easy.
Learn more about yourself, and how you respond to your surroundings. Improve relationships. Relieve/manage stress. Overcome depression, anxiety, psychological trauma, stress, etc.The more we know ourselves, the better we can navigate our world and the people in it. Remember, it doesn't have to be bad to get better. So, you don't have to wait until your life, relationship, or experience feels miserable before addressing.
GENERAL:
What can I expect in my first session?
During your first session, we are getting to know each other. At the root of all successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. This is the time your therapist learn about what brought you to see him/her, and begin to understand you as a person, beyond your presenting challenges. We also start to plan and develop a realistic plan for upcoming sessions.
How long does therapy usually take; weeks, months, years...?
For most clients, we recommend committing to at least four to six weeks of weekly sessions, in order to build a strong foundation. Frequency, thereafter, will be determined based on your needs and appropriateness. Change and growth take time. Each person and family are unique, so the needed time may differ and fluctuate for each client.
Sessions are generally 50 minutes, though may differ depending on your need.
What if I my therapist isn't the best fit for me?
All of our providers offer free phone consultations up to 15 minutes to get a general idea of what you're looking for in therapy and answer questions about their therapeutic approaches. Sometimes, a therapist's skill-set, experience, or personality turns out to not be the best fit for your needs. We encourage discussion around this. If we are not the best fit for you or your needs, we can help you connect with another therapist.
If I'm seeing a therapist for individual therapy, can I bring my partner or spouse to sessions?
Please do not bring additional people to your appointments without first discussing with your therapist. Each sessions is designated for you, the primary client, and your needs. If you and your therapist determine that having your partner present in a session is beneficial to you, the two of you can plan accordingly. This must be discussed and planned in advance.
Do you offer after-hours or emergency appointments?
All of our providers see clients by appointment only; no walk-ins. If you require acute or concierge care, we can help you connect with another provider offering higher levels of care. Our providers may not be immediately responsive via phone/email. In the event you feel unsafe, or experience a mental health emergency, please call 988 or 911, or go to your closest emergency room.
How much does therapy cost?
Therapy is an investment in your health and overall well-being. Our rates are in-line with what is typical and reasonable for the Decatur/Atlanta area. Depending on your provider, fees range from $125 to $185 per 50-minute individual session. Couples and family session fees range from $150 to $185.
Some clinicians offer reduced-fee sessions on a limited basis. These rates are determined based on financial needs of clients and availability of reduced fee spots. Proof of income is required for adjusted rate agreements.
Can I use my insurance, and what does "out-of-network" mean?
We know you have insurance for a reason: to use it when you need it. Some of our clinicians are in-network with Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield or Humana. Please confirm that your therapist is in-network with your insurance provider before scheduling your first appointment.
"Out-of-network" means that we do not have a contract with a specific insurance company. Clients are responsible for paying for our services, in full, at each appointment. Though some or all of our services may be covered by your insurance plan as out-of-network, this depends on your policy. Contact your member services (number on back of your card) to inquire about coverage for CPT codes 90837 and 90791.
What is confidentiality and privilege?
What happens in session, stays in session.* We respect your privacy, and so does the law. We will not discuss any content from your session, nor any information we have about you, including your identity, with anyone other than you without written permission from you.
Confidentiality is limited when using insurance. We are required to provide a clinical diagnosis, which becomes part of your medical history. When applying for some insurance, members may be asked if you have "seen a mental health provider."
*Please note, that we are mandated reports. If child maltreatment is disclosed to us, we are required by law to file a formal report with DFCS. We are not qualified to assess or validate allegations; we are simply required to notify DFCS. Also, your safety is very important to us. If we feel that you are an imminent risk to yourself or to others, we may insist that you seek more intensive care from a hospital, acute care, or inpatient facility.
What is clinical hypnotherapy?
Clinical hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis in conjunction with evidenced-based psychological techniques. It is the avenue through which healing takes place, not the healing itself. Hypnosis simply helps clients reach a heightened state of relaxation to better access wounded or troubled parts that may be blocked by critical or protective parts of subpsyche. Meditation, guided imagery, and suggestion are used to enhance treatment. Clients are in control of their experience. You may open your eyes at any time, and are not in a permanent trance, as you may have seen on TV or in stage acts. Click here for more information.
What is mindfulness, and how does it work?
Mindfulness is simply paying attention to what's actually happening in the moment with purpose, curiosity and intention; rather than a critical or judgmental lens. It's a heightened sense of awareness., and may includes practices, such as meditation, yoga, mind-body sensing, or movement. When we invent and react to stories created from past experience and predictions of future outcomes, the feelings are really happening, but the thoughts that fuel them are not facts in the present. Mindfulness helps us stay present to identify what is actually happening right now. Click here for more information. More.
How are yoga and meditation used in therapy at The Peaceful Place?
All of our clinicians are experienced in meditation, and will sometimes use this practice in session to assist in grounding, calming, increasing present moment awareness, and teaching for home practice. When appropriate to meet clients' needs, some clinicians may utilize yoga or other forms of mindful movement, to help clients move through difficult emotions, experiences, traumatic memories/senses. Any therapeutic movement, here, is light and safe. There are no formal classes in yoga, Thai Chi, Qi Gong, or martial arts, unless the clinician/provider is trained and certified to teach these practices.
Art therapy is a practice which combines the creative processes of art making with counseling/psychotherapy. This mode of therapy creates a space for growth and healing beyond the limitations of words. An art therapist is a licensed mental health professional with a Master's Degree in art therapy. Additionally, they have completed a minimum level of supervision to become a Registered Art Therapist. Click here for more information.
This practice is for all levels of artistic skill and experience. Even if you've never done art before, you will find this creative and experiential process beneficial.
For whom is art therapy appropriate?
Art therapy is great for kids, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Research has shown this modality to be incredibly effective for children, due to going beyond the need for words. Children don't have the emotional vocabulary many adults do, therefore, respond well to art therapy. Adults also benefit greatly from this modality, given its ability to move us through an experience without having to first make sense of it with words.
Art therapy is available as individual therapy and in groups.
Do I need to bring my own materials for art therapy?
All the materials you will need are provided by Megan and Katie during your session. If you have specific mediums of art you wish to share in therapy, you are certainly welcome to discuss with your therapist, or bring to your session.
What is perinatal mental health?
This form of therapy focuses on women who are struggling with life transition, mental health, stressors, etc. related to pregnancy, child-birth, and parenthood. Our therapists trained in this area of practice are trained and experienced in working with clients experiencing these challenges. More.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidenced based modality shown to be effective in treating trauma and PTSD, stimulating bilateral processing in the brain. It's non-invasive and very effective. For people experiencing trauma, this method helps to process and move through memories that keep you (and your nervous system) stuck in a traumatic event. Clinicians using this method require extensive training and supervision. More.
What is Corrective Bodywork, Movement, and Lifestyle Therapy?
This method of healing accounts for the mind, body, and spirit. As part of five sessions, you will experience an in-depth assessment to determine your needs, a personalized and comprehensive plan to reach your intended outcomes, and expert guidance throughout the process. More.