FAQs
Can therapy really help me?
YES! Therapy gives you a safe place where you’re not judged, told what to do, forced to listen to one single option, or receive retaliation for your thoughts and feelings. Therapy does take work and is not always easy. It can get uncomfortable and icky, but most of the time, you will leave feeling reenergized and validated. Therapy cannot change other people or external circumstances so the focus is you and your perception. Your therapist can provide education, feedback, guidance, options and support, but we don’t give advice or answers.
Are sessions confidential?
Affinity Triangle Therapy, Coaching and Supervision Inc. considers confidentiality one of the key components of the therapeutic relationship. We are honored that you feel safe to share your stories, personal feelings, and histories with us. Therapy is like Vegas… What happens in here, stays here! Unless… there are a couple of reasons we do have to break confidentiality:
You tell us you are going to kill yourself or someone else (as we have to get help!)
You tell us that a child, elderly person, or someone who is disabled is being abused (as we have to get them help!)
If we are court ordered, by a judge. We are not above the law. Please see our statements about going to court.
If you sign a document stating we can release information or talk to someone about your treatment. For couples, each member would have to sign the form.
If you are using insurance, they can request, and do, your records for verification that you “need” services. For more about this check out our investments page.
How often should I/We come for session?
We begin everyone at weekly sessions. You wouldn’t be reaching out unless you needed some support now. We have found that people who do weekly sessions initially gain more stability and make progress faster than those that have initially begun with biweekly or monthly sessions. If this is a concern, please speak with our staff. After some time, there is typically a discussion with your Clinician where you both decide that you have made progress and feel positive about stepping down to every other week sessions, then possibly monthly and then you graduate therapy!
How long are sessions?
Typically, sessions are 53 minutes. However, you can request to do additional time in advance, dependent on your Clinicians schedule and payment method.
I work from 9-5. Can I come after work?
We have Clinicians that provide early morning, evening and weekend appointments.
What is your cancellation policy?
We have a 24-hour full fee cancelation policy. If you are unable to make your session, please contact our office at office@affitnitytriangle.com to reschedule ASAP. If it is less than 24 hours before your appointment you will be charged a full session fee ($160 for individual or $200 for couple). Insurance does not cover this fee.
Can you provide excuse notes for missed school or work?
Totally! Most schools regard therapy appointments the same way they do doctor appointments. All you have to do is ask.
Will you write a note to my work/housing to have a support animal?
No. We do not provide support animal approval letters. You may obtain one from your Psychiatrist or Primary Care Provider.
Do you attend court?
Not if we can help it! In your intake paperwork you agree that you are entering therapy to make changes not use what we work on for court purposes. You consent that you will not subpoena us to court, and if we are that it will be VERY EXPENSIVE.
What is your approach to Therapy?
We are so glad you asked! All Our Clinicians believe you should be in the driver’s seat of your therapy. This is your life after all. Even though we may each have a different approach our goal is the same… to help you achieve your goals and feel better.
How will I know if it’s the right fit?
We work really hard during your 15-minute consultation call to make sure we are connecting you with the Clinician that would best fit your personality and goals. We ask you to give your Clinician at least 4-5 sessions before you request a change. Then if you really think the therapeutic relationship is not a good fit, chat with us about making a change. Your Clinician may be feeling the same and have a recommendation for someone who would be a better fit for you and your goals.
In your first session, your Clinician’s main focus is getting to know you, gain a clear understanding about what you’re looking to do different, and learn more about what lead up to you seeking help. Your Clinician will guide you through the expectations of therapy, both of what your therapist expects of you and what you can expect from your therapist. You will discuss confidentiality, review policies and have a chance to ask questions. You will then work collaboratively to set goals and plan of how to achieve them. In following sessions, be prepared to laugh, cry, grow, stretch, and reach goals you didn’t think were possible.
What’s the first session like?
What will we work on?
Whatever you want! Therapy is about you… and the things you want different in your life. Your therapist will work with you to define those things into measurable and manageable goals. This allows you to recognize and celebrate when you make even the tiniest progress.
Will I just talk about my problems or will I learn new skills & tools?
