Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with The Burnout Professor.
Therapy
What is online therapy or distance counseling?
Online therapy, also known as distance counseling or Telehealth, is the practice of providing therapy services via email, telephone, video or other electronic means. Most often, sessions are conducted over phone or video. Distance counseling is appropriate for addressing most issues and can make counseling more accessible to those who have trouble making in-office appointments.
Distance counseling is not appropriate for everyone. Those who are in severe crisis, or who are actively contemplating suicide would not be best helped by distance counseling and should seek a therapist locally. If these concerns every arise during the course of our work, we will have an emergency plan in place to connect you with local resources
What you say in therapy, your records, and even your attendance are confidential. Confidentiality is a key element of what makes therapy work. You have the right to a safe and confidential therapy experience.
However, there are some exceptions:
- When you give written permission to release information,
- When your records are subpoenaed for legal reasons,
- When reporting is required or allowed by law (example: child abuse or neglect, extreme danger to self, elder abuse, danger to others, or viewing or possession of child pornography)
Will I be given a diagnosis?
It is within your right to decline a diagnosis. Diagnoses will only be provided for the purposes of submitting reimbursement claims to your healthcare insurance provider at your request. Any diagnoses will be discussed between client and therapist for the purpose of treatment planning and referrals to appropriate providers.
When submitting information to an insurance company, the insurance company – not you – decides how many sessions are appropriate for your treatment and the length of those sessions. Private information shared with your insurance company may be stored in the Medical Information Bureau where it can be accessed in the future by other parties such as life insurance companies.
How long does weekly therapy take?
How long therapy will take is influenced by many factors including: your schedule; therapists availability; ongoing life challenges; specific nature and acuity of your specific challenges; and engagement in the therapy process between sessions. The research suggests that most therapy clients feel clinically significant improvement in 12 – 15 sessions and I would expect the same for us. Some clients feel better enough that they graduate within that time. Others find that they enjoy the process of therapy and want to continue. My goal is to help you meet your goals as soon as possible.
What can I expect?
The first step is finding the right therapist. I offer a free phone or video consultation so you can decide if I would be a good fit, and we can explore how I might be able to help you. During the first few sessions we will talk the struggles that bring you to therapy and define your goals. We will then work together to help you achieve those goals. Sometimes things can seem worse before they get better as you try new ways of approaching problems. Being open to new ideas and trying new things will likely improve the outcome.
Are you able to see me if I am outside of NC or CT?
Due to licensing laws I am only able to work with clients located in CT or NC during the time of services.
Approach & Services
Is there a difference between the terms ‘holistic’ and ‘integrative’?
For the purpose here, the terms are interchangeable. Both words mean that they take the whole individual (mind, body, spirit) into account and not just focus on one part (i.e., the mind).
What is a therapy intensive? How does it differ from traditional weekly therapy?
A Therapy Intensive is an accelerated form of therapy designed to help clients go deeper and get results faster. Instead of attending therapy one hour per week for a year, you can accomplish the same level of work in just a few days. Intensives are an approach to help people feel better faster. Click here to learn more.
Is therapy right for me?
The goal of therapy is to reduce emotional pain and improve a persons experience in the world and in relationships. Therapy is different than talking with friends or family because you will have a safe and confidential space where you can share without judgement. Having a professional assist you could be the most effective and efficient path to the life you deserve. Please contact me if you have questions or would like to arrange a free 15-minute phone consultation.
What does it mean to be ‘trauma-informed’ & ‘trauma trained’?
Being trauma-informed means that Erica takes someone’s current situation into context, understanding that their behaviors have served a purpose at one point. Those behaviors that once helped you navigate life are now hindering your ability to be successful. As a result, it’s time to find a new way to thrive. Trauma trained means Erica has specific training in evidence-based trauma modalities and how trauma affects the mind and body.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
Coaching is more centered on the future. You are learning a set of skills to help you get to where you want to be. Think like a sports coach but for mental wellbeing. What sets me apart from other coaches is that I’m trauma-informed and trauma-trained so that I am able to discern when therapy might be warranted. I’m also able to incorporate nutrition, mindfulness, movement, hormone education, and much more.
While you can learn these skills in therapy, too, therapy adds in another layer of emotional processing that usually entails a past trauma(s) that has not been resolved. Therapy is also conducted by someone who went to a nationally accredited program, had to pass a licensing exam and is required to get continuing education.
What sets you apart from other Mental Health Professionals and Coaches?
Besides understanding where you are because I’ve been there, too, I have almost two decades worth of professional experience in the Mental Health Field.
I share knowledge from my time as an Adjunct Lecturer where I taught Human Development, Intergenerational Family Processes, Dysfunctional Family Processes, and Couples Therapy. I was also a Clinical Professor who supervised upcoming therapists on the skill sets on how to be a therapist.
Plus, my insights from when I was a Clinical Director and upcoming Psychotherapist. I’ve worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice System, the Public School System, and two non-profit Children Psychiatric Outpatient Clinics regulated by the Department of Children and Families. Today, I work with over-thinkers, over-doers, and over-givers who are looking to improve their quality of life so they can stress better, live better, and feel better.
In addition, I bring training and certifications from the holistic side of wellness: Integrative Mental Health Professional, Reiki Master, Essential Oils Wellness Advocate, and Meditation Facilitator.
I wasn’t always in the mental health field. I have had 10 careers. With having a business undergrad degree, I have several years of experience in sales, recruiting, and
middle-management positions. Not to mention, I’ve worked in the bar/restaurant industry for almost 18 years, from server, cocktail waitress, bartender, trainer, shift supervisor, and DJ.
What is an ‘integrative mental health’ approach and how is it different from ‘traditional talk therapy’?
An integrative approach is focused on the mind, body, and spirit connection. It gets to the “root” of the issue, beyond a diagnosis. A diagnosis only tells us the symptoms; it doesn’t tell us WHY the symptoms are there.
It looks at the entire person, not just the mind, when understanding how to help someone optimize their mental wellness. This means it considers the way a person’s gut microbiome, nervous system, lifestyle, hormones, trauma history, community, relationships, and mindset are currently affecting them.
You are not just talking about the stressors, analyzing the past, and having medicine prescribed as your “only” answer. You’re making fundamental changes so that you walk away with the knowledge of how to live a life filled with optimal mental wellness. You will feel empowered to know you have control over your life and that you’re not destined to have a diagnosis forever.
