Question 1

What is therapy, and how can it help me?

Accepted Answer

Therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a form of treatment that involves talking with a licensed mental health professional to address a wide range of mental health concerns and emotional challenges. Therapy can help you develop a better understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and provide you with the tools and skills to cope with life's challenges and improve your overall well-being. There are many different types of therapies and I choose the modality depending on your unique needs and goals. 
Therapy can help you in variety of ways, including:
Providing a safe and supportive environment to explore your thoughts and feelings.
Improving communication skills and enhancing relationships.
Developing new coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
Addressing unresolved emotional issues or trauma from the past.
Managing symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Enhancing your overall sense of well-being and quality of life.
Therapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-improvement.

Question 2

What kinds of therapy do you offer?

Accepted Answer

I provide individual, couples, and family therapy. I have an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist license from AZ state. In my practice, I work with clients age 4+. My approach to therapy is to meet the client where they are at and provide a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment. I am a Certified Anxiety Informed Professional (CAIP). I create a safe and healing therapeutic space for children, teens, adolescents, and adults struggling with anxiety and related issues like separation anxiety, OCD, phobias, panic attacks, and post-covid adjustment. I am also trained in play therapy and sand tray therapy to address early childhood issues and trauma. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. I have experience working with couples dealing with infidelity, divorce/separation, trust issues, communication issues, sexual issues, and parenting. I am trained in Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which allows me to help my clients develop skills that drastically help improve their day-to-day quality of life. I use family systems and psychodynamic approaches in helping families build enriching and lasting relationships. I am a culturally informed and LGBTQIA affirmative therapist. I offer in-person and on-line sessions. I do not believe in pathologizing mental health concerns instead I see these as life's transitions that sometimes can get the best of us. It can be overwhelming and lonely to find a solution and a path forward amid a struggle. If you or your loved one is going through one of life’s transitions and are motivated to seek support, I would feel privileged to help you find the answers and start your healing journey.

Question 3

How long does a therapy session last, and how many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The length of a therapy session and the number of sessions you may need can vary depending on the therapist and the type of therapy you're receiving. Generally, therapy sessions last between 45 minutes to an hour. My therapy sessions are generally 50-55mins. If you need a longer session, please ask and we can discuss options.

The number of therapy sessions you may need can also vary depending on your individual needs and goals. Some individuals may only need a few sessions to address a specific concern, while others may wish to have ongoing therapy to manage chronic mental health conditions or to work through more complex emotional issues.

I work with you to develop a treatment plan that takes into account your specific needs and goals, and I can provide you with an estimated timeline for your therapy based on your individual circumstances. It's important to keep in mind that therapy is a highly individualized process, and we work together to best accommodate your needs.

Question 4

What is the cost of therapy, and do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Current fee for on-line or in-person session is $125. Sessions generally last 50-55 minutes. I do not accept insurance. I prefer to work directly with you rather than through an intermediary like an insurance company. Not accepting insurance also allows me to offer a greater level of flexibility and confidentiality for your treatment. If needed, I can provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Question 5

Is therapy confidential, and what are the limits to confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Yes, therapy is confidential. Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in therapy and is an essential part of building a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship. This means that the information you share with me will be kept confidential and won't be shared with anyone without your explicit consent.

However, there are some limits to confidentiality that you should be aware of. I am required by law to report certain information to the appropriate authorities if I believe that you or someone else is at risk of harm. For example, if you disclose that you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, I may be required to report this information to a medical professional or emergency services to ensure your safety. Similarly, if you disclose information about child abuse or neglect, I may be required to report this information to child protective services.

During our first session we will discuss the limits to confidentiality so that you're fully aware of your rights. I will provide you with a clear explanation of their confidentiality policy and answer any questions you may have.

Question 6

What is a supervised private practice?

