Counseling FAQ
What actually happens in marriage and couples therapy?
Similar to sex psychotherapy, marriage counseling means we use discussion and the dynamics of the relationship to help the couple become aware and have tools to make changes, helping their relationship to be more satisfying and to grow in weak areas.
We encourage our clients to prepare for their session by taking the Partner and Intimacy Evaluation. This allows for constructive conversation and good preparation prior to your first session.
What actually happens in sex therapy?
No clothes come off. There is no sexual touching. Sex therapy at Sensovi Institute is very similar to other forms of counseling therapy. It's like having a conversation with a caring and trusted friend. In our work with clients, we work with their unique experiences, meanings and thoughts to understand problematic issues.
How do I pay for the sessions?
We accept cash, check, Pay Pal, Visa, MasterCard and Discover or a Payment Plan.
Do you have a payment plan?
Yes - You can begin on a payment plan at your second appointment. The form is included in your Registration Packet, or you can request one by contacting us. There is no interest or fee for this service for the first six months, and after that you will be billed a $20 fee per month until your account is paid in full. You will also be charged $20.00 per each insufficient funds incident. We also will delay further services until the Payment Plan is back to the agreed upon schedule.
Do you have evening appointments?
Yes, but keep in mind that these appointments fill up quickly. Also, they are billed at a higher rate.
Do you have weekend appointments?
Yes. There are Saturday appointments available on a limited basis. Call the office for details (704.377.2022).
How do I use my insurance?
1) Check with your insurance for your benefits. Most insurance companies will reimburse for counseling services.
2)
We are unable to file insurance claims for clients. We will, however,
provide you with a statement that you can use to turn your claim in to
your insurance provider for out-of-network benefits.
3) Be sure to
check with your company about their out-of-network services. Sometimes,
they will not mention that they will pay a portion of the sessions for
counselors who are not on their panels.
4) Take time to be informed.
It has been our experience that benefits are frequently denied
incorrectly. It sometimes takes persistence and time to get claims
processed correctly.
5) Please inquire about how to contact the
insurance commissioner if you feel that your insurance company is not
being timely or giving a fair standard of care for your benefits.
Do I have to bring my spouse/partner?
In general we encourage your partner to participate as much as possible. If it is a relationship concern, intimacy, or sex issue, your spouse/partner deserves and needs to be there to work with you. After the sessions have progressed, we may agree to individual sessions on a case-by-case basis. However, we believe it is best when both partners begin with a shared commitment to begin counseling.
What is the Intensive Session?
The intensive session is a 150 minute counseling session. Dr. Terrell has found it helpful as a follow up to the initial session in some cases, but also when a marriage is in crisis. The length of time is conducive to processing difficult and multifaceted issues. Sexual and intimacy issues often are very complex and she finds that she is able to work more intensely with the couple with more time. As always, it is your final decision whether you will choose this service.
What is the PIE and how will it help us?
The Partner & Intimacy Evaluation is a tool to get you and your partner/spouse more aware of what is happening in your relationship. It is warm-up to do some work on your relationship. It can be used as a discussion tool. When you and your partner complete the evaluation as honestly as possible, we are able to look it over and find very important information about your relationship; about the areas that it would be beneficial to work on, your strengths as a couple, and especially troublesome spots. We will provide you with a written and oral evaluation of the results from this test.
How long will the counseling last?
The average length of counseling is 10-12 sessions over the course of 6 months to 1 year. Quite a few people get back on track in 6-8 sessions. These are only averages; your counseling course may be shorter or longer and you will always have the choice whether to continue or not.
How will sessions be scheduled?
Generally, counseling sessions will be scheduled in the following manner:
Individual : Session 1 : 50 min consult; Session 2 : 100 min; Session 3 : 50 min
Couple’s : Session 1 : 50 min consult; Session 2 : 150 min; Session 3 : 100 min
How often will my appointments be?
In the beginning your sessions will be more frequent, and then will taper off. After the consult and initial 150 minute session, a regular 50 minute appointment is usually scheduled 2-4 weeks later. You also have the option of continuing with the 150 minute intensive appointments. Some couples find that they prefer the 150 minute due to schedules, travel, and the amount of work it enables you to do at one time.
Do you respect different religious beliefs?
Lisa Terrell comes from a Christian background, however, Sensovi Institute is not a religion based practice. Our/her services honor an individual's beliefs and spiritual values whether that is Christian or Non-Christian. Dr. Terrell effectively and respectfully works with a wide array of churches, faith, and secular communities in the Charlotte area and around the world.
