Eddie Theokas, M.Ed, LPC
EMDR Therapist Specializing in Trauma, Anxiety & Stress
Nationally Certified Counselor & Approved Clinical Supervisor
I keep looking for a therapist but everyone I reach out to has a wait list. So what should I do in the meantime? Keep looking and be patient. Due to the pandemic and the destigmatization of mental health, many people are looking for therapy and counseling so waitlists are full. Consider opening up your search to Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Life Coaches and other Licensed Professional Counselor types. While you may have a preference, it may help to broaden your horizon to find the right person for YOU. Consider out of network providers. While you may limit your search to someone in your network, the right fit may be outside the list you find in your directory.
Are you seeing clients in person or only virtually/online? At this time, I offer in person and virtual appointments. Clients can alternate between in person and online depending on life's circumstances. EMDR Intensives are completed in person.
How long does therapy take? Each person's journey to health is individual and dependent on the issues they want to work on. Because change is a process that requires time to be integrated, I often recommend that a person make a commitment of weekly sessions for a minimum of 4-6 months. Learning to trust someone and learning to trust yourself takes time. On average, clients have worked with me for 12 months. In the case of Intensives, I may see clients for 6-8 weeks, depending on the initial period and for follow up (if needed).
Why weekly sessions? That seems like a lot. Weekly sessions are recommended because it allows for the most progress to be made most quickly and effectively. By meeting weekly, the therapeutic relationship can be established, and you can feel supported as you dig into deep and personal issues. Weekly sessions create structure, and accountability, helping you build on the momentum to make changes in your life. Weekly sessions also allow us to tweak what is working (and what isn't) so that you can get to your goals faster. As clients begin to adapt and heal, sessions are reduced to every other week for about 2 months before being discharged.
Are sessions covered by my insurance? I am an out-of-network provider with many PPO insurance plans. This means you would pay me for sessions directly on the day of service. I provide you with a receipt for services (called a “superbill”) that you submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. *Please note that EMDR Intensives are not often covered by insurance.* There is an app, Thrizer, that I recommend to clients with PPO insurance plans to assist them with filing claims. I also offer flexible financing through Care Credit. If you want to use your insurance, please call your insurance company to verify your benefits before we begin working together. Here are some useful questions to ask: What is the name of my plan? Is it an HMO or PPO? Does my plan include out-of-network mental health benefits? Is pre-approval required before obtaining out-of-network services in order to be reimbursed? Are services rendered by a Licensed Professional Counselor covered? If I submit a claim, will I be reimbursed the full amount I paid or a portion? What is my deductible? How much of my deductible have I met this year.
What will our first few counseling sessions be like? Before we begin therapy, I will electronically send you my practice paperwork, which includes information about session lengths, informed consent, policies, and cancellation policy information. Please read this paperwork carefully. The packet also includes a questionnaire that can give you a baseline of where you are currently in your life. I also ask clients to have some sort of journal or book to document their progress and goals. You can purchase a journal such as this one or this one I have developed, or you can just use a plain notebook, devoted for your sessions. The first few sessions include a thorough exploration of your day to day functioning, your relationship history and future goals. I will ask a lot of questions about your concerns, your life and family/social history, and your strengths and resources. We'll also complete a genogram (a fancy word for family tree) so that I can get an understanding of where you come from and who has influenced your life. Together we will help us create a roadmap so that you can focus on the changes you want to see happen. If you don’t feel like answering some of my questions, that's ok. I want these sessions to help you create a sense of trust with me and the process.
How do I know that therapy is working? When I start working with a client, I ask them to describe what a day in the life in the future looks like for them when they have found healing. The life they describe is often the same, but what is different is that they are no longer feeling anxious, or they are feeling healthier. Therapy can be magical but it is not a magic bullet. Change is often subtle and without a huge slap in the face that tells you that change happened. Therapy is working when you're sleeping at night. Things that used to upset you, no longer upset you. Therapy is working when you've taken a step that you have been afraid to take for the longest time. In cases where EMDR has been conducted, clients report a shift in their feelings about past issues within weeks. Therapy is working when you see a situation from a new point of view. Therapy is working when you stop allowing past events to haunt you on a daily basis.
What are my options if I can’t afford therapy? There are several community agencies and local clinics which offer therapy within your price point. One website that may be of help is Open Path Collective. I am not affiliated with this service, however I have heard many people find success with this resource.
I'm interested. Now what?
Contact me and let's schedule a consultation. I typically schedule consultation calls on Fridays, so let's connect and see if I can help.
