FAQ
What is therapy like?
Mellowbeing Counseling is a professional, confidential and non-judgmental space. We honor the story of those we are privileged to sit with. Nothing said is to large or too small for your therapist’s ears. It’s impact on you is what we care about. We work with you to set goals towards effectively managing life’s stresses, processing difficult experiences, and finding better presence with your world.
Therapy can be transformative to not only the individual/child/relationship but also for their families, environment, and life experience. The work you put in here matters. We are warmly grateful to be witness to it
Feel Free to read more about specific therapies we provide
What is the difference between a Psychotherapist/Counselor, Psychologist, and a Psychiatrist?
What we provide here at Mellowbeing Counseling is psychotherapy/counseling. Our Counselors hold a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health.
Our goal is to provide an empathetic space for you to process trauma, grief, relationship struggles, depression/anxiety. We formulate custom treatment plans that meet the unique needs of the child, individual, or relationship involving the client in establishing their goals for healing and growth.
We know the terms in mental health professionals can get confusing as they are often used interchangeably!
We do not prescribe medication (psychiatrist) nor do we provide psychological testing and evaluation (psychologist) but we do have a referral list for both and are always happy to help you find what you are looking for!
Why Would I Speak to a Therapist instead of a Friend?
This is a great question, and we totally get it! You trust your friends, they know you, and they are genuinely supportive. Seeing a therapist can offer:
Professional insight through training on what you are experiencing
A non-judgmental, empathetic, and confidential space
Professional boundaries and ethical standards to limit bias
Prioritization of you and your feelings
Release of guilt about taking up a therapist’s time. We CHOOSE to be this space for you.
How Do I Know if I Chose the Right Therapist?
You’ll often have a gut sense of whether your therapist is a good fit - you know when you like someone, and when you feel comfortable around them.
If your therapist is a good fit, you’ll likely:
Look forward to sessions
Feel productive leaving session
Notice positive changes in your life
Feel comfortable and free to express your true feelings
If you don’t feel that a therapist is working for you or feel the process has stagnated, talk to you therapist about it. It’s our job to provide the care that YOU feel brings you to the best version of yourself. We can shift, explore needed areas, or help you find a therapist that might be a better fit!
How Should I Prepare for My First Session?
As you begin your therapy journey, it can be comforting to know what to expect during your first session with your therapist.
If you have completed your intake paperwork, your therapist may refer to what you included to explore more of what you are wanting for the therapeutic process. If you haven’t completed paperwork, your first session will be an intake session.
This first session is a great time to ask any questions you may have and get a feel if the therapist is a right fit for you. If you would like to speak to your therapist prior to this first session, note this when you reach out to us so we can set up a free 15min phone consultation.
Ways you can prepare for your first session:
Lead with an open mind about therapy, and allow openness to the possibility that this can be a helpful experience.
Write down any specific topics and issues you want to cover if not already noted in your intake paperwork.
Remember that while your therapist is a professional, they are also human too. We entered this field to really be present with people’s thoughts, emotions, stories, and perspectives. We look forward to knowing you!
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is held with care between you and your counselor for all things spoken or explored during a therapy session. Limited data is recorded for billing and to benefit your continued progress.
There are only a few situations in which a counselor may disclose information discussed in session:
If your counselor believes that you to be actively suicidal to ensure your safety
If you express any intent to cause bodily harm or injury to another human being
If there is any reason to believe that a minor child or vulnerable adult is the victim of abuse or neglect
If your counselor is court ordered to share documentation or speak with a legal representative
What if I ghosted my therapist?
Maybe it’s been a while since your last session. No matter the reason…here’s the good news:
Your therapist DOES NOT take it personally!
Of course we care for you and may wonder how you are but your journey is important to us and we understand that life gets busy, people need breaks from therapy, not every therapist is right for every client, etc.
Maybe you didn’t reschedule, life got busy- but you’ve been struggling lately and you're wondering if you should reach back out…go for it!
Maybe you started feeling like therapy was stagnate and you weren’t making progress…let them know! Therapy should fit your needs. If your needs have changed or things aren’t working, we love feedback and love opportunities to try new things with you!
Maybe you want to try a different therapist or different form of therapy…tell them! Therapists are here for you and what YOU need. We would be happy to help you find a better fit!
How Do I Know When to See a Therapist?
We all experience seasons of ups and downs in life. It’s normal to feel low one day but gain a new perspective that makes you feel better a week later.
But if your feelings are becoming overwhelming, or you’re noticing a significant change in daily life, it might be time to see a therapist.
Signs it’s time to see a therapist:
You don’t feel like yourself
You’re struggling in your relationships
Your feel out of control of your emotions
You’re mind and/or conversations are centered around your emotions and challenges
How much does it cost?
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance and Private Pay Clients. If you have BCBS, your co-pay will be what you pay at the time of your appointment. Co-pays are determined by insurance.
We offer a sliding scale for Private Pay clients. That can be found here.
Accessibility to care is important to us and finances should not prevent you from beginning your journey to healing. Reach out with any questions you may have!
What do you mean by “Affirming Care”?
Glad you asked! We are passionate about providing a safe space.
Affirming Care means that everyone is born with differences and there is no attribute that is better or worse than others. We celebrate, accept, include, and honor those differences. Each person’s neurotype, sexuality, spirituality, age, life experience, and other identities have their own strengths and challenges.
We at Mellowbeing Counseling assume deserving respect to ALL people. We are not here to change who you are. We are here to help you grow into what you identify the most fulfilled version of you!
If you are seeking Affirming Therapy, lookout for this being listed on your therapist’s website / social media. If you don’t see it, ask!
You deserve care that supports YOU and the healing journey that helps you live your most authentic self!
What if I need to cancel?
We know things come up. We ask that all cancellations be made prior to the day of therapy.
If you cancel on the same day of therapy, you will be charged a $50 dollar late cancellation fee.
If you or someone you care for is sick the day of your session, let us know as soon as you can. We do not charge for sickness. We’d rather allow you your space to rest and keep germs out of the office for other’s wellness.
If you do not notify your counselor to cancel your appointment, you will be charged a one-time $75 dollar no call/no show fee.
Where did the name “Mellowbeing” come from and what does the logo mean?
Oooo, so glad you asked! A lot of thought and intention went into both our logo and our name. It’s honestly too much to write out in this little question block. Our “About Us” page tells all. Check it out!
Will my therapist be able to fix me?
After a session or two with your therapist…do they have an idea of your stuck point? Do they see a path to your personal freedom, fulfillment, joy, and the solution to your concerns? …most likely yes!
Will they fast track you to steps and solutions, tell you exactly what you need to do to solve it all…most likely no.
“But Why?!?” I’m sure you’re wondering. The simple answer is…your therapist is not YOU. You know yourself better than anyone else.
Therapists are not advice givers despite popular opinion.
Is certainly true that a more directive approach would be quicker and produce results fast. But we will share a quote with you from Jane Nelson, author of Positive Discipline, when she was discussing the behavioralist approach to parenting (rewards and punishments as opposed to focus on relationship-building) .... she said "Beware of what works". We feel it can apply here as well. There is such a deep knowing that clients can come to when they have walked the road to it themselves. We believe in walking along side you. Not in front of you.
Being told and quickly guided to the sun may not allow roots to secure deep in the soil. A strong wind may topple quick progress made if not held by that deep knowing, by strong roots. And roots take time and hard work to establish.
We believe YOU are the expert on YOU. While we are there to offer insight and notice parts of your story that are of importance, it would be a disservice to not allow you to lead in your own healing. If given the space to, you will make lasting changes that will allow you to stand tall in any future storm.
