Question 1

Does therapy really work?

Accepted Answer

The simple answer is “yes,” but it depends on how you define success. Therapy can help solve significant issues, greatly reduce (and even eliminate) symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve relationships, social skills, and school / work performance. But it’s important to temper these goals with realistic expectations. Therapy isn’t a magic wand that cures all your woes. And it’s most effective when you and your family are open and dedicated to the process. We find clients experience the most progress when they commit to attending regularly and completing “assignments” between sessions. Your therapist’s skill and experience are also critical, as are external factors such as time and resources. Our goal is to provide your family with an ideal environment and the best services possible—creating a positive experience and a greater opportunity to achieve your goals.

Question 2

How long does the therapy process take?

Accepted Answer

Therapy services traditionally occur on a weekly basis although more complex issues may warrant more than that. Most clients begin making some progress after the first 3-4 sessions, and after a while, it’s common for these clients to only need to come in once or twice a month. However, the duration of therapy depends on the intensity of the issues being addressed and the motivation of the child or adult to feel better. Other factors also play a role, including stressors, support from friends and family, intelligence, and personal insight. Some disorders only require short-term treatment such as simple phobias, certain anxiety disorders, and various adjustment difficulties. More severe issues can take years to resolve such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, bipolar disorder, and certain personality disorders. Noticeable progress during the treatment process varies. Sometimes treatment progresses stepwise, with small gains being made at a steady pace. Other times the process can cycle between weeks or months of really good times and stretches of “not-so-good” times. Either way, both processes are normal. Many clients also use therapy as a place to enhance meaning in life, gain insight about themselves and their relationships, and work towards goals. For clients using therapy as a means towards self-actualization, they may want to schedule regular ongoing therapy sessions for months or years, depending on their specific objectives.

Question 3

What is your approach to therapy?

Accepted Answer

We usually take a cognitive-behavioral approach to therapy when treating issues like anxiety and depression. However, our overall approach is solution-focused. We often receive feedback from clients that prior therapists “just listened” and never actively guided them toward any kind of change. In contrast, we view therapy as a productive, goal-oriented conversation—providing feedback, asking reflective questions, and making practical suggestions to use on a daily basis. We want you to leave each visit feeling as if you’ve learned something new. Our focus is to develop permanent strategies to help your kids, personal life, marriage, and other relationships.

Question 4

Can’t I just talk this out with my friends?

Accepted Answer

When discussing concerns about your children or relationships with family members and friends, they often bring biased perspectives to the situation. Even though they care and may have your best interest at heart, because of the complex dynamics and histories inherent with these relationships, it’s next to impossible for them to be objective. Clients often find it more helpful to openly express feelings and discuss problems with an objective therapist who is free of complicated family histories and judgments. This objectivity, along with the extensive training and expertise of our psychologists, are critically important when problem-solving issues. Wynns Family Psychology is here to help you get results—not to critique your parenting, criticize your children, or dispense bad “layman” advice about relationships. We attentively listen, offer encouragement and hope, and collaboratively guide you and your family towards its goals.

Question 5

What do I tell my younger child about her first visit?

Accepted Answer

We suggest you explain that they are going to talk and play with someone who helps kids with their problems. Some parents explain we are “feelings doctors” who help kids who are sad, mad, or worried feel better. Most children enjoy play therapy so you can reassure your child by explaining we have a fun office with a variety of toys, games, art materials, and workbooks. We also have a treasure chest with prizes your child can choose at the end of each session. Because we strive to make therapy engaging as well as effective, children are often eager to come back!

Question 6

What about my teen? What if they refuse to talk?

Accepted Answer

Because we specialize in and work with kids and teens on a daily basis, we know how to successfully connect with them. Our typical approach for teens is laid-back and positive. Even the most strong-willed teenagers respond to this strategy and find it more helpful to open up to our personable and objective psychologists (instead of their parents, friends, and teachers). We foster a safe and comfortable environment in which teens are eager to talk about their friends, families, and themselves! And once this door is opened, we can successfully move on to resolving their problems and issues. We often tell parents, “If you can get them in our office, we’ll do the rest!”

Question 7

Do you offer virtual or telehealth sessions? How does that work?

Accepted Answer

Yes! HRS providers offer virtual or telehealth sessions for clients who are located in North Carolina at the time of session. If you would like a telehealth session, please let our admin team know when you call to schedule your appointment. We will then send you a link via email that will directly connect you to your provider at the time of your scheduled appointment. As long as you have a strong wi-fi connection and private location, you will be all set. However, we do recognize that telehealth may not be an appropriate fit for all clients. In such circumstances, some providers are able and willing to offer in-person appointments. For those clients looking to have in-person appointments, please speak with your provider or let us know.

Question 8

Does online therapy actually work?

Accepted Answer

A recent review was conducted* of research studies that compared online therapy to traditional, in-office therapy. Evidence-based therapy models were used. The review showed both online therapy and in-office therapy produced similar outcomes for clients. A couple of those studies actually showed upon follow-up that online clients experienced a greater reduction in symptoms than in-office clients.
*Berryhill, B., King, M., Betancourt, A., Ruggles, H. (November/December 2018). Telehealth Research: Videoconferencing in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression. Family Therapy Magazine, 28-31.

Question 9

Are you accepting new clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are currently accepting new clients for online and in person counseling who are residents of North Carolina.

Question 10

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HRS accepts most major private Insurance companies in NC. We are striving to continue the credentialing process in the other states which I am licensed. 
If you are considering using insurance, I encourage you to contact your insurance company to inquire about Teletherapy coverage. The following questions may be helpful to ask: Do I have mental health coverage? Is telemedicine/telemental health/online counseling covered with this specific provider? How many sessions are covered? What coverage is available for out-of-network providers?

Question 11

What about COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

HRS continues to monitor the current pandemic. At this time, we are operating on a modified schedule and our office has increased/ implemented a variety of health sanitation/ cleaning procedures as well as revised our office procedures in order to help migrate the spread of the virus. In the event that you are concerned, we want you to know that our office will continue to offer telehealth services, and will continue to do, even as our state continues to re-open the economy. Should you seek in-person appointments, we will ask you to follow a set of protocols which are outlined in our in-person informed consent form. If you ever have a question regarding our protocols or your modality of treatment, please don’t hesitate to ask.

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