FAQs
Q: What is psychotherapy?
A: Psychotherapy is a process where you work with a trained mental health professional to address emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges. At its core is the compassionate relationship between the therapist and client. Therapy offers a unique opportunity to better understand yourself, identify patterns, and make meaningful changes to create a life that is more fulfilling, harmonious, and joyful.
Q: What kind of psychotherapy do you offer?
A: Our approach is grounded in humanistic psychology, which emphasizes viewing each person as more than their problems. We believe in helping you make changes that align with your authentic self. While our foundation is humanistic, we also draw from various therapeutic modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic approaches. For instance, we may teach specific coping skills to manage anxiety or depression, or use psychodynamic techniques to explore and resolve past experiences that are impacting your present life.
Q: What can I expect during my first therapy session?
A: In your first session, you will complete a few intake forms and questionnaires through our secure online system. These forms help us understand your background and the challenges you are facing. You will also review and discuss the consent form, which covers office policies, procedures, and confidentiality limits. During the session, your therapist will ask you about your current concerns (such as anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties) and your history (e.g., family dynamics, work/school history, past experiences). This initial assessment helps us tailor your treatment moving forward.
Q: How long is each therapy session?
A: Most sessions are scheduled for 45-55 minutes. In some cases, longer sessions of up to 75 minutes may be arranged, depending on your needs and insurance coverage.
Q: How long until I feel better? Do I have to come every week for therapy?
A: The timeline for feeling better varies from person to person. Some clients experience relief or clarity after just a few sessions, while others may need longer-term support. Typically, clients begin with weekly sessions, though the frequency can adjust over time based on individual needs and goals. Therapy can sometimes bring up challenging emotions, and it’s possible to feel worse before feeling better. The course of your treatment will depend on your specific situation, goals, and progress.
Q: What do we do during therapy?
A: Our goal is to create a safe and collaborative space where you can explore your concerns and work towards solutions. You’ll share your thoughts, worries, and challenges, and together we will identify ways to overcome them. The process is tailored to your needs, but the overarching goal is always to help you move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Q: Which health insurance companies do you work with and should I use my insurance?
A: We accept most major health insurance plans. If you choose to use your insurance to cover therapy sessions, please keep in mind that certain personal information, such as your diagnosis and progress in therapy, will need to be shared with your insurance provider. Before deciding if using your insurance is right for you, we encourage you to consider two factors: (1) the purpose of your therapy and (2) how comfortable you are with the information that may be disclosed to your insurance company.
Q: Do you prescribe medication?
A: No, as a clinical psychologist, I do not prescribe medication. Medication is typically prescribed by medical professionals, such as general practitioners or psychiatrists, who are licensed to do so. Therapy focuses on addressing the underlying emotional, mental, and behavioral concerns, but if medication is needed, I can refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider.
Q: What if I need medication?
A: If it’s determined that medication could be beneficial to your treatment, we can provide you with a referral to a psychiatrist, or you can obtain a referral through your insurance provider. Our goal is to ensure you have the support and resources necessary for your well-being.
Q: Do you provide video or phone therapy?
A: We’ve found that therapy can be just as effective whether you’re in the same room as your therapist or connecting through teletherapy. Our practice offers both in person and online sessions. Many clients who previously faced challenges with in-person appointments—such as managing work schedules, caring for a sick child, or coordinating transportation—have found that remote services offer greater convenience and accessibility.
Q: What happens if I am unable to attend my appointment?
A: If you’re unable to attend your appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. If less notice is given, you will be billed for the scheduled session, as insurance does not cover missed or cancelled appointments.
Q: When do I have to pay for my appointments?
A: Payment for your appointment is expected prior to each therapy session. We accept payment via cash, check, or credit card.
If any of your questions remained unanswered or you would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact Dr. Wutzke at drtracywutzke@gmail.com