Curious About Therapy? Let's Clear Things Up (Q & A)
Find answers to your questions and get the clarity you need to begin your healing journey.
Q & A
Questions? You're Not Alone.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already carrying so much. That’s why we’ve created this Q&A section—to give you clear, compassionate answers to some of the most common questions we hear from couples and families.
At A Strand of Hope Counseling, therapy isn’t about quick fixes or blame. It’s about helping you reconnect, heal, and grow—together. Whether you're navigating betrayal, grief, communication struggles, or just feel emotionally distant from the people you love, this space is here to support you.
Here, you'll find answers to questions like:
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What is therapy and how does it actually work?
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How long does it take?
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What if I don’t know where to start—or what to say?
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How much does it cost?
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Can therapy really help our relationship?
We also share how to get started, what to expect in your first session, and how we tailor our approach using the Gottman Method, experiential techniques, and trauma-informed care.
Take your time looking through. And if you don’t see your question answered, you can always https://astrandofhopecounseling.clientsecure.me/, email us at astrandofhopecounseling@gmail.com, or call (817) 609-4219 to set up a free 15-minute consultation.
You're not expected to have it all figured out. That’s what we’re here for—to walk with you as you find your way forward.
Q: What is therapy and how does it work?
A: Therapy is a space where you and a trained therapist can work together to untangle the emotional, relational, and psychological challenges you’re facing. At A Strand of Hope Counseling, we focus on creating a safe, compassionate environment where you can explore what’s really going on in your life—whether it’s struggles in your relationship, emotional wounds, trauma, or simply feeling disconnected. Therapy here isn’t about quick fixes or blame—it’s about understanding your unique story and walking alongside you as you rebuild trust, communicate more openly, and heal from the inside out. We use evidence-based, experiential methods like the Gottman Method to guide couples and families through deeper emotional connection and healing, no matter what challenges you’re facing. The goal is always to reconnect, heal, and grow together.
Q: What kind of therapy do you offer?
A: We specialize in therapy for couples and families, focusing on emotional healing, rebuilding trust, and improving communication. Our work integrates the Gottman Method, experiential techniques, and trauma-informed care. We offer support for couples dealing with issues like infidelity, grief, and emotional disconnection, as well as for families facing transitions, such as a child returning from residential treatment or coping with addiction. Whether you're looking for couples counseling, family therapy, or an intensive therapeutic experience, we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs and help you heal together.
Q: How long does therapy take, and how many sessions will I need?
A: The length of therapy depends on what you and your partner or family are working through. Some people may see significant progress in just a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term support. We offer different levels of intensive therapy for couples who need more focused, immersive work to rebuild trust or address deeper challenges. Whether you’re coming for weekly sessions or an intensive multi-day experience, our goal is to help you make lasting changes and feel more connected with each other. We'll work together to determine the pace and length of your healing journey.
Q: What should I expect in my first therapy session?
A: Your first session is an opportunity to share what’s on your heart and begin exploring your relationship or family dynamics in a safe, judgment-free space. If you're a couple, we’ll start by understanding the patterns and challenges in your relationship. For families, we’ll discuss your current situation and how we can support everyone’s healing. Our goal is to help both of you feel heard and understood, and to create a roadmap for healing that’s grounded in practical tools, deep emotional connection, and mutual respect.
Q: Is therapy confidential?
A: Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. Anything you share in our sessions is protected and kept private. The only exceptions are situations where there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if required by law. You can feel safe knowing that this is a space where you can be vulnerable without fear of judgment or breach of privacy.
Q: How do I know if therapy is working?
A: Therapy is a process, and growth doesn’t always feel good at first. Sometimes, it can feel worse before it feels better—because we’re often stirring up painful emotions, past hurts, or long-avoided conversations. That discomfort doesn’t mean therapy isn’t working—it means you’re beginning to confront the hard things that have been holding you back. Over time, you’ll start to notice changes: more open communication, a deeper emotional connection, and a growing sense of clarity or trust in your relationship. You may feel more equipped to navigate conflict or to show up more fully as yourself. Real healing takes courage, and if you ever feel stuck or unsure, it’s always okay to talk with your therapist about what’s coming up. We’ll move through it together, at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
Q: How do I know if I need therapy?
A: If you’re feeling stuck in your relationship, struggling to communicate, or dealing with unresolved emotional pain, therapy can be incredibly helpful. If you’ve experienced trauma, loss, or betrayal, or if you’re feeling disconnected from your partner or family, it’s a good sign that therapy could provide the support you need to heal. Even if you’re just looking to improve your relationship or deepen your emotional connection, therapy is a space where you can explore these issues in a safe and constructive way.
Q: How much does therapy cost, and do you accept insurance?
A: The cost of therapy depends on the type of support you're seeking—whether it’s individual sessions, couples work, or a more intensive experience. You can view a full breakdown of session costs by visiting https://astrandofhopecounseling.clientsecure.me/ or by clicking on the specific service you’re interested in. All fees are per session, and while we typically begin with weekly appointments to build momentum and safety, many clients transition to biweekly as they gain clarity, tools, and healing—because the goal is always to work our way out of therapy, not stay stuck in it.
While we don’t accept insurance, this also means that you get to decide what’s best for your healing—not an insurance company. There’s freedom in knowing that your care won’t be dictated by a diagnosis or limited by arbitrary session caps. If cost is a concern, we do offer a sliding scale for those with financial need. You don’t have to figure it out alone—reach out, and we’ll talk through the options together.
Q: What should I do if I do not feel comfortable with my therapist?
A: Feeling comfortable with your therapist is key to a successful therapeutic journey. If you’re not feeling heard or understood, we encourage you to bring it up in your session. A good therapist will always be open to feedback and willing to adjust the approach to better meet your needs. If after discussing it, you still don’t feel like the fit is right, it’s absolutely okay to seek a therapist you feel more connected to.
Q: Can therapy help with relationship problems?
A: Yes, therapy is a powerful tool for couples who are struggling with communication issues, trust problems, or emotional disconnection. Whether you’re dealing with infidelity, grief, or just feel like roommates rather than partners, therapy offers a space where both of you can explore your challenges, rebuild trust, and deepen your emotional connection. Using methods like the Gottman Method, we help couples identify destructive patterns and replace them with healthier ways of interacting.
Q: What if I don't know what to talk about in therapy?
A: It’s completely okay if you’re not sure where to start. In therapy, we’ll help you explore whatever is weighing on you, even if it’s hard to pinpoint right away. If you’re unsure, you can talk about what’s happening in your life right now—whether it’s stress, conflict, or feeling disconnected from your partner or family. The important thing is showing up and being willing to explore. We’ll work at your pace and help you uncover the deeper issues that are holding you back.
Q: I am ready to begin, but not sure what the first step is. What should I do?
A: Getting started can feel like the hardest part, especially when you're already overwhelmed—but you're not alone in this. The first step is to visit https://astrandofhopecounseling.clientsecure.me/ where you can browse available services, see session costs, and request an appointment that fits your needs. Take some time to look through the website and see what resonates with you—whether it's individual therapy, couples work, intensives, or family support.
If you’re unsure what type of therapy is the best fit or you just want to get a feel for the process, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. You can schedule that by emailing astrandofhopecounseling@gmail.com or calling (817) 609-4219. This consultation gives us a chance to connect, answer any questions you have, and make sure it feels like the right fit before moving forward. You're not expected to have it all figured out—that’s what we’ll do together.