Mental health therapy, often referred to as "psychotherapy," is the process of treating emotional, mental, and behavioral conditions and disorders, primarily through some combination of talking and guided skill-building interactions.  While some methods of therapy have homework for clients to complete between sessions, other methods emphasize active participation and experiences within the therapy space.  There is no one-size-fits-all in therapy; it is a fully collaborative process, and what benefits you gain are directly impacted by the quality of the relationship between you and your therapist (the "therapeutic alliance").

Benefits are sometimes immediate - such as the relief of having spoken aloud about something painful, and receiving validation and compassion - though frequently grow over time and with consistent practice.  Many clients will report a sense of empowerment, inner strength, confidence, and improved ability to navigate relationships at home, work, and their communities through their therapy journeys.

It's not uncommon for people to know only what their struggles are, and find it impossible to verbalize a clear goal for the future.  When we've been consumed with life's many challenges, it's exceedingly difficult to envision a future beyond wanting to escape the present chaos and pain.  

We have found it most helpful to start with small goals, building on strengths and wins gradually, in order to help individuals and families create the lives they barely allowed themselves to wish for. 

Due to the deeply personal and unique needs of each person, it is truly impossible for us to estimate how many sessions it may take for your to meet your individual goals. As mentioned above, many people experience initial relief within the first 3 - 4 sessions.  At Tempest, the initial 3 sessions are dedicated to a comprehensive assessment exploring themes, details, and characteristics in many areas of your life.  Simply talking about these things with a compassionate, non-judgmental listener can be extremely validating for a lot of people.

After completing the assessment, clients and therapists work together to clarify any goals for the therapeutic process, including identifying barriers, strengths, and skills to incorporate or address within that treatment plan.  Frequency of sessions, individual and community support, commitment to practice of skills between sessions, and engagement with other healthcare providers (if needed) all have a significant impact on the efficacy of your recovery efforts.  

Showing up and participating in therapy is so much more than being physically present.  Whether you're meeting with us via telehealth or in the office, turning your phone on silent and ensuring an uninterrupted hour will give you the ability to be mentally focused and engaged.  Some people find the bringing a notebook or journal can aid in the process.  Most of all, keeping an open heart and mind is the best way to grow and heal in the therapy space. Remember that this work is collaborative - your input is crucial when developing and implementing interventions to support your recovery. We may know therapy, but you are the expert in YOUR life.  Speak up when something isn't working, feels too scary, is confusing, or doesn't feel right. Therapy will often be uncomfortable, but it should not be harmful.

With a few exceptions, what you talk about in session stays between you and your therapist.  Our professional code of ethics as well as legal guidelines require us to treat the information you share with us as privileged and confidential. Notable exceptions include:

• risk of harm to self

• risk of harm to others

• abuse/neglect of a protected group (minors, elderly, etc.)

• to obtain reimbursement from your insurance for services rendered (if utilizing insurance to cover services)

We are in-network providers with commercial Aetna, BCBS, GEHA, Meritain, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, and UMR plans. Due to the specific limitations of many plans, we strongly recommend you contact your insurance directly to verify if our therapists are covered by your particular plan.

Because insurance requires a mental health diagnosis in order to cover services, many people choose not to utilize their insurance to cover therapy services.  Additionally, insurance has several limitations regarding types of treatment, length of sessions, number of sessions for a particular condition, and similar challenges.  Should you wish to keep your therapy journey separate from insurance, or if you have a insurance plan we do not accept, we are happy to work with you and provide you with a Good Faith Estimate for services.

Just doing this research is a great indication that you are interested in exploring something new for yourself. Beginning therapy is a commitment only to yourself, not to your therapist; some of the people we've met with over the years have begun therapy over and over again, sometimes with us and sometimes with other therapists, practices, and treatments. Whether this is your first foray into therapy or the latest in a series of steps in your healing journey, we believe you are right where you are meant to be.  Only you can answer whether you are ready to take the next step.