Just talking can be so powerful in itself, however, therapy is more than just venting frustrations to a friend. Our Clinicians are highly trained in not only being excellent listeners, but also helping you find new outcomes to your most troubling patterns. We are committed to creating and reinforcing hope in the midst of life’s hurdles. Some sessions may be a mostly “talk therapy” because that is what you need at that moment, which others can involve your therapist teaching, helping you practice, and strengthening the use of a new skill. It really depends on you.
What if I don’t want to talk about something?
None of our Clinicians will pressure you to discuss something you aren’t ready to. We are here to support you on your journey not make you go down the scary dark spiderweb covered trail before you tell us you’re ready.
Will you think I’m “crazy”?
Aren’t we all??? JK… kind of. We all have our stuff… We are here not to judge you but to help you do something different.
Can you prescribe medication?
None of our Clinicians provided medication. If that is something you are interested in, it can be discussed in therapy and we can work to get you a referral to a Psychiatrist. Most PCPs (Primary Care Doctors) will prescribe general mental health medication and we can collaborate with them as well.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be effective, but alone it cannot “fix” all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Your work with your therapist can help explore and unpack if medication could be helpful for you.
How much does therapy cost?
It varies between Clinician and service provided. Please check our investment page for more information. We try to offer many options in order to help you achieve your goals without breaking your piggy bank.
Do you take Insurance?
Some of our Clinicians do take insurance for specific types of therapy. See our fee page for more specifics. Please know that there are potential risks for using insurance for therapy such as: depending on diagnosis being limited to work for the government, become a pilot, or be ineligible for life insurance. In addition, your insurance company can request your records at any time and can decide to stop your care if you aren’t seen as being “symptomatic” enough.
How do I pay?
All appointments will show up in your portal. If you are paying cash you will click the purple PAY NOW button before your session, or it will automatically be billed to the Credit or Debit card you have on file with us. If you are using insurance through us, we will bill the Credit or Debit card you have on file to charge your copay/deductible the day of your session. If you are using insurance through one of our billers, you will be instructed on how to add autopay for your copay/deductible.
My partner/spouse doesn’t think we have problems. Do I still come?
Sure! Do you think you are struggling? Then come. Couples counseling can happen with just one person. Think about tossing a stone into the water. You start making changes, your partner will have to do something different too to bring the relationship back to homeostasis.
Can you see me and my partner separately?
If you are seeing one of our Clinicians for couples counseling you are able to work with a different Clinician at Affinity Triangle for individual therapy. We do not find it is good practice to see two partners of the same couple for individual counseling by the same Clinician. If you are receiving individual therapy and are interested in couple counseling, we may have another Clinician on staff that can see you, and vice versa.
Can my partner and I log in from different locations/be on different devices?
Yes. Each of you will have your own portal that has separate documents and video access. You can join on the same portal link sitting next to each other, in another room on different portal links, or across town/state using your unique portal link.
Can you tell me about your free 15-minute consultation?
It is important for you to feel like you choosing a good fit for your therapeutic support. During your consultation call with our office staff, you will provide information about your situation and why you are seeking support. We can then discuss which Clinician would be a good fit for you and why and discuss how they typically support you through your therapy journey. You will get a sense of the Clinician’s personality and what techniques they use in session. We can answer any questions or concerns you may have. If it feels like a good fit, then we will give instructions on what’s next!
How can I book an appointment for therapy at Affinity Triangle?
Click any of the 50 buttons throughout our website to set up a consultation call. Click the Contact us button. Call (757) 750-0571, note we have limited hours via phone. Email us at office@affinitytriangle.com. Or Chat with us by using the chat button below.
What is your intake process?
Click one of the Book your free 15-minute consultation button and request a chat with our office. They can help you talk through who would be a great fit for you and your goals. The office will request some basic information to set up your secure and HIPPA compliant poral. You will receive access and will have multiple forms to fill out before your first scheduled appointment. We have a thorough intake form that you complete on your own time, which allows you and your Clinician to begin work the very first session. As long as all documents are completed 48 hours before your initial session, you will see your Clinician on the other end of the screen for your scheduled appointment portal.
Where are you located?
We are completely virtual and serve multiple states. (Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia.) We hope we can serve you too. If we are not in your state and would like a referral, please reach out as we are connected to many wonderful Clinicians throughout the USA.
We may also be able to work with you outside the USA, depending on the regulations of the country where you are located.
I want to know more about pricing.
Check out our investment page for more information on cash pay and insurance options available.