FAQs

Here you will find frequently asked questions about this particular group as well as group therapy in general.

What state must I be in to participate?

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. I am not licensed to provide therapy to anyone residing outside of Virginia. Thus, you must be living in Virginia to take part in group.

Do you take insurance? 

At this time, I do not. 

What are your fees for self-pay?

The rate is $35.00 per group session. (There are a total of 10 group sessions).

The rate is $25.00 for the 30-minute one-on-one Intake session/pre-group preparation meeting prior to the start of the group. 

At this time, I only accept credit card payments and these are billed through a secure online platform, Simple Practice.

Do you only offer online therapy or do you offer in-person therapy as well?

I only offer online therapy.

Can we do phone calls instead or are you video-based only?

I am video-based only. 

How can this group benefit me as opposed to individual therapy?

Imagine having a therapist's support while in a group of peers who all share similar goals and can support each other while you learn new skills. In group, you have many sources of aid and moral support, not simply from a therapist.

Social skills practiced in group, such as sharing openly, expressing yourself directly and assertively, giving others feedback and reaching out for help, are social skills that improve our connection and communication with others, and these skills are often more easily transferred to life outside session when practiced in group therapy as opposed to individual therapy.

In group, knowing we aren’t alone in our struggles and knowing we have contributed to another human beings’ growth, enhances our self-esteem and feelings of worth.

Lastly, group therapy is significantly more affordable than individual therapy for most people. 

What will it look like in sessions being a member of this group?

Each group is somewhat unique because its group members and how they mesh together will always be unique! This group will follow a structured format. Each session allows for members to share with the group, as well as gain education regarding skills. I will initiate group check-ins at the beginning of each meeting. I will review skills and topics from previous meetings and educate regarding skills for a particular meeting.  Some groups might have more sharing between members and others might focus more on skill building and practicing, it can vary session by session. However, I encourage members to share and respond to one another each session.

Is this group only for women and why?

This is a group specifically for women. For many people, joining a group composed only of women makes it easier to share and be vulnerable. It can also help members more easily relate to one another. 

What's different and the same between in-person group therapy and online group therapy?

What’s different: The benefit of online group therapy includes comfort, convenience and accessibility. You get to participate in group from a place you feel most comfortable. Many people don't have in-person groups for anxiety offered in their area. So, not only can you participate from the comfort of your own space, you don’t have to factor in travel time or lack of physically available groups.  

What’s the same: Group therapy online can be just as effective as in-person group therapy. Group therapy is a place you show up, participate and take social risks in service of your own personal growth and learning. Just like in -person group, participants attend group on time with their camera ON (you wouldn't show up to an in-person therapy group with a black screen you set up in front of your chair!). You listen to others and communicate directly with other group members the same as if we were sitting together in-person. When in doubt ask, "Would I say or do the same thing if I were sitting in the room with everyone in-person?".

How does the group meet online? 

We will meet through zoom. You click the link to join the meeting at our designated meeting time.

How long is the group, how often does it meet and what time is this group?

The group is 10 weeks long and will meet once per week, for 1 hour (10 group therapy sessions total). The exact meeting date and time is yet to be determined, but it will be on a Wednesday or Thursday in the evening, no earlier than 6pm. 

How many people will be in the group?

There will be no more than 12 members in the group. It might be less, but not more. 

How do I know if group or individual therapy is best for me?

Some people prefer the unique benefits that group therapy provides. With anxiety, the group offers a chance to realize you're not alone, normalize many of your fears, decrease embarrassment and shame, and practice anxiety management skills in real time with others' support. 

It’s important that you want to participate in group therapy and that your area of concern and goals match well with the focus of this group. Membership in this group is at the final discretion of the therapist for the benefit to both you and the group as a whole. 

Additionally, online therapy is not advised for anyone who is at serious risk of harming themselves or others or is in imminent danger. If that is the case, please seek emergency services and /or call 911 immediately.

Lastly, some people prefer and have pressing concerns that are more suited for individual therapy. When in doubt if group or individual therapy would be best for you, schedule a free consultation and we can discuss.

