FAQs

What is the first step to start working with Mandy? 

The first step in the process is to schedule a virtual free 15-minute confidential consultation so you can meet me, I can get a better understanding of your needs, answer any questions you may have, and then you can make the best decision for yourself moving forward. You can book a consultation here. 

What is "fit" in therapy and why is it important? 

"Fit" in therapy is the compatibility between the client and the therapist and the degree to which the client and therapist agree on the presenting problem, the treatment plan, and the treatment goals. Our personality fit directly impacts our therapeutic bond; our bond impacts our ability to address tasks and goals; the tasks and goals impact the overall therapeutic outcome (Taber, et. al., 2011). 

While that is directly from the research, I think there's a little common sense in here as well. If you don't like someone, are you going to want to open up and be real with them? Probably not. I know I wouldn't let my guard down in that situation, so I wouldn't expect you to do so either. Talking to a therapist is weird enough especially for first-time therapy-goers. This is why I offer a free 15-minute consultation, so you can get a chance to meet me without the pressure of having to let down your guard with a complete stranger. 

Another big piece of the therapeutic outcome that we know from the research is my degree of hope for you. Bartholomew (2023) found that my level of hope for you predicts decreased distress for you in future sessions. This is where my solution-focused approach really shines. Every step you have taken on this journey and every step you will take shows me that you are making progress. Taking the time to be interested enough to read this tells me that you are one step closer to investing in yourself so you can get to living your best life sooner. I deeply believe that whatever you are going through, you can overcome it. 

Should everyone be in therapy all the time? 

No. Big huge NO! In a perfect world, everyone would have been taught all the skills in school and given all the support that they need to live their best lives, and my profession would cease to exist. That would be wonderful! What a wonderful world that would be. 

Until society catches up with what we know in the mental health field, we have therapy to provide you with the skills and support you need to live your best life.  My style of therapy is brief and targeted. Designed to get you in and out, back to living your best life as quickly as possible. I do not believe that you need to be dependent on me to live your best life. 

How often are therapy sessions, and how long does therapy take? 

I work really intensely with clients. That means we meet once per week, every week until you reach your goals. This enables me to really want to dig in and help you heal as quickly as possible.  Most of my clients work with me for 6 to 8 sessions before they are ready for discharge. If there is a lot of trauma work, or any addictions, this could take a year or longer depending on your goals. With that being said, I don’t want you to be in therapy forever! Therapy is an investment in you because you are worth it. I want to get you feeling better and arm you with the tools you need to be successful in living your best life as quickly as possible. That being said, one-and-done sessions can and do happen. You can read more about that here. I will not try to keep you longer than you need. 

 Whenever I compare clients who have had a total of 6 sessions, the one who comes in weekly always makes more progress than the client who comes in twice a month or less frequently. It is important to me that you make progress. While we can work bimonthly, it is not something that I really recommend; however, I understand the nature of shift work and get it. If this is something that you need, then let me know, and we can plan for it in advance. I may give you some extra homework or something to keep the ball rolling during the off weeks. That is something that we can decide on together in the first session.

What is Mandy's availability? 

I am starting to get full so my current availability is limited Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm central time. I have a waitlist starting for outside of those hours. If you are interested in joining the waitlist please let me know (my email address is at the bottom of this page) and sign up for my newsletter to be notified of any appointment times that become available outside of those hours. You can join here.

Once you are a client and have completed the required paperwork, I invite you to reach out to me via email, phone call, or text should you need anything in between sessions. I make it a point to be available for my clients as much as ethically possible. I have found that this can help speed up the therapeutic process.

Does Mandy do in-person sessions or virtual sessions? 

I am currently only available for virtual sessions through a HIPPA-compliant version of Google Meet. Successful therapy is all about comfort and fit. I love virtual sessions because it is easier to fit into a lot of people’s schedules. We essentially eliminate the commute. You just need to be able to create a space that is comfortable for you so you can meet with ease. Sometimes people do their sessions when no one is home or in their office where they won’t be disturbed. They turn off their phones and eliminate distractions. When people have a hard time finding a quiet place, they often go sit in their cars just please no driving during session. I have a secure link you will click, and then your video and my video will pop up so we can do our session. 

I know that virtual sessions may not be what you imagined therapy would look like. Typically, once you have had your first session, we will talk about the experience, and I will regularly check in that it is working for you. I have been doing this for 6 years and have found my outcomes are the same as when I was in a brick-and-mortar building. Sometimes people are worried about being able to make a connection. My connection with you is important. I am committed to being fully present with you while helping you with the presenting issue.

Since Mandy does virtual sessions, can she work with anyone no matter where they live?

Due to licensing requirements from the state of Texas, I can only provide therapy to Texas residents. If you do not live in Texas, I can potentially work with you in a limited capacity as a life coach. If you are interested in learning more about the difference between therapy and coaching, you can read more about it here. Still have questions? No worries! I am here to help. Schedule a FREE 15-Minute confidential consultation now, and we can discuss it together. 

Does Mandy take insurance? 

I do not take insurance as insurance requires a diagnosis to go in your medical chart for billing purposes. One of the things that they taught us in grad school is that it takes several sessions and often standardized, research-validated assessments to get the level of understanding needed for a good, accurate diagnosis. Insurance companies require these be done by the end of the first session. This is an ethical concern for me that I am not comfortable doing. 

What if I need or absolutely do not want a diagnosis?

Most of my clients do not want or need a diagnosis and would rather keep these concerns between us. If you need a diagnosis for work or school accommodations, we can absolutely do that. If you want to talk through diagnosis for your own knowledge and to empower you with the technical lingo on your journey of change, we can absolutely do that without the formal diagnosis being made. 

Does Mandy work with kids? 

No; however, I do enjoy working with young adults 17+ years or older. If the client is 17 years old, I would need consent on the paperwork from both parents. If the client is 18+ years old, I just need the client's consent on the paperwork. 

With whom does Mandy work? 

I work with individuals and couples 17 years old and up. Check out my method with individuals here, and check out my method with couples here. 

I'm worried about Mandy siding with my partner in couples therapy. I know I've messed some things up, but I don't want to go through that. 

Mandy does not take sides in couples therapy. When Mandy works with a couple, the relationship is the client. Whatever recommendations Mandy makes will be for the benefit of the relationship not one partner over the other.