Frequently Asked Questions
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Is This Therapy Actually For Me?
Do I need an official diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, or Auditory Processing Disorder to work with you?
No. You’re welcome if you have a diagnosis, self-identify as neurodivergent, or are exploring that possibility. We’ll focus on your lived experience and support needs. Therapy is different from a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation; we can discuss referrals if you want testing.
I’ve had bad experiences with therapists who tried to 'fix' me. How is your approach different?
Your neurodivergent identity deserves respect. Our goal is to support your well-being, self-understanding, and choices—not to make you act neurotypical. We can explore self-compassion, practical supports, and changes to your environment that fit your needs.
Can I talk about my hyperfixations or special interests during sessions?
Absolutely. Your interests are welcome. You can share what brings you joy, and we can use those interests as a starting point for connection, understanding, or exploring emotions.
How Does Audio-Only Therapy Work?
Why do you offer audio-only (phone) therapy instead of video calls?
Audio-only is an option to discuss, rather than a requirement. For some people, removing self-view and camera demands makes conversation less tiring. Others find video cues helpful. We’ll consider which format supports your communication and clinical needs.
Do I have to sit still during our call, or can I move around?
You can move safely in your private space, change position, stretch, or use a fidget. Let’s notice whether movement helps you feel grounded and stay connected to the conversation. Please don’t take sessions while driving.
Can I use fidget toys, draw, or play a low-stimulation game while we talk?
You’re welcome to try a fidget or doodling. We can also discuss other quiet activities and check whether they support your attention or pull you away from the session. You don’t have to keep your hands still to be engaged.
What happens if there is silence? Do I have to talk the whole time?
You don’t have to talk every second. Pauses are welcome. You can say, “I need a minute,” and we can slow down, rephrase a question, or take a grounding break.
What If I Have a Bad Day?
What if I’m having a high-anxiety day and can’t speak (situational mutism) when you call?
If speaking is difficult, let me know in advance when possible. We can plan agreed communication supports, pauses, or another appropriate format. Text-to-speech may be worth discussing. Secure chat sessions are not assumed to be available; we’ll confirm any alternative before relying on it.
What if I forget about my appointment or lose track of time?
We can talk about reminders, time awareness, and making appointments easier to reach. Missing a session is something we can problem-solve without shame. Please review the practice’s cancellation and missed-appointment policies before scheduling; reminder availability and any fees will be explained.
Can I eat, drink, or lie under a weighted blanket during our call?
You’re welcome to choose a safe, comfortable position, have water or a snack, or use a familiar blanket. Let’s make sure you can still hear, communicate, and participate comfortably.
How Does This Actually Work?
Who calls whom? What happens if the call drops?
Before your first audio-only appointment, we’ll agree on the number or platform, who initiates the call, and how we reconnect if it drops. You can ask for those steps in writing so you don’t have to guess.
Do I have to talk about my childhood or deep trauma right away?
You do not need to tell your whole story immediately. Intake includes questions needed to understand your needs and safety, but you can tell me when something feels too much, ask why I’m asking, or request a pause. We’ll pace deeper work together.
What if I don't know what to talk about?
You don’t need a perfect agenda. I can offer a more specific question, help you choose one concern, or start with how you’re feeling right now. You can also bring a short note or list.
Can we do a mix of phone calls and video calls, or does it have to be audio-only?
We can discuss your preferences and whether switching formats is clinically appropriate and available. Please agree on changes beforehand, since technology, coverage, and scheduling requirements may affect the options.
Privacy & Autonomy
What if I don't have a private room at home for a phone call?
We’ll work together to think through privacy. Choose a safe place where you won’t be overheard or interrupted. Headphones don’t stop other people from hearing your voice. Discuss outdoor or parked-car options with me first; never join while driving. If privacy isn’t possible, we may need another plan.
If my parents are paying for therapy, do you tell them what we talk about?
Paying for therapy does not by itself determine what someone can access. For minors, confidentiality and parent access depend on age, consent arrangements, and applicable law. We’ll explain what can be shared before treatment starts. Limits may include safety concerns, required reporting, and other legal requirements. Insurance statements may also reveal service information; bring any privacy concerns to intake.
Can I bring my pet to our therapy session?
Yes, your pet can be nearby if that feels comforting and doesn’t interfere with the call. You can make your space feel familiar and supportive.
Navigating Adulthood & Independence
I’m in college / working and my schedule changes constantly. How flexible are sessions?
We can discuss a schedule that fits your needs and current availability. The frequency of sessions depends on your treatment goals and clinical needs. Changes and cancellations follow the practice’s scheduling policies.
Can we work on practical life skills, or is this only for 'deep' emotional processing?
Yes. We can work on breaking down tasks, preparing for appointments, managing daily demands, or communicating your needs. Practical strategies and emotional support can both be part of therapy.
What if I need accommodations at school or work? Can you help me get them?
We can identify supports that may help and practice asking for them. If documentation is needed, we’ll discuss whether it is clinically appropriate and within my scope. A letter or approval from a school or employer cannot be guaranteed.
Managing Sensory & Processing Differences on the Phone
What if I have trouble understanding your voice over the phone (Auditory Processing Disorder)?
Please tell me. We can slow down, repeat or rephrase, and check understanding. If available and appropriate, visual or written supports may help. Audio-only isn’t the best fit for everyone with auditory processing differences; we can explore another format.