Do I really need therapy?

If you have been struggling with anxiety longer than a few weeks and it causes you distress, therapy could benefit you. Let’s have a free phone consultation to discuss more if you are unsure.

Can I just test it out and come to the first meeting?

Group therapy is for people committed to the group experience and motivated to make changes. It's normal to feel anxious and have an adjustment period as you meet the group members and get comfortable. So, if you were to only come to the first session without a commitment to attend all meetings, your anxiety might make the decision for you about coming back! Also, the benefit of group is the power of the group, so it does a disservice to all members if individuals 'audit' the group- it’s tough to be vulnerable with distant observers who have one foot out of the door! For these reasons you will need to commit to attending all meetings. That said, life happens. Suppose you realize this group just isn't for you? Let me know. Therapy is voluntary and if you need to leave the group, you may.

Will I need to talk to the other group members and self-disclosure personal information?

To be effective, members need to be prepared to engage in group. That includes sharing of yourself, giving feedback and receiving feedback from others. Group is akin to a team sport where participation is required. It is not a movie or TV series where you can tune in each week to passively 'watch' the story of other people's lives on your computer screen. Some degree of self-disclosure is necessary in group therapy. That said, self-disclosure can be at your own pace. Group is not a place of forced confession and you are in charge of what you disclose. It can take some people time to build trust in the group. Group is a safe space to practice acceptance and non-judgment of yourself and others. It is a safe place to feel connected to others while you practice self-expression.

Is what I talk about kept private?

All members must agree that information disclosed in meetings is to be kept in the strictest confidence. Also, all members must agree to find a secure, private location where no one else is in the room. Members agree to close doors where possible and arrange for child care if necessary, during meeting times. 

As in all therapy, there are exceptions to confidentiality for therapists. We can discuss this more in a consultation. 

What if I have social anxiety?

Group is a place to practice new skills and new behaviors in a low risk, safe environment. This group could be a great place for you if your goal is to actively challenge and work through feelings of social anxiety.

What if I just want a way to make new friends, is this group for me?

The benefit of this group will be practicing skills for moving through and managing anxiety with others. Although you might find great peer comfort, support and relate to others, the goal is not social networking or making friends. The goal is to learn how to manage your anxiety in group so that you enhance your social connections and efforts at building friendships outside of group. Learning new skills takes effort and this group is for people wanting to learn and practice new skills in the presence of others with their support, not simply socialize.

Will I need to do anything between groups?

Yes. To be most effective, skills and strategies taught in group, must be practiced between sessions. This is similar to individual therapy. Like most things in life, “you get out what you put in”.  The more commitment and effort you put towards practicing between groups, the more benefit you will get from the group experience. 

What age must I be?

You need to be at least 18 years old to participate. The age of members will vary from group to group.

This sounds like it might be a good fit, what are the next steps?

1. You schedule a free, private 15-minute consultation phone call. During the call we briefly discuss your current concerns with anxiety and we determine if the group is a good fit for you. You get to ask me any further questions you might have before moving forward.

2. If the group seems to be a good fit, we schedule a 30-minute, one-on-one Intake session. This intake session is a video-based, online intake session and will also serve as pre-group preparation.  I send you a packet of forms through email that includes consent forms, an intake form and guidelines for group. These forms must be completed prior to the intake session. I will send you a link for creating an account with the HIPAA complaint online platform Simple Practice. This secure platform is how I will bill you for group sessions. You must enter a credit card to store on file. (Your credit card will be charged following each group session and the intake session.) 

This intake session allows us to meet one-to-one so I get to know more about you, your concerns with anxiety and your specific goals for group therapy. I also review the standard forms and review group expectations and procedures. This individual appointment is necessary prior to joining the first group session. It helps you feel more comfortable and ensures you get the most benefit from the group by knowing what to expect.

3. When the group is full and ready to begin, a date for the group is finalized.  I notify you and confirm your attendance and we begin!

What if I have more questions that I didn't see answered here?

Schedule a free 15-minute private, phone consultation with me and let’s talk!