Select a Frequently Asked Question category to navigate to it:
Therapy Process
Types of Therapy
Paying for Services
Therapy process:
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Just the opposite!!! It shows tremendous strength and courage to reach out for support when you need it. By investing in therapy you are investing in your overall health and well-being for years to come and will have a positive effect on your important relationships. Everyone needs help now and then in their lives. In our work together, we’ll help you explore and identify your strengths, repair and renew your relationships, and encourage your growth through encouragement, empowerment, and support.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
Our family and friends have good intentions to support and help us through life’s difficulties, but often people still feel they are missing something or are needing more in-depth support. Our therapists have the training and experience to help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you find clarity in your life. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes negative or complex emotions about certain relationships, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that this may cause conflict or difficulty within your relationships once things are going better in your life.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Most times, medication is suggested in conjunction with therapy. RTW does not work in providing medication, so we suggest discussing the benefits of therapy with your medication provider to further understand how therapy can help you. The most difficult thing may seem to face struggles head-on, but in doing so you will be able to work through them and not have them negatively impact you any more.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therefore, it will be different depending on the individual. Our therapists tailor their therapeutic approaches to your specific needs and requests. In general, therapy works best when you are proactive about bringing concerns/topics to each session that you would like to work through. This can feel really vulnerable! Having a weekly focus or challenge you will be working on in between your sessions will help you achieve your goals faster. The recipe for success in therapy is willingness, honesty, patience, compassion towards yourself, and hard work!
How long will it take?
Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them; the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy. Our hope is that the therapy process is brief so that you are able to get what you need and get back to living your best life!
Do I have to wait until my therapist tells me when we’re done?
You are done whenever you no longer want to be in therapy. This includes when you have met your goals and see the changes you want, when you feel you no longer need support, if you want to switch therapists, or when you decide that you want to stop services. It is as much your right to stop therapy as it is your right to begin therapy! Depending on the work you do with your therapist, you will collaborate with them on what accomplishing your goals looks like, so that your therapist can determine how to best serve you with the time you have.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
Dedication to getting the most out of therapy can be an excellent contribution to seeing desired changes. Your active participation, dedication, and hard work will be crucial to your success. Outside reading and challenges outside of the therapy room will help you get the most out of your therapy experience. This is something you can talk about with your therapist and coordinate a plan of (extracurricular) action!
Types of Therapy
Can I get my teenager into therapy at RTW?
Short answer: Absolutely! Working with youth is important for preventative care and can be a way of developing essential tools such as emotional regulation, independence, and self-expression.
Long answer: Because teens typically live under a family roof, we like to get the parents on board. The teen is considered the primary/identifying client and the parents (and other important support members) will also join for what we may refer to as Family Therapy. Head to our Teen/Family Therapy page (linked here) for more information on what it looks like.
What is sex therapy? Will my sessions be all about sex with a sex therapist?
Sex therapists are trained to consider the ways a client’s experience of sex and sexuality (i.e., education, rules growing up, gender roles, intimacy, and attachment) relate to how they show up today. Your therapist will ask you how sex shows up in your life, and that may be it! Sex therapy, while an incredible tool for looking at patterns, messages, personal history, and pleasure, isn’t always what everyone is looking for. If your interests lie elsewhere in your therapy journey, your therapist (sex therapist or otherwise), will journey alongside you. For more information on RTW’s sex therapy practices, check out our Sex Therapy page (linked here).
What is art therapy? Do I have to do art with an art therapist?
Artmaking is completely optional with our art therapist! Art therapists are trained in using art as an alternative form of expression and communication, in addition to their training in traditional talk therapy. Your art therapist is not an art teacher. They may help guide you in whatever artmaking process you decide on, the “point” isn’t to make a perfect picture. While art therapists may offer artmaking in session, it is your right to say yes or no, even on a session-to-session basis.
Paying for services
Is insurance an option?
Unhelpful answer: For individuals, sometimes yes, sometimes no. For couple’s/marital/relational work, sometimes yes, far-more-often no. However, here are some essential questions to ask when consulting your specific insurance plan (For more, see our Insurance page, linked here):
- Does my plan cover outpatient care from Rinker Therapy and Wellness PLLC?
- Does my plan cover in full or in part? I.e., do I have a copay?
For couple’s/marital/relational work, consider:
- Does my plan identify each partner as the joint client?
- Does my plan require a DSM diagnosis for a mental health disorder?
Some people ask if they can do relational work under individual insurance and then bring in their partners for witness sessions. This can be a wonderful direction to go for individual work! By going this route, you are undergoing individual treatment for an individual concern, problem, or goal with the support of a loved one. Relational work looks at the relationship as the “client,” attending to joint concerns, problems, and goals, and gives all partners equal access to treatment and records.
What about a sliding scale or reduced fees?
Contact us for further info on sliding scale spot availability!
We also have an internship program in which Master’s-level therapists provide services for reduced fees. These MA therapists are supervised by accredited/licensed therapists in compliance with Washington state’s therapy services laws and codes of ethics.
