FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Questions

Yes, we are paneled with Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna. 

We recommend scheduling a counseling consultation first to discuss your needs and goals before booking an appointment to ensure the best fit for your therapeutic journey.  You can schedule a consultation by clicking on the ‘BOOK NOW’ link.  

 

You may also call us OR text us at (682) 233-1272.  We can also be reached via email at NorthCityCounseling@gmail.com. 

Yes, we offer virtual therapy in Texas and California. 

Counseling sessions typically range from 30 to 55 minutes, and the duration will be determined by your counselor based on your individual needs and goals for therapy.

Our counseling practice has a 24-hour cancellation policy. This policy requires clients to provide at least 24 hours’ notice if they need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. This allows us to accommodate other clients who may need our services and ensures that we can effectively manage our schedule to provide the best care possible. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this policy.

Yes, our counseling practice is LGBTQAI+ affirming, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. We are committed to respecting and honoring each person’s unique identity and experiences. Our therapists strive to create a safe space where LGBTQI+ individuals can feel validated, supported, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.

Yes, we offer counseling services in Spanish.

Therapy specific questions

Play therapy

Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. Play therapy utilizes play, children’s natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words.

Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that allows children to express themselves and work through their challenges through play. In CCPT, the therapist creates a safe and accepting environment where the child leads the play sessions, allowing them to freely explore and communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The therapist observes the child’s play behaviors and interactions, using this information to understand their internal world and provide empathetic support and guidance to promote emotional healing and growth. Through this process, children develop self-awareness, coping skills, and confidence while strengthening their relationship with the therapist.

Play therapy can be highly beneficial for children as it provides a natural and developmentally appropriate way for them to express and process their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Through play, children can explore and work through challenges, develop problem-solving skills, enhance creativity, and build self-esteem. Play therapy also helps children develop healthier ways of coping with stress, improves communication and social skills, and promotes emotional regulation and resilience. Overall, play therapy offers children a safe and supportive space to navigate difficulties, heal from emotional wounds, and achieve positive growth and development.

Play therapy sessions are between 40-55 minutes.  

In some cases, it can be beneficial for the therapist to offer a brief parent consultation after each play session to discuss the child’s progress, provide insights into the therapeutic process, and offer guidance on how parents can support their child’s emotional development and growth outside of therapy sessions. This collaboration between therapist and parents enhances the effectiveness of play therapy and promotes positive outcomes for the child.

Play therapy is typically not offered virtually because it relies heavily on the use of physical toys, games, and interactive materials that facilitate therapeutic expression and exploration. The use of toys in play therapy is integral to its effectiveness in providing a safe and engaging environment for children to communicate and process emotions.

Pre-Teens/Teens

Deciding when to seek therapy services for your teen can depend on various factors, including noticeable changes in behavior, mood swings, withdrawal from activities or social interactions, academic struggles, significant life events (e.g., loss of a loved one, divorce), substance use, self-harm, or persistent anxiety or depression. If parents notice these signs impacting their teen’s well-being and functioning, it may be beneficial to consider therapy as a supportive intervention to help address underlying issues and promote emotional health and resilience. Seeking professional guidance from a therapist or counselor can provide clarity and guidance in determining if therapy is appropriate and beneficial for your teen.

We provide therapeutic interventions for teens using a combination of evidence based interventions including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), art and crafting, and Sandtray therapy.  These interventions can offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to address various emotional and behavioral challenges.

 

ACT helps teens develop mindfulness and acceptance skills, empowering them to live according to their values despite difficult emotions. CBT equips teens with practical tools to challenge negative thoughts and behaviors. Art and crafting interventions provides a creative outlet for self-expression and exploration, while sand tray therapy is a creative counseling technique where a person expresses their understanding of themselves, their world, and aspects of their reality through figurines or miniatures. This integrative approach allows therapists to tailor interventions to each teen’s unique needs, fostering personal growth, resilience, and emotional well-being.

It’s important to recognize that while parents can encourage and advocate for their teen to attend therapy, they cannot force them to participate effectively. Building trust and fostering open communication with the teen about the benefits of therapy is key to encouraging their willingness to engage in the process. Ultimately, therapy is most successful when the teen feels empowered and motivated to participate actively in their own healing and growth journey.

Confidentiality in therapy for teens is important and typically includes confidentiality where the content discussed in sessions remains private between the teen and therapist, unless there are safety concerns that require disclosure to ensure the teen’s well-being. It’s crucial for therapists to establish clear boundaries around privacy with teens and communicate these guidelines effectively to build trust and promote open communication. Confidentiality allows teens to feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences in therapy, which is essential for effective therapeutic progress and personal growth.

