Common Questions
What is your approach to therapy?
We're so glad you asked! No really, it's a great question.
Each of our therapists has training and a background in family systems. This means that when we meet, part of our initial intake process will be to explore the relational influences you experienced throughout your life. This is a crucial part of our work together, as we believe that the way we are in our adult relationships is due to what we experienced growing up. Every therapist on our team is informed by their clinical interests and training, which follow many of the leading experts in our field.
We actively engage in trainings and continued professional education from some of the most renowned relational experts out there such as The Relational Life Institute, The Couples Institute, Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, The Gottman's, Prepare-Enrich, Sue Johnson, and more.
In working with a clinician from our team, you will have a therapist that is staying up to date with relationship issues in our world today and working hard to refine their professional skills to best serve you. We maintain a current understanding of millennial trends, research, and the influences of social media and technology on relationships.
What are millennials?
Millennials are individuals who were born between the early 1980s up to about 2000. Today, they make up almost 25% of the U.S. population. They tend to get a bad rep in the media for being narcissistic and self-absorbed, but we believe this is a magnified generalization and experience a very different side of millennials in our offices: people who want fulfillment in their life's work, want happier relationships, committed relationships, who love and value family and friendships, and people who want to feel alive. Sound like you?
Millennials today are marrying later, and some of our clients have experienced divorce by their 30s. Studies show that millennials are more likely to invest in something if it supports a cause (like the Toms shoes concept). We believe the best investment that couples and individuals can make is investing in the health of their personal growth and their relationships.
Our hope is to help millennial couples strengthen their relationships and marriages so they can positively influence the future by having healthier home lives for the next generations. If that isn't a greater cause, we don't know what is.
Do you work with clients who are not millennials?
Absolutely! In addition to our work with millennials, we help families, couples, and individuals of any age who feel that one of our therapists may be a good fit for them. We will work with clients who are in recovery, dealing with relationship issues, life transitions, emotional trauma, and help clients develop the healthiest version of themselves. All are welcome.
Do you take insurance?
We do not. Utilizing insurance would require that we appoint you a mental health diagnosis. Because our clinical specialties are in relationship/marital issues, and deep, transformational work, we don’t find it beneficial to label clients with a diagnosis that would remain on their health record or be in misalignment with our focus. If you present to us with a prior mental health diagnosis, please know that we will absolutely honor that part of your experience and work with you on those issues.
We know that using insurance is a factor, and perhaps a necessity for clients. We will also make sure you understand the costs involved in services here at MLC before you begin your first session. We’re happy to refer you to providers that we may know in your network. We do our due diligence to stay plugged in with other solid providers in our location. Otherwise, your best bet is to contact your insurance provider for a list of therapists in your area.
How much does therapy cost?
In general, you will find that the cost of therapy varies between professionals based on a few different factors (therapist's licensure status, the amount of certifications they have or specialty trainings they have completed, and more).
We believe that therapy is an investment, but one in which the benefits will repay you twofold if you accomplish the goals and change you desire. We value your time, our time, and the services we have to offer, and charge accordingly. Rates in our practice will vary by service and professional, so check out our prices here. We also have masters level student interns who offer reduced rates for all services, including our premarital package!
What if we aren’t sure we want to pay for the full premarital package up front?
No worries. We completely understand. While the package rate is there to give you a discounted deal, this is not a requirement. We are more than happy to let you meet with your therapist for the first appointment to ensure that it’s a good fit and that you want to proceed with the full package. We just ask that you let us know by your second session.
What is your intake process?
Sarah, our amazing Practice Manager and your first point of contact.
Upon our initial communication, our intake team will ask for your email address (or both of yours’ if you’re a couple) and send you a link to your therapist's online portal through Simple Practice so that you can conveniently complete the intake paperwork prior to our first appointment.
The intake process is our "digital paperwork". It will ask for basic information about you (your address, demographic information, and some personal history). You will also have an opportunity to review and sign off on your therapist's business policies and procedures, as well as the informed consent, confidentiality agreements, and financial arrangement. We keep your credit card information securely on file so that the payment process is convenient for both you and your therapist.
We are pleased to offer you this seamless option to complete the logistical portion of this process. It will also give your therapist an opportunity to review the information you'd like them to know about you before you meet.
How often should I/we come for sessions?
This is a great question, which depends on your presenting issues and the therapeutic approach that your therapist feels will most benefit you. Typically, the counseling process can take anywhere from 8-20 sessions before you notice change. This, of course, depends on your motivation and the efforts that you apply between the sessions.
We recommend for clients to begin therapy weekly, as this will allow you and your therapist to really create an alliance and establish momentum toward your goals. We are open to shifting to more spaced out sessions as you continue to explore progress and goals. It is important for you to know that you will experience more noticeable effects when you engage in more frequent sessions.
Some clients prefer to continue a therapeutic relationship for check-in support after initial goals are met. We find this beneficial and similar to the best practice of taking your car in to the shop every now and then for an oil change or tune up. Why not do that for yourself and your relationships as well?
You will typically know when you have reached a point where you feel you no longer need to come. We are very transparent with clients about discussing this and checking in with you to make sure you feel our work is on track with the goals you have established.
How long are sessions?
The standard session time for families, couples, and individuals is 50 minutes. We offer extended sessions (80 minutes) upon request. This may be a good decision if you know you are unable to attend weekly, especially at the start.
Please note that sessions will end on time to respect the appointments of other clients. Thank you!
What is your cancellation policy?
We do our best to be understanding of emergencies that may arise, which is why we want to make sure you understand our policy before you begin working with us. As much as we want to be flexible every time something comes up, we appreciate your understanding that sessions cancelled within 24 hours of your appointment time, for any reason, will be charged.
Please note that we follow the DISD and RISD school district cancellation policies regarding inclement weather. If we have to cancel because of either districts call, there will be no fee.
Can you see me and my partner separately?
It depends. Ethically, when you and your partner come to therapy together, the “client” is the two of you as a couple. It may interfere with the process to see partners individually from each other (ongoing). Your therapist may have one to two individual sessions with each of you throughout the therapy process if they feel it is necessary and will benefit the relationship work.
Seeing partners individually from each other is always discussed and agreed upon with both of you before it happens. If we determine that individual work would be more beneficial to one or both of you, we can connect you to another MLC therapist who can work with you in house, or give you a proper referral. Our team does GREAT collaborative work to help couples and individuals get their therapy needs met.
My partner/spouse doesn't think we have problems. Do I still come?
If this is you, don't worry!
It’s not uncommon for one partner to be uninterested in attending therapy. Perhaps they don’t think anything is wrong, or they don’t feel that they are contributing to any issues. More and more people are becoming open to the idea of counseling (especially because it is a more holistic approach to dealing with issues), but there still remains a stigma against it for many families, cultures, and individuals.
A helpful thing to try would be to have a gentle, non-defensive conversation with your partner, inviting them to be a part of the process with you. Don’t pressure them or give ultimatums.
If your partner refuses, then absolutely come alone. It is not uncommon for one person to begin therapy and the other to feel more willing to come when they see you making healthy changes. You can absolutely still experience growth and relief by working on your side of the situation. As we say: in relationships it always takes two, but change can always begin with one.