Accepted Answer

Supervised private practice is a type of clinical practice where a licensed mental health professional provides therapy services under the supervision of another licensed mental health professional. This type of practice is common for mental health professionals who are in the process of obtaining their independent license or who are transitioning to a new area of specialization. It also ensures that clients receive high-quality care, and that the therapist is adhering to ethical and professional standards.

In supervised private practice, the supervisor provides guidance and oversight to ensure that the therapist is providing high-quality care to their clients. The supervisor may review therapy session recordings, provide feedback on treatment plans, and offer support and guidance to the therapist as needed.

Saffron Counseling is a supervised private practice and Kara Gasperone, LMFT and an Arizona Board approved supervisor provides supervision for my practice. I am very fortunate to have Kara as my supervisor and believe that my clients benefit tremendously with her added supervision oversight.

Question 7

What should I expect in my first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

During your first therapy session, I typically begin by asking you some general questions about your background, current situation, and what brings you to therapy. I will also ask about your medical history, any medications you're currently taking, and any previous experience you've had with therapy.

I will share with you limits of confidentiality, explain my approach to therapy, what you can expect from the therapeutic process, and any policies or procedures you should be aware of. We will discuss any questions you may have. Time permitting, we will also work to set some goals for your therapy sessions and discuss how we will work together to achieve those goals. I may also suggest some strategies or techniques that may be helpful for your specific situation.

While it is important to remember that therapy is a process, and it may take some time to build a strong working relationship, the first session is also for you and me to evaluate our client-therapist fit. If either one of us believes we may not be a good fit, then I am happy to provide you with referrals to consider.

Question 8

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Life happens and there are times when you will need to reschedule or cancel. When you book a session, I hold that time slot specifically for you. I request that you let me know at least 24 hours before your session if you need to reschedule or cancel. A full session fees is charged for no shows and cancellations with less than 24 hours notice.

Question 9

Do you have evening and/or weekend availability?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I provide therapy services in evenings and weekends to accommodate client schedules. Please call our office at 612.322.3449 or email info@saffroncounseling.com to discuss scheduling.

Question 10

What if I'm not comfortable talking about certain topics in therapy?

Accepted Answer

It's not uncommon to feel uncomfortable or hesitant about discussing certain topics in therapy. I commit to creating a safe and confidential space where you can explore and work through difficult emotions and experiences. Above all, therapy is a collaborative process, and you have the right to set boundaries and work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

If there are topics that you're not ready or comfortable discussing in therapy, it's important to communicate this with me. I can work with you to find alternative approaches or techniques to address your concerns. For example, if you're not ready to talk about a traumatic experience, I may suggest other approaches like mindfulness exercises or relaxation techniques.

It's also important to remember that therapy is a process, and it may take time to build trust and feel comfortable discussing difficult topics. My goal is to support you and help you work through these challenges at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you.

Question 11

Is therapy right for everyone, or are there certain situations where it may not be appropriate?

Accepted Answer

While therapy can be helpful for many people, it may not be appropriate for everyone or for every situation. There are certain situations where other forms of support or treatment may be more effective. Here are some examples:

1.     If you are experiencing a medical emergency or crisis, therapy may not be the most appropriate form of support. In these situations, you may need to seek immediate medical attention or crisis services.
2.     If you are currently struggling with severe addiction or substance abuse, you may need to seek specialized treatment from a substance abuse professional or treatment facility.
3.     If you have a severe mental illness or disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, you may need a combination of medication and therapy to manage your symptoms.
4.     If you are in an abusive or unsafe situation, you may need to seek immediate help from a crisis center or legal support.
5.     If you are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression, therapy can be an effective form of treatment. However, if your symptoms are severe, you may need to consider medication or a combination of medication and therapy.

Ultimately, whether therapy is right for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances. It's important to speak with a mental health professional to determine the best course of treatment for you. If you are contemplating whether therapy is appropriate for you, feel free to reach out for a complimentary consultation via phone or email, and I will be happy to discuss your specific situation.

Frequently asked questions