Key FAQ Topics and Questions

 

1. Therapy Process and Approach

 

What is therapy or psychotherapy?

Mental health therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy all refer to the support of a trusted, trained professional who can work with you to accomplish your goals and help you live a better life. Most people who are engaged in such therapy still report having a better, more positive experience in life. I work in Ann Arbor MI and online, feel free to send me an email (john@johnrathjecoulseing.com) or text/call (314-255-4453) to learn more.

 

Can therapy help me?

Yes, whether you are going through a tough time or want to grow or have a regular check-in with someone to be the best version of yourself, therapy can help. We tend to focus on daily functioning and what may be driving your daily experience of life, though every session may not address both.

 

What will we discuss in therapy sessions?

Whatever you want to. Many people find they want to grow and change something in their life, such as their thinking, feeling, and actions, or how they connect with others, or have a trusted place to share their experiences, even if difficult. Therapy often involves setting goals that you want, and I can help you figure out what those might be if needed.

 

What types of therapy do you offer?

As a psychotherapist in Ann Arbor, MI or online throughout Michigan and Missouri, I have supported people to make lasting changes using my advanced training and experience including group therapy, Religious Trauma, Ecotherapy, EMDR and Trauma-Based Modalities, Transactional Analysis, Redecision Therapy, Personality-Focused Treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Moral Injury, Gottman Level One Couple Therapy, and PREP Couple Therapy.

 

How long does therapy typically take?

It can vary with what you want to accomplish, and most people find 6-12 months is a good amount of time to discover how they function best and make some changes in their life. Remember this is up to you, and some people get what they need in fewer session, and some want to go longer.

 

I OFFER NATURE THERAPY as an optional setting for our work. It is conducted outside the office and there is a chance the elements will change or we may be noticed by others, but we can easily change to an in-office session at any time. Care is taken to protect your confidentiality while being outside but know that this is not entirely guaranteed or within our control. Nature therapy is not exercise but you should be able to be comfortable outside, sitting or walking on paved paths or trails. If you would like to have nature therapy, please let me know and we can discuss the details, how it can fit into your treatment plan, the science behind it, and any concerns you may have.

 

2. Suitability and Readiness

 

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If you’re struggling, if your experience of life isn’t what you want, if you don’t have objective people to talk with, if you want insight and understanding about yourself and life, therapy can help. Some people have found it helpful to engage in therapy as a reparenting process, learning how to be a healthier adult in this world, even if you feel that your problems are manageable.

 

Why do people go to therapy?

They come for a verity of reasons, but many can be connected to how they think, what they feel, their actions, and their relationships. Some come to sort out and find a new way of living with existential issues, including their spirituality.

 

Why should I come for therapy even if my partner/spouse doesn’t want to?It’s important for you to care for yourself. You have value and worth as a living human. Whatever your significant other decides to do in life, you can be safe and learn how to function as a healthy adult, from your side of that relationship. A healthier you, helps your context be healthier.

 

3. Costs and Payment

 

How much do you charge per session?

Health insurance can help with sessions and often covers the entire fee. My starting rate for individual and couple sessions is $175/session for private paying clients.

 

Do you accept insurance, and how does it work?

I currently accept the Blue Cross Blue Shield, Care Network, Blue Cross Complete, Medicare, Mclaren/Advantage, and Humana/Tricare insurances. I bill your insurance and they pay me directly. You may have a copay at the time of the session depending on your particular insurance plan. I also make invoices available for some people to submit them directly to their insurance for other insurance companies (because I am considered out-of-network with their insurance).

 

Are sliding scale options available?

Yes, please contact me to discuss this option to see if it could work for you. Feel free to send me an email (john@johnrathjecoulseing.com) or text/call (314-255-4453) to learn more.

 

What is your cancellation policy? Because our work is so important for your wellbeing, and I want to offer this service to others, it’s imperative that you cancel at least 24 hours before our scheduled session, or there can be a cancelation fee.

 

4. Scheduling and Appointments

 

How do I make an appointment?

Feel free to send me an email (john@johnrathjecoulseing.com) or text/call (314-255-4453) to have an initial, free, confidential phone consultation or to make your first appointment. Once we schedule your first session, I will invite you to join my client portal and ask you to fill out some forms so you understand counseling and can give me some initial information about yourself.

 

How frequent are sessions, and how long do they last?

Most people find 45-50 minutes for each session to be a good amount of time to do the work they want to do for that day. Many also find meeting once each week or every other week meets their needs.

 

5. Confidentiality and Privacy

 

Is therapy confidential?Yes, all relevant materials of our work together will be held confidential unless you request in writing such content released. I place a high value placed on the confidentiality of information that you share with me. Your participation in therapy, your attendance, clinical documents, and all topics discussed in session will be kept confidential and will only be accessible by me, your therapist. There are certain circumstances, however, such as when you or another person may be hurt in some way, that I am legally and ethically obligated to breach confidentiality but it will not be breached without your knowledge. Feel free to send me an email (john@johnrathjecoulseing.com) or text/call (314-255-4453) to learn more.

 

Will my sessions be recorded or documented?

Only my confidential notes about your goals, progress, etc. will be kept in a confidential place, and I typically don’t record our sessions. Some people have asked to use AI assisted technology, and I have incorporated it when it seems to fit the goals of the person.

 

6. Location and Online Therapy Information

 

Where is the practice located, and how do I get there?My office is located in Ann Arbor, MI by corner of where Washtenaw and Stadium meet. Most people come from US23 and go west on Washtenaw, or drive east on Stadium, or south on Washtenaw to get to my office.

 

How does online therapy work and what technology is needed?

I have training to meet with you for therapy online where most people use their phone or computer to access my client portal site online through an app where there is a secure, HIPAA protected link for us to use. Clients have repeatedly told me that it’s easy to use.

 

What happens if technical issues occur during a session?

I always discuss with a client how we can navigate this together, usually we continue the session on our phones.

 

7. Progress and Outcome

 

How will I know if therapy is working?Most people say they begin to notice a change in how you function, especially how they think, feel and act.

 

How long might it take to see progress?

For some people they notice progress right away, and for others it can take several weeks or more depending on the situation. I will work with you to move forward with changes as you are ready.

 

8. Therapist Fit and Specializations

 

How can I tell if you are the right therapist for me?

You may notice a connection with me right away, and feel hopeful. Some people have said it takes a few sessions to be able to trust any therapist because of their life experiences.

 

What populations or issues do you specialize in?

I work with adults regarding anxiety, trauma, depression, relationships/couples, men’s issues, and more. Feel free to send me an email (john@johnrathjecoulseing.com) or text/call (314-255-4453) to learn more.

 

What should I know before my first session?

That you can do this! Even if it’s your first time in therapy, all it requires is your willingness, and we can figure out the rest. Also, you can park in any spot on either side of the building, off Washtenaw or Stadium, and just come into the office waiting area and I’ll meet you there. (Oh, and you can bring your own drink if you want to :-)

 

How do I know if nature therapy (aka ecotherapy) is for me?

I have seen many benefits that help people connect with nature, improve their lives, and care for the outdoors. It often involves exploring the world together and our role in it by walking in a park, a quiet reflection in green space, earthart, or a group experience. If you like to be outdoors and want to try it to see if it’s a good fit for you, feel free to send me an email (john@johnrathjecoulseing.com) or text/call (314-255-4453) to learn more.

 

How do I know if I have religious trauma?

Religion can be complicated, with many of us experiencing some hurt because of it, whether from a family, faith community, or worldview. Religious trauma results from an event, series of events, relationships, or circumstances within or connected to religious beliefs and practices that is experienced by an individual as overwhelming or disruptive and has lasting adverse effects on a person’s physical, mental, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.

 

Can couples do nature therapy?

Yes. Some people have found great benefit in being outdoors, whether walking or sitting, to help communicate and open up to new directions. Nature is an equalizing setting, as we all share in the bigger realities of life.