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Counseling in Long Island
Garden City Therapy PLLC
Frequently asked Questions about Therapy Services
How do I set up an appointment?
You can complete and appointment request form available on our contact and home page which includes basic information, some billing details so we can check your insurance if we accept it, and the reason for your visit.
Following that we will reach out to by email and offer you an appointment. Once that is agreed upon we will quote the billing information to you and send a form that we require in order to confirm the appointment. Once we receive that signed and completed document we will send a confirmation email with the appointment details and link.
What can I expect in the first appointment?
The first meeting is an Intake session which runs about 50 minutes. The therapist will ask more about what brings you to therapy and explore this some with you. While some aspects of therapy may take place the first meeting, they will also be asking you some structured information to further assess and to start to get a broad picture and ensure basic things are covered.
Following the above, at the next meetings your therapist will get to know you further and the therapy can start to unfold more. Although all therapists treat routine mental health matters and practice similar treatment modalities, they each bring their own personality and experience may tailer a bit of their style or approach to what they feel may work for you over time and please feel free to inform them of what may work a bit better for you to see if that is within their ability.
Can I get a new therapist here if it is not a fit?
Yes, as long as we feel we are an appropriate fit overall and we have availability it is okay for you to ask to see another therapist. You may ask them directly or reach out to scheduling. While most clients prefer staying with their first therapist and sometimes the newness of therapy can be awkward to some and it may be good to wait it out a little, we believe it is important to feel a 'click'.
How long are appointments after the intake? And how often?
Appointments are 45 minutes and once a week. If you would like to meet more than once a week you can ask what your therapist's thoughts are about this (they may feel it is better to build up to this) and we would need to see if they have another opening as well as if your insurance permits it.
Do you prescribe medication?
No, we do not and cannot prescribe medication as we are psychotherapists who provide psychotherapy only. Your therapist can try and assist you with resources to find a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner who can prescribe medication.
How do I know if therapy is right for me or if this place is right for me?
Everyone is different and we can be capable of increased readiness even if we just take the first step of thinking about therapy or reaching out. Feeling anxiety about therapy or being unsure of what to say is normal and not a sign of not being ready. Part of therapy is trying to increase your capacity to look at and examine feelings and actions, receive reflection and input, and utilize this internally and externally. This is done over time and a process. Other than that so long as you have some willingness to talk to a therapist, answer some questions, attends sessions, that is a great sign.
While therapy can bring up difficult or uncomfortable feelings, if after some sessions you feel some relief or a feeling of being seen, understood, or less alone, and if overtime you feel things are letting up a bit as much as may be possible in your circumstance this is a nice sign as well. It is okay to have days where you feel a session was dull or difficult, much like people experience this when working with personal trainer, engaging in a weekly hobby, or meeting someone for a meal and chat. While therapy is deeper, it is not immune to human whimsy and normal eb and flow.
If you start to feel that therapy is just not right for you for whatever reason, it may be right for you later, not for you, or you may want to try and meet with a different therapist or practice or try something else like a volunteer group, life coaching, or joining a casual sports team. This is totally okay.
We encourage you as much as possible to share your experience of therapy with your therapist. Remember that your therapist works with many different types of people and are adapting some person to person. As intuitive as they may be, it is helpful for them to know how you feel so they can best help you and you might be surprised how far a little can go. For example it may help you to tell them you would like for them be a little more direct or active, or rather that it is more helpful for to you for them to quietly listen or say less/respond a bit less. While they still have their persona which remains with them they will likely try some to modify and this is a joint work in progress and a process that will likely help you in your personal relationships as well.
