Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) When Starting Therapy:
General Therapy FAQs:
-It's my first time in therapy and I don't know what to expect. What will sessions be like?
Sessions are generally tailored to each client based on their goals for therapy and which treatment modalities or therapy structure makes the most sense, which is collaborative process with the therapist and client.
-Are virtual sessions the same as in-person sessions?
-They can be - it really depends on the client's preference and need.
-When starting therapy, how often should we be meeting for sessions?
Typically in the beginning, it's standard to meet weekly. If at some point, it is recommended by the therapist to meet more often, or the client wants to meet less frequently, that can always be discussed at any time.
EMDR FAQs
-Is EMDR as effective through virtual/video sessions?
Yes- Bilateral Stimulation can be done through many different methods, virtually or in-person.
-Can EMDR help me with more than just a one-time traumatic event?
Yes, EMDR can be helpful for many different challenges - including but not limited to traumas that make you feel stuck, impact over time of high conflict relationships, negative childhood experiences, other stressors, toxic work dynamics, etc.
-Can a person do EMDR & Neurofeedback?
Yes. Neurofeedback therapy can happen in-person after an EMDR session or people can alternate EMDR one session and Neurofeedback another session, if appropriate based on the person's treatment.
-How many EMDR sessions do I need?
Each person's experience is completely different based on their history and trauma. If a person is seeking EMDR therapy for a one time traumatic event, it may take fewer sessions, versus complex trauma or repetitive trauma.
-What is the difference between EMDR & Talk Therapy?
Talk therapy is helpful in exploring your past and bringing awareness to what past experiences may be contributing to current triggers and trauma responses. EMDR therapy is a modality of therapy that helps you desensitize those past experiences and reprocess them into more rational thinking/cognitions.
Neurofeedback FAQs
-Does Neurofeedback hurt?
No. Similar to an EKG for your heart, during Neurofeedback, leads are put on your scalp which amplify & record your EEG brainwaves. Nothing is being "done" to you. Your brain is doing all the work.
-How can looking at a video game on the screen actually help me?
Neurofeedback is a form of "brain training". The video game acts as a mirror of what is happening with your brainwaves in real time. Neurofeedback uses operant conditioning to give the person real-time visual and auditory rewards to confirm that they are "getting warmer" while training. This allows the person to create more efficient and optimal neural pathways over time which in-turn can impact their thinking and eventually behavior.
-Who is an appropriate candidate for Neurofeedback training?
Many people can benefit from Neurofeedback. The therapist will conduct a full Assessment initially to confirm Neurofeedback is a helpful form of treatment for each individual client. An important factor is that the person believes change is possible and is open to the treatment.
-Can Neurofeedback help anxiety?
Yes. Neurofeedback training helps to regulate your brain's arousal, which in turn can reduce anxiety over time.