How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?

The only way to know for sure is to come in for a session. Most people have a good sense of whether I am the right professional to help them within the first two sessions. However, I have tried to provide you with information on this website to give you a sense of who I am and how I work. But please know that it is okay for us to check in after session three to discuss if things are not feeling right to you. 

Do you provide in-person or online counseling?

All counseling sessions are conducted via a secure and easy-to-use telehealth platform (Zoom or Doxy.me). Established clients can also hold some sessions by telephone, if needed. I am not providing any in-person counseling.

Is online counseling right for me?

Although there are many advantages of online counseling (it’s convenient, effective, keeps us safe from infectious diseases such as COVID-19), it’s not right for everyone. Online counseling (teletherapy or telehealth) works best for those with mild to moderate symptoms (may not be for people in crisis), are comfortable using technology, and have a quiet, private place to have their sessions.

Who do you work with?

I provide counseling for adults who identify as BIPOC, womxn, femmes, LGBTQIAA+ folx who reside in Pennsylvania. My expertise is in anxiety and stress, relational trauma, PTSD, people-pleasing, self-worth, life transitions, first generation issues, stressors related to being a child of immigrant parents, racial trauma and race-related stress, perfectionism, and perinatal mood struggles. I don’t provide counseling for children or couples.

Q: What is the difference between therapy and coaching?

A: The primary difference between a therapist and a coach is that, generally speaking, therapists tend to focus more on the past or present. Therapists are interested in helping clients get to the root of the issues they are needing relief from. Coaches tend to focus more on the present and the future. Coaches are concerned with changing behaviors in