FAQs

How long is each session?

An intake session will be 75 or 90 minutes depending on the service you are looking for. The duration of a subsequent therapy or coaching session is 50 minutes. If you would like longer sessions, (i.e. 75 minutes+), please indicate this in the message portion of the contact box so that Alaina knows your preference. This will allow her to check her availability and get back to you about openings to accommodate this request.

Cancellation Policy

Clients will need to call, text, or email 24 hours in advance if they would like to cancel their session and avoid paying the late cancellation fee. Clients will be responsible to pay the full fee via their credit card on file if they cancel after the 24 hour window. Clients will also be responsible to pay for the session if they no-show. This helps to ensure accountability on your end but also allows Alaina to schedule other potential clients who may be on a waitlist and are in need of services.

What do I do in an emergency?

If you are in a crisis or situation where you are thinking of harming yourself or others, please call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They are available 24/7 by dialing 988. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You can also go to your nearest emergency room.

Alaina is not an on call therapist and will often be in session with other clients. This is the quickest way to ensure that you receive the immediate help that you need if you are in crisis.

What approach do you use for therapy and coaching?

Alaina is trained in a variety of therapy and coaching methods. Due to her extensive training in relationships and family systems, Alaina often uses Bowen Family Systems Theory, Gottman Method, and other forms of Experiential therapy. While Alaina may also incorporate aspects of these theory's into her coaching sessions, she primarily uses Solution Focused-Brief Therapy techniques during coaching sessions.

What is Bowen Family Systems Theory, Gottman Method, Experiential Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief therapy?

Bowen Family Systems Theory: The goal of Bowen Family Systems Theory is to decrease emotional reactivity and increase thoughtful responding. Change occurs by understanding the why behind the anxiety and implementing strategies to remain calm, thoughtful, and authentically you in your relationship with yourself and others.
Gottman Method: Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a research based approached that focuses on communication, increasing intimacy, respect for your partner, affection, and identifying barriers that are keeping you and your partner in unhealthy communication cycles. Change is produced by fostering new levels of empathy and understanding for you and your partner. Alaina may recommend taking/investing in relationship assessments specific to Gottman Method to help better understand the interactional patterns within the relationship.
Experiential Therapy: The goal of experiential therapy is to increase growth, flexibility, and emotional closeness by unlocking defenses and enhancing self-esteem/identity. Change comes from identifying the stressors and internal emotions, uncovering core feelings and beliefs, and actively creating new experiences. This will be an active experience with Alaina in the session. Some examples of experiential models are IFS (Internal Family Systems), EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy), and Gottman Method.
Solution Focused: This method focuses on changing "problem talk" into "solution talk". Alaina works with clients to think or behave differently to increase their overall health and satisfaction in life. This includes goal setting, looking for exceptions to the problem, and strengths based strategies.

FAQ's Specific to Telehealth

Is online therapy and coaching as effective as in person with couples/individuals?

The effectiveness of therapy often depends on several factors whether you are meeting online or in person. A large factor in the effectiveness of therapy is the relationship the client or couple has with their therapist and their motivation/commitment to the therapy process. Clients have various preferences surrounding the eenvironment they prefer for therapy and that is completely okay. I will do my best to create a safe and comfortable environment should you decide to move forward with online therapy or coaching.

What if we get disconnected or have technical difficulties during session?

Each client/couple will be given a telehealth consent form prior to the start of therapy. On the consent form, it lists the options for alternative therapy methods should we experience technical difficulties or get disconnected. Examples of this include phone calls and using a different HIPAA compliant video platform. Additionally, each client/couple will be asked to provide their address on an information sheet so that should there be an emergency during the session, the therapist has access to the client’s location to send help.

Who is online therapy NOT recommended for?

Those who are suicidal or have had active suicidal or homicidal thoughts in the past 3-12 months
Those who are at risk/self-harming
Individual's/Couples experiencing Domestic Violence
Individual's experiencing active psychosis
Individual's experiencing extreme mental illness/crisis
Those who experience discomfort when using technology