Do I need to have a “serious” problem to start therapy?

What even is “serious”? Therapy can be a space for a lot of things; it can be a place to work through longstanding issues, maladaptive behavior patterns, or psychological diagnoses, but it can also be a place to learn more about ourselves, work through a current situation, or search for a deeper meaning.

What kinds of issues do you usually work with?

I often work with clients navigating depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, substance use, and questions of purpose or meaning. That being said, I started my career as a generalist and have worked successfully with a wide array. It should also be noted that trauma can often times be an undercurrent for some of these things going on now.

How long does therapy usually take?

Idk. It depends on what your goals are and how successful we are at working towards them. For some that’s 8-12 weeks. And then new goals may arise. Ultimately, it’s meant to be helpful and many clients opt to still meet after their goals have been met as an aid to stay engaged with their own personal journey. It should also be noted that progress often is non-linear. There’s a high probability we will be working on changing longstanding behaviors and thought-processes; this takes time and failure and that’s okay.

I’ve tried therapy before, and it didn’t work. How will this be different?

Well, it’ll most likely be different. The real question is: will this go better? Maybe. I hope so. Therapists have different style, and I don’t just mean which theory they ascribe too. Actually, research shows that the fit between you and the therapist is more important than the theory. I am a relatively laid back and optimistic person. I am client-led, so I’m not going to dictate what we have to talk about or determine your goals for you. I believe in the importance of today and personal responsibility, but also in self-compassion.

Most people I work with today enjoy my style and approach. If you don’t, then no hard-feelings. This is about you having a healing therapeutic alliance, so if I’m not the fit then I will endeavor to find alternative options for you.

Do you only see clients in Athens?

Athens is where I started my career, but now I’m virtual! I can work with anyone across Georgia or New York. While my roots in Atlanta and NYC are more personal than professional, I am actively expanding my professional network in these locations as I serve more people outside of just northeast Georgia.

What happens in the first session?

The first session can vary. Sometimes we dive right into it, sometimes its a gradual start. We’ll get to know each other and hopefully identify your goals and what brings you into therapy. I’ll be paying close attention to determine what pacing is most appropriate and constantly gauging to see if we’re meeting that mark. I like to throw in a tool or two during the first session but that’s not always the case. I only give optional homework; this may appear in the first session.

I’ll also provide space for you to ask me any questions. I believe that trust is a two-way street, so if I can ask you anything, you can ask me anything. I reserve the right to not answer (which I haven’t employed yet), but you also have this right. This being said, almost nobody has many questions for me in session one.

Do you take insurance?

I’m not currently in-network with insurance providers. Many of my clients use out-of-network benefits, or pay out of pocket. I’m happy to provide a superbill if you’d like to seek reimbursement from your insurance company.

What does therapy cost and how do payments work?

This question probably should have been earlier to be honest. Each 50-minute session is $125. Sometimes 30 minute or 90 minute sessions are preferable and those are scaled accordingly. Through your client portal you’ll put in your credit card information. The next business day your card will be ran. Invoices are always available, just let me know if you want them immediately.

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?

Hopefully my previous answers, the other sections of my website, or my psychology today profile can give a hint on my vibe. Beyond that, we can and probably should have a 15ish minute call to get you onboarded and get the first session scheduled. I am adaptable, so parts of my style/approach can be changed if you mention it (although I know that can feel uncomfortable/awkward to bring up, but I will always meet this with appreciation). But you may just not like my face. If so, I’d be happy to provide some referrals and be there for the transition process. My main goal is to be helpful, whether that’s us engaging in the work or finding a better fit for you.

How often should I come to therapy?

Ideally we would start with once a week. As we get to know each other and make some progress towards goals, we will then scale it back gradually. After a while, the ball will be in your court. As I mentioned earlier, some like to make it an ongoing process while others like to part ways once the initial goals are accomplished. My goal is to give you that luxury of choice.

Also, I recognize the resource commitment it takes to do therapy. While starting weekly is the ideal, that isn’t always the practical reality. We’ll find a way to make it work.

What if I don’t know what to talk about?

That’s okay. I’m a pretty curious person and have a lot of questions to ask/topics to discuss. I’m pretty good at drawing things out or identifying areas of exploration. That being said, I have found that clients who never have anything to talk about week in-out make less progress. Therapy is 1 hour of the week. Its success is going to be determined by how the other 167 hours are lived. I find clients who are engaged and have some specific things to look at are the ones who meet their goals quicker.

But it’s no judgment. I’ve been on both chairs of the therapist room. When I started as a client over a decade ago, I literally had to learn how to do therapy. That is the starting point for many and is A-okay.

Hey, my question wasn’t answered!

On the top right part of the page is a tab to contact me. But you can also email me at tyler@vancetherapy.com or call/text me at 706-623-7751.