Virtual counseling can be a flexible and effective option for teenagers depending on their specific needs and preferences. It allows teens to access therapy from the comfort and privacy of their own space, which can be especially beneficial for those who may feel more comfortable expressing themselves remotely. However, it’s important to assess each teen’s situation individually to determine if virtual counseling is suitable or if in-person sessions would better meet their therapeutic needs.

parenting

Parenting sessions are designed to provide education, support, and guidance to parents on various aspects of child development, behavior management, and effective parenting strategies. These sessions often cover topics such as understanding child development stages, improving communication with children, setting age-appropriate limits and boundaries, managing challenging behaviors, promoting positive discipline techniques, fostering emotional intelligence, and strengthening parent-child relationships. Additionally, parenting sessions may address specific concerns or issues relevant to the family, such as sibling rivalry, school performance, peer relationships, or navigating major life transitions. The goal of parenting sessions is to empower parents with knowledge and skills to create a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes their child’s well-being and positive development.

Parenting sessions are offered in various formats including online, in-person at the counselor’s office, or in the comfort of the client’s home. This flexibility allows parents to access support and guidance in a way that best fits their schedule and preferences, ensuring convenience and accessibility to valuable parenting resources and skills.

Parents can benefit from parenting sessions when they are facing challenges in managing their child’s behavior, communication issues, or transitions within the family dynamic (such as divorce or blending families). Parenting sessions can also be helpful when parents are seeking guidance on how to build stronger parent-child relationships, improve communication, set appropriate boundaries, or cope with stress related to parenting responsibilities. Essentially, any parent who wants to enhance their parenting skills, gain new insights, or address specific concerns can benefit from engaging in parenting sessions.

Parenting sessions are often covered by insurance as part of mental health services, providing support and guidance for general parenting concerns. However, more intensive services involving longer or more frequent sessions may not be fully covered by insurance and could require additional out-of-pocket expenses. It’s important for parents to check with their insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for parenting sessions and discuss any financial considerations with their counselor to explore available options for comprehensive support.

Couples

We use evidence-based interventions in couples therapy, drawing from scientifically validated approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Gottman Method Couples Therapy, to ensure effective and tailored support for relationship challenges.

 

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and Gottman Couples Therapy offer complementary approaches that can be highly beneficial for couples seeking to strengthen their relationships. EFT focuses on identifying and reshaping negative patterns of interaction while fostering emotional connection and responsiveness between partners. It helps couples understand and regulate their emotions, leading to increased intimacy and secure attachment. On the other hand, Gottman Therapy emphasizes enhancing communication skills, conflict resolution, and building friendship and trust within the relationship. Together, these approaches provide couples with practical tools, insights, and strategies to navigate challenges, improve communication, deepen emotional bonds, and cultivate a strong and lasting relationship.

A couple may benefit from therapy when they experience persistent communication breakdowns, unresolved conflicts, loss of emotional connection or intimacy, frequent misunderstandings, or a sense of growing apart. Other signs include difficulty managing stress or life transitions together, unresolved trust issues, or contemplating separation or divorce. Seeking therapy can provide couples with valuable tools, insights, and support to address these challenges and strengthen their relationship.

Couples therapy can help a couple by providing a safe and neutral space to address communication issues, resolve conflicts constructively, and rebuild emotional connection and intimacy. Therapists facilitate open dialogue, offer insights into relationship dynamics, and teach effective strategies for improving understanding and empathy between partners. Through therapy, couples can learn to navigate challenges, strengthen their bond, and develop skills to sustain a fulfilling and resilient relationship over time.

Couples therapy sessions are often covered by insurance as part of mental health services, allowing couples to access support for relationship issues. However, more intensive services involving longer or more frequent sessions may not be fully covered by insurance and could require additional out-of-pocket expenses. It’s important for couples to check with their insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for couples therapy and discuss any financial considerations with their therapist to explore available options for comprehensive support.  

neurodivergent AFFIRMING

Being neurodivergent means having a brain that functions differently from the typical or expected neurological patterns. This includes individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), gifted and talented (GT), and others. Neurodivergent individuals may have unique strengths, challenges, and ways of processing information that differ from neurotypical individuals, highlighting the diversity of human cognition and behavior. Understanding and respecting neurodiversity involves recognizing and valuing these differences while advocating for inclusivity and accommodation in various settings.

Providing neurodivergent affirming care means creating a supportive and inclusive environment that respects and values the unique needs, experiences, and identities of neurodivergent individuals. This approach involves acknowledging and accommodating diverse ways of thinking, communicating, and interacting, while promoting autonomy, self-advocacy, and empowerment. Neurodivergent affirming care also involves using language and practices that reduce stigma, promote acceptance, and prioritize the well-being and dignity of neurodivergent individuals in all aspects of life and healthcare settings.

ADHD - Executive function Behavioral Therapy

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with maintaining focus, organizing tasks, following instructions, and controlling impulses. ADHD can vary in severity and presentation, and it often begins in childhood but can persist into adulthood. Effective management typically involves a combination of behavioral interventions, therapy, and sometimes medication tailored to individual needs. Understanding ADHD is important for providing appropriate support and accommodations to help individuals thrive despite the challenges associated with the condition.

