Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I (or my child/teen/young adult) may need to see a counselor?
Here are some signs to look for:
- Changes in eating habits, hygiene/self-care or sleep patterns
- Increased irritability, anger or outbursts
- Frequent negative thoughts or statements
- Isolation, withdrawing or secretive behavior
- Expressing unwarranted worry, anxiety, nervousness or fear
- Crying easily or often, easily emotionally triggered
- Emotional numbness, disconnect or not feeling present
- Perfectionism, procrastination or overly-high self-expectations
- Changes in peer group, few or no friends or genuine relationships, or trouble making friends or connecting with peers
- Eating poorly or inconsistently, overeating or skipping meals
- Uncomfortable with changes or emotions
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Unable to relax or wind down, especially at night
- Changes in energy level, unusually fatigued or excessively energetic
- Interest in, experimenting with or misusing substances to feel better
- Aggression or physical violence, such as hitting self or breaking things
- Self harm thoughts or actions, suicidal ideations, plans for suicide
- Physical pains, changes or complaints, such as stomachaches, headaches, nausea, dizziness, grinding/clenching teeth, cracked teeth, hair loss, hair pulling, nail biting (please see your doctor first to rule out any medical conditions contributing to symptoms - you will be referred to do this if it is not done prior to your services)
Additional guidelines on when to specifically see an art therapist:
- For anyone who expresses thoughts, feelings and experiences more easily through visual images and art making
- For anyone who doesn't express feelings openly or doesn't share thoughts with others; those who tend to withdraw, shut down, avoid, and isolate
- For anyone who expresses an intense affect or emotional reaction/reactivity during or after creating art or when expressing themselves
- For anyone with a history of preverbal trauma
- For anyone that creates artwork that is considered disturbing, scary or uncomfortable
Where is the office located?
Please see the Location page.
What is an Intake appointment?
The initial appointment for potential new clients, often referred to as an intake, is an opportunity for you to meet the therapist, see the office space, review the intake paperwork, ask questions, learn about services, and to decide if the service/provider is a good fit for working with you. This appointment lasts about 45 minutes and is only needed once before starting therapy services.
What is an Intensive session?
Intensives are longer in-office art therapy sessions tailored to individual needs and specific goals. These intensives range from 2-4 hours and are provided to better accommodate client schedules. This service is for established clients who want to accomplish their goals at a faster pace and/or when more frequent and consistent scheduling doesn't work well.
What is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
For more information on the Highly Sensitive Person, and to see if you might be one, please check out Dr. Elaine Aron's website: https://hsperson.com. Through the art therapy process, Bethany teaches highly sensitive people to utilize their gifts for living a healthy and happy life, and to navigate this often insensitive and overstimulating world.
What is art therapy?
Please see the Art Therapy page.
Is art therapy for children?
Art therapy is a treatment modality for every age and developmental level. Bethany has clinical experience using art therapy as a treatment modality with people ages 5-80. Art therapy can actually be most beneficial for those who are developmentally capable of insight and reflection. Bethany is not currently working in the art studio with children under age 15 and will likely refer younger children to play therapy services, which can incorporate general art making.
Do I have to make art?
No one ever has to make art. We will use art therapy interventions and methods only if you are comfortable and willing to do so. It will always be an option.
What if I'm not good at art?
You do not need any experience or training in art to benefit from art therapy services. The art made in therapy sessions focuses on the process of art making and self-expression, rather than the final product. Sometimes we even destroy artwork after it is made, as part of the process. Your artwork is private and belongs to you - no one else will ever see your art unless you choose to share it.
What kind of art will I make in treatment?
That is up to you. You will have the option to use a wide range of art media and materials including pens and pencils, acrylic paint, air dry or bake-able clay, markers, oil pastels, magazine collage, watercolor paint, colored pencils, glue paint, beading/jewelry, mixed media art, and more!
How many sessions do I need?
There is no one answer that will fit every client's experience. Psychotherapy is a process of self-discovery and learning that happens over time. Counseling tends to be more short-term with specific goals. Your experience with Bethany may involve both processes. Together we will create goals and regularly evaluate progress. The more effort that you put in to the service, the more benefit you can experience. Some people seek treatment for specific, short-term goals while others desire longer-term support and development, or maintenance of progress already achieved. We can discuss your needs and interests and devise a treatment plan that works for you. Here's something to consider - if you were learning a new skill, such as tennis, coding, speaking Spanish, or meditation, and you only practiced it once a month, how long do you think it would take you to master the new skill? However much time and energy you put into this service matches what you will get out of it. Most people start services with weekly or biweekly sessions for this reason.
What is mental health nutrition?
Please see the Mental Health Nutrition page.
Do you have appointments on the weekends?
Appointments are sometimes available on select weekends, but are not offered year-round. Please inquire for info about the next scheduled weekend appts.
Do you provide group therapy?
Yes, periodically there are therapy groups and also art therapy workshops available. Please see Bethany's Other Services - Groups/Workshops/Events section for more information.
What are your fees?
Each clinician has a different fee structure. Here is the Fees & Insurance section for Bethany's service fees.
Do you accept health insurance?
Bethany is not currently contracted with any health insurances. A bill of services can be provided at your request if you would like to seek reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company directly to find out about your reimbursement rates with an "out of network" provider. Please also see Bethany's Fees & Insurance section for more information.
Can I use a credit card to pay for services?
Bethany accepts all major debit/credit cards (Visa, American Express, Discover, MasterCard) and Health Savings Account (HSA) and FSA cards.
Why do I need to provide my credit card information at the first appt?
Credit (or debit) card information is collected at the first appointment and kept as part of the confidential file. If you choose to pay for services with a card, this information will be used to charge your card after each session. If you accrue an outstanding balance (cancel without 48 hours notice, don't show up for an appointment, delay payment until pay day, etc.) and have not made arrangements with your therapist to pay the balance, the card on file will be charged in order to resolve your account.
What if I need to reschedule my appointment?
You must provide at least 48 hours advanced notice to cancel an appointment, or there will be a late cancellation fee.
Have another question? Contact me here