Therapy with Rachel Fernbach -Frequently Asked Questions

The New York State Office of the Professions does a really nice job of explaining:

"Creative Arts Therapy is a profession that uses active engagement in the arts to address mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral disorders. Creative arts therapy uses the relationship between the patient and therapist in the context of the artistic process as a dynamic force for change. It can also be used to manage stress and promote mental and physical health.

Creative Arts Therapists are trained in psychotherapy and in specific arts disciplines, which may include dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, poetry therapy and art therapy. They have training in areas that include clinical practice and human development as well as the use of the creative arts to provide appropriate services, and multicultural and artistic traditions."

"By guiding patients to create and reflect on art and the artistic process, creative arts therapists help people increase awareness of self and others, cope with the symptoms of stress, illness and trauma, and enhance cognitive abilities. They help their patients improve self-esteem, develop more effective communications skills and relationships, gain insight into patterns of behavior, and create new options for coping with problems.

Creative arts therapists use assessment instruments and mental health counseling and psychotherapy to identify, evaluate and treat dysfunctions and disorders for the purpose of providing appropriate creative arts therapy services. Creative arts therapists help people with chronic illnesses, substance abuse problems, and physical or developmental disabilities; learning disabilities and other mental health needs."

More information is available here.

Teletherapy is a method of providing services that utilizes video conferencing as the means of delivery.  Instead of meeting face-to-face in an office, we meet online. 

My practice is operated via Simple Practice, which is a secure, HIPAA compliant platform. Communication, scheduling, billing, and treatment are delivered via a convenient client portal.

I'm a big fan of teletherapy, as it makes services available to many more people and it makes therapy possible for clients who may have limited time or ability to travel.

When you're ready to connect, use this form to contact me, or schedule a free consultation here.

We'll meet for a brief conversation during which we'll decide if my services are a good fit for your needs.

If it seems like getting started together makes sense, I'll invite you to schedule an intake session and provide you with an intake questionnaire.  When we meet, we'll review your relevant history and you'll share with me your goals and hopes.  

We'll then choose a time slot that will become your weekly session time.  Before our first therapy session, I will review the information you've shared and make a plan for your treatment.  

During our first therapy session, I'll offer you my ideas about how we might get started, and you'll decide what activities appeal to you.

As we continue from week to week, I'll continue to offer ways we might explore your material, and my hope is that you will begin to feel comfortable and confident in taking the lead and making use of your time in the way that feels most helpful.

Although sessions are flexible in terms of therapeutic activity, and may look different from week to week and from client to client, I do make sure that all sessions follow a predictable and reliable routine.  This ensures safety and comfort, while also instilling the development of healthy habits.

Each time we meet, we'll begin by centering ourselves with a moment of quiet and attention to breath.  When you're ready, you'll be welcome to check in and share whatever's coming up for you, and what you'd like to focus on.  We'll continue by talking, doing movement, or making art.  I'll keep track of session progress and let you know when it's time to begin wrapping up. We'll end by reviewing your experience, and I may ask you to choose something meaningful to reflect upon during the coming week.   We'll close the session with another moment of mindfulness.

After we've finished, we'll attend to payment, scheduling, and any paperwork needs.  

There's no absolute answer to this question, as each person's needs are unique.  

Some clients may need support during an especially challenging time, and will benefit from a few months of therapy. Others may find that participating in therapy for the long-term is a helpful way to maintain stability.  During our work together, we will regularly check in about the need to continue.  Once you feel that your needs and goals have been met, I will encourage you to "do life" on your own and see how it goes.  If you feel the need for more support, we'll start again.  

My goal as a therapist is to help my clients develop the capacity to self regulate and take good care, so that distress and difficulty become manageable without specialized support.  Although established clients are always welcome to return as needed, my hope is that you'll take what you need and move on with confidence when you're ready, whether that's after 10 sessions or 100.  

Another, more direct, way to address this question is this: After our initial intake session, expect to make a weekly commitment for a minimum of 2-3 months.  At that point, you'll have a good sense of whether or not our work is helping, and whether or not you'd like to keep going.

When it's time,  you'll be welcome to shift to every other week, drop in as needed, or end our working relationship completely.

I am an out of network provider, which means that I do not work directly with insurance companies to process payments.  However, you may be able to work with your insurance provider to cover some costs.

You are responsible for full session fees, payable by Zelle or credit card.  Upon request, I will provide you with an itemized superbill which you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Learn more about insurance considerations here. 

A sliding scale is available for those experiencing financial hardship.

In addition, I sometimes offer  lower-cost options , including classes, workshops, and support groups.  Sign up to my mailing list to hear about new events.