ADHD is classified into three main types based on predominant symptoms:

 

1. **Predominantly Inattentive Presentation**: This type is characterized by difficulty sustaining attention, being easily distracted, and having trouble organizing tasks and activities. Individuals with this type of ADHD may appear forgetful and have difficulty following through on instructions or completing tasks.

2. **Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation**: This type is marked by excessive fidgeting, restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty staying still or waiting their turn. Individuals with this type may interrupt others, have trouble sitting still, and engage in risky or impulsive behaviors.

3. **Combined Presentation**: This type involves a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Individuals with this presentation exhibit symptoms from both categories, which can significantly impact their daily functioning and relationships.

 

It’s important to note that ADHD symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and proper diagnosis and treatment should be guided by a qualified healthcare professional based on a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and impairments.

Executive function refers to a set of cognitive skills that enable individuals to plan, organize, prioritize, and regulate behavior to achieve goals and solve problems effectively. In ADHD, challenges with executive function are often prominent and can contribute to difficulties in managing tasks, maintaining focus, and controlling impulses. Common executive function deficits in ADHD include poor time management, disorganization, forgetfulness, difficulty with task initiation and completion, and struggles with self-regulation. Understanding and addressing executive function difficulties is essential in developing targeted interventions and supports to help individuals with ADHD manage daily activities and improve overall functioning.

ADHD behavioral therapy, also known as behavior therapy for ADHD, is a structured approach to addressing symptoms and challenges associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This type of therapy focuses on modifying specific behaviors, improving self-control, and developing practical skills to manage ADHD-related difficulties effectively.

 

Behavioral therapy for ADHD typically involves:

  1. Behavioral Modification Techniques: This includes strategies such as positive reinforcement (rewarding desired behaviors), shaping (gradually reinforcing steps towards a desired behavior), and extinction (ignoring or minimizing reinforcement of undesirable behaviors) to encourage positive changes in behavior.

  2. Parent Training: Behavioral therapy often involves training parents in behavior management techniques to support and reinforce positive behaviors in children with ADHD. Parents learn strategies for setting clear expectations, providing consistent limit setting, and implementing reward systems to promote desired behaviors.

  3. Organization and Time Management Skills: Behavioral therapy helps individuals with ADHD develop organizational skills, time management strategies, and task-planning techniques to improve focus, productivity, and overall functioning.

  4. Self-Monitoring and Goal Setting: Clients learn self-monitoring techniques to track their behavior and progress towards specific goals. Goal setting is used to promote motivation and reinforce positive changes in behavior over time.

 

ADHD behavioral therapy is evidence-based and aims to teach practical skills and strategies that can be applied in everyday life to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve functioning at home, school, and work. It emphasizes consistency, structure, and positive reinforcement to help individuals with ADHD develop self-regulation and adaptive behaviors for long-term success.

A person with ADHD or executive function challenges should consider seeking ADHD executive function behavior therapy when they experience persistent difficulties in managing time, staying organized, completing tasks, or maintaining focus despite their best efforts. If these challenges impact daily functioning, academic performance, or work productivity, executive function behavior therapy can provide valuable support and strategies to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and overall well-being. Seeking coaching early can help individuals develop essential skills and habits to navigate challenges and achieve success in various aspects of life.

ADHD executive function therapy can benefit individuals who struggle with managing tasks, organizing activities, maintaining focus, and regulating impulses due to ADHD-related executive function deficits. This therapy is especially helpful for students, professionals, and adults who want to improve time management, productivity, and overall functioning in academic, work, or daily life settings. By providing personalized strategies, accountability, and support, ADHD executive function therapy aims to empower individuals with ADHD to navigate challenges more effectively and achieve their goals with greater confidence and success.

ADHD executive function coaching can be beneficial for individuals as young as 11 years old who are experiencing challenges related to organization, time management, focus, and impulse control. Starting coaching at this age allows young individuals to develop essential executive function skills early on, supporting academic success, social interactions, and overall well-being. Coaches tailor strategies and techniques to the developmental needs of pre-teens and adolescents, fostering independence and self-regulation in managing ADHD-related difficulties.

ADHD behavior therapy sessions are often covered by insurance as part of mental health services. Please note that more intensive services involving longer or more frequent sessions may not be fully covered by insurance and could require additional out-of-pocket expenses. It’s important for clients to check with their insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for behavior therapy and discuss any financial considerations with their therapist to explore available options for comprehensive support.  

schedule a consulation

Scheduling a consultation for therapy services is the first step towards transformative growth and healing. During your consultation, you can expect a confidential and compassionate conversation with a qualified therapist. We’ll take the time to understand your unique needs, discuss your goals for therapy, and explore how we can support you on your journey to emotional well-being. This initial session is an opportunity to ask questions, learn about our approach, and determine if our services align with your preferences. Our commitment is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel heard and valued. Take this positive step forward by scheduling your consultation today.