Doing Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re wondering what therapy really looks like, how it works, what to expect, and how to begin; you’re not alone. Here are answers to the most common questions clients ask when starting this journey.
What is therapy, and how can it help?
Therapy is a collaborative process where we explore your thoughts, feelings, and patterns within a safe, supportive environment. It helps with challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or life transitions, supporting both symptom relief and personal growth.
Who benefits from therapy?
Therapy isn’t only for crises or mental health diagnoses. It’s helpful for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or curious about personal growth, even if everything seems “fine” on the surface.
What happens during the first session?
Your first session is about connection, orientation, and understanding. We review your history, your present concerns, and what you’d like to achieve. You’ll also learn about confidentiality, logistics, and decide if we’re a good fit moving forward.
How should I prepare?
There’s no need to prepare anything specific. Just come as you are. It can be helpful to think about what brought you here, your goals, or any questions you’d like to ask in the session.
How long are therapy sessions and how often?
Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long. Most people begin with weekly appointments, especially during the early stages of the process, to establish consistency and build momentum. Over time, the frequency may shift depending on your progress, goals, and needs. Some clients move to biweekly or monthly sessions as they gain more stability and confidence.
How long does therapy take?
Therapy length varies by individual need. Short-term treatment models may take a few months, while longer-term therapy explores deeper themes and patterns over six months or more.
Do you accept insurance? What are the payment options?
At this time, Anne Counseling is out-of-network with all insurance providers. You can pay privately via cash, check, or Stripe, and a superbill can be provided for possible insurance reimbursement. There are advantages to private pay, including maintaining confidentiality and avoiding mandatory diagnoses.
Where are sessions held?
Therapy sessions are offered both in-person and online to accommodate your preferences and needs. If you’re local, you’re welcome to meet with me at my office located at 3785 Airport Pulling Road, Suite 4, in Naples, Florida. For those who prefer the flexibility of remote sessions, I also offer virtual appointments through SimplePractice, a secure and HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.
How to schedule an appointment?
I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can connect and see if therapy is a good fit. You can book this and your initial intake session through my online scheduling system.
What if therapy isn’t working or I don’t feel comfortable?
Feeling comfortable with your therapist is essential. If something feels off, please let me know during sessions so that we can adjust our approach. Therapy is a collaborative process and I very much value your input! If it still doesn’t feel like the right fit, I’ll gladly help you find another therapist who may be a better match.
These FAQs reflect what I most often hear from people exploring therapy. Curiosity, caution, hope, and a genuine desire to understand the process is vital. My goal is to support you by demystifying therapy and helping you feel more informed and empowered to take that next step.
Ready to begin?
Therapy is a powerful space for healing, growth, and transformation. Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety or longing for deeper insight into yourself, you’ve already taken the bravest step by reading this. I’m here to support you every step of the way.
To learn more or schedule your free consultation, feel free to reach out!
With warmth and care,
Anne