Can I wear headphones during our call?
Yes. Use headphones, earbuds, or a headset if they feel comfortable and help you hear. You don’t need a particular product. Choose a volume and setup that work for your sensory needs.
Low-Barrier Admin & Getting Started
The thought of filling out intake paperwork makes me freeze up. Can you help me?
If you get stuck, reach out and ask which forms or sections to start with. We can discuss ways to break the process into smaller steps and clarify confusing questions. Required consent and other essential paperwork must be completed before the relevant care begins.
How do I pay for sessions? Do I have to do it manually every time?
Before scheduling, we’ll review fees, insurance, payment methods, and billing policies. You can ask whether secure card-on-file or automatic payment options are available. Don’t send payment information by ordinary email.
Navigating the Therapeutic Relationship
What if I say something during a session and immediately regret it or worry I sounded weird?
You don’t have to phrase everything perfectly. If you worry afterward, write a note for our next session or use an agreed secure communication method. We can explore the worry and clarify what you meant without treating your communication as something to grade.
What if you say something that upsets me or misunderstands my neurodivergence?
I may misunderstand, and I want to know when I do. You can say, “That doesn’t fit,” or “I need you to understand this differently.” Your feedback helps us adjust the work and talk through what felt upsetting.
Can I send you emails or texts between sessions if I have a thought I don't want to forget?
We’ll agree on between-session communication methods and response expectations at intake. You can also keep a private note for the next session. Ordinary email is best reserved for scheduling, and messages are not a substitute for a session or urgent support.
Autonomy, Control, and The Exit
What if I decide this therapy isn't a good fit for me? How do I stop?
You can tell me you want to stop or take a break in a brief message using our agreed communication method. We can discuss a safe transition, referrals, and any remaining scheduling or billing matters. You don’t need a long explanation to say the fit isn’t right.
How long do I have to be in therapy?
There’s no single timeline. We’ll discuss your goals, review whether therapy is helping, and decide together what frequency and duration make sense. Some people seek support for a specific transition; others want longer-term care.
Can I take a break from therapy during school holidays or summer vacation?
We can discuss a planned break and what support you may need during it. Please let me know ahead of time. Return appointments depend on availability, so the same time slot isn’t guaranteed.
Intersectional Identity & Safety
I am LGBTQIA+ / Gender Diverse / Queer. Is your practice a safe space for me?
Your identity, pronouns, and relationships deserve respect here. You can bring your LGBTQIA+ or gender-diverse identity into therapy without having to defend it. Tell me what feels affirming and what you want me to understand about your experience.
What if my neurodivergence affects my physical health (like chronic pain, fatigue, or EDS)?
Your physical comfort and limits matter. We can discuss pacing, breaks, positioning, and lower-demand sessions when appropriate. Therapy can support coping with pain or fatigue; it does not replace medical assessment or treatment for conditions such as EDS or POTS.
The Day-Of Mechanics
What if I’m late to our call? Will you get mad or cancel the session?
If you’re running late, contact me using the method we agreed on. We’ll review the late-arrival policy at intake, including how much of the appointment may remain and when rescheduling is needed. We can problem-solve the barriers without shame.
Can I use a nickname or a name that is different from my legal/insurance name?
Yes. Tell me the name and pronouns you want me to use. Legal or insurance details may still be required for records and billing. We’ll also discuss how your name appears in messages or paperwork if privacy is a concern.
What if I need to stim vocally during our call?
You don’t have to apologize for self-regulatory sounds. If humming, repeating words, or other sounds help you, we can make room for them and discuss any adjustments needed so we can hear and understand each other.
Wrapping Up & Next Steps
I’m ready to try this. What is the very first step I need to take?
Open the Contact page and send a brief scheduling inquiry. “I’m interested in therapy” is enough to begin. The form opens a draft in your email app; press Send there. I’ll discuss next steps with you. Clinical care begins with formal intake and secure paperwork, rather than a free consultation call.
Managing Burnout & Low-Energy States
What if I am in a state of Autistic burnout or ADHD paralysis and have zero energy to do 'work'?
You can tell me you have very little energy. We can consider a slower pace, grounding, or supportive conversation rather than pushing into problem-solving. We’ll also assess your needs and whether other care or support would help.
What if I get overwhelmed during the call and need to hang up?
You can ask to pause or stop. At intake, we’ll agree on what to do if you disconnect or become overwhelmed, including how we check safety and reconnect. If there is an urgent safety concern, I may need to follow the agreed emergency plan or applicable requirements.
The Transition Out of Therapy
I struggle with transitions. How do we end the call without it feeling abrupt?
Let’s plan the ending together. We can use a time warning, a brief summary, a grounding check-in, or a clear next step so the transition feels less abrupt. Tell me what kind of ending helps you.
What should I do right after our therapy call?
If possible, leave a little breathing room before the next demand. You might drink water, stretch, listen to a familiar song, or sit quietly. We can choose a realistic transition plan for your day; there’s no required routine.
General Reassurance
What if I don't fit into the typical '14-24' age group but I still want to work with you?
My website focuses on ages 14–24. If you’re outside that range, reach out to ask about fit and availability. If another service would better meet your needs, we can discuss referral options.
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