FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is telehealth?
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Telehealth is defined as psychotherapy services as well as other health services delivered via information and communication technologies, such as phone, internet and videoconference application. The video conference application over which we will have sessions meets HIPAA requirements for security and confidentiality. If video therapy is not feasible, we will have sessions via phone.
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What do I need for video therapy?
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You will need a computer; a webcam, microphone and speaker (which may be built-in to your laptop/computer); an internet connection; and a quiet and private location.
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How do I choose a therapist?
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Finding a therapist that feels like a good fit is important for your therapeutic progress and outcome. Finding the right therapist for you may take some persistence. Of course, factors such as cost, location and meeting times may be key considerations for you. It is essential you feel you can be open and you would feel able to discuss your personal challenges and concerns with me.
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How long is a session & how frequently do we meet?
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Sessions are 50 minutes long. We will meet at the same time and day every week. Sometimes it's helpful to work more intensively and we may decide to meet more frequently than once per week.
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When does therapy end?
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Each person's and couple’s needs are different. Your motivation and commitment, willingness to do the personal work, and capacity to gain insight and heal determines your progress. The length of therapy is not possible to be set in the beginning. Generally speaking, people begin to experience changes within a few months. Many clients working on more intensive issues may continue therapy for several years.
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How do I know if therapy is helping me? How do you know therapy is successful?
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Each person's emotional and mental health needs and goals are unique. Each person engages with and responds to the therapeutic process in their own way. Likewise, each person defines and measures success differently. There is no specific definition of successful therapy. Some of the positive outcomes* my patients have described included:
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What do we do in therapy? What is the therapeutic process?
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Therapy offers you a quiet time to reflect on yourself and your life experiences, know yourself in a deeper way, and discover your path for your future. The therapy session is your time and space to feel seen and heard fully. You are free to speak about any issues or challenges with which you need assistance, whether it is a specific, current challenge or a long-standing concern. I will listen deeply and ask questions to confirm and deepen my understanding. I will share what I see and hear, and what I think. We will explore themes and patterns that emerge. We may find you are holding onto assumptions about yourself and others and explore why and how the assumptions formed. I will help you experience your feelings, name emotions, learn where they are coming from and why, and then think more fully about what you want to do. Mostly we talk, listen, and feel together. Sometimes we welcome silence. Sometimes, I suggest a movement or breathing. Sometimes, I introduce you to mindfulness or other therapeutic techniques in our work together.
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What happens if I am sick or I can’t make my scheduled session?
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Please call me as early as possible to let me know you need to cancel a session. I have a 48-hour cancellation policy, i.e., you will be charged for the session if you do not cancel at least 48-hours in advance. Sometimes we may be able to reschedule your session during the same week.
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Can my spouse/partner, family, or employer call you to get information about my therapy or to give you information relevant to my therapy?
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No. I will not speak with anyone about you or even confirm whether you are in therapy with me. Our work together is confidential. Confidentiality is a respected part of my profession's code of ethics and is protected by state laws. If you would like someone to be able to talk to me about your therapy, I will ask you to sign an authorization form granting approval.
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If I am coming for couples therapy can I also meet with you individually?
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No. When I work with a couple, I will not be able to see either member individually. Should you wish to see a therapist for individual work, I will assist you in finding another therapist. Similarly, if you are working with me individually, and wish to do couples work, I will refer you to another therapist.
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I am coming to therapy with my partner. I have something I want to talk to you about but I don’t want my partner to know.
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Since you are in couples counseling with your partner, I will not keep one partner’s secrets. I work together with both of you in the best interest of the couple. Secret-keeping undermines the integrity of the therapeutic work.
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Will you video or audio tape our sessions?
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Sessions are not video-taped. Sessions may be audio-recorded only with your permission.
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What does “culturally centered” mean and why is it important?
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Culturally centered means I respect and honor the numerous ways in which we are different and the same. I strive to create a safe space in which we can talk about issues of difference in our therapy relationship, as well as, your experience in the world. I do not take a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Your context is significant to who you are, the specific challenges you may have, how historical and life experiences influence you in the present moment, and your attitude and comfort level with therapy. This is important because certain feelings, thoughts and behaviors which may be described as unhealthy or problematic to a person in one context, may be completely fitting to a person in another context. I feel our therapeutic work can be fruitful and beneficial when we pay attention to, include, and accept your unique identities and context.
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Kavita Comoglio, MA, LMFT 119728
Online Therapy for Adults and Couples in California Phone: 510.629.0131 ©2014-2024 Kavita Comoglio All rights reserved |