FAQs
• How do I meet for sessions?
Focus and Thrive is telehealth provider, offering an online platform only. All sessions, whether therapy, coaching, or ADHD/Autism testing take place either by video or phone call.
• What are the benefits of meeting virtually rather than in-person?
Telehealth appointments increase accessibility by making sessions more convenient and even more effective for some people. Sometimes therapy seems the least accessible when you need it the most. For example, when anxiety is making it hard to leave the house, or depression strikes and it’s easier to just cancel an appointment than force yourself to go – this is where telehealth can make all the difference.
• Are telehealth sessions as effective as in-person meetings?
For most people online therapy is just as effective, if not more so, than traditional in-person meetings. Not only are the sessions easier to attend, but sometimes meeting with a therapist from the comfort your couch (or even with your cat or dog cuddling you) can feel more welcoming and intimate. Some of my clients like to meet for the occasional (or regular) “walk and talk” phone session. Similar to how having a conversation while driving feels different than one while sitting and facing each other, sometimes these “walk and talk” conversations can provide a deeper sense of intimacy and depth.
• Do I need to make my house look nice or dress up?
Absolutely not. Please feel free to show up as you are and to not worry about your surroundings. It’s important for you to be in a private enough place that you feel free to talk without anyone overhearing, but you don’t need to worry about appearances.
• Do I need a computer? What are the technology requirements?
If you have access to a smartphone or computer, we should be able to connect over video. If you don’t have access to video options or would prefer to meet over the phone, that is a perfectly valid option as well. If you have specific questions or concerns about your situation, don’t hesitate to ask.
• We don’t live near each other, can you still be my therapist?
Probably yes. I am licensed in WA State, but through PSYPACT I am able to work with people in nearly 40 additional states. So if you live in one of the following states we can absolutely work together: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. Visit https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmap for the most up to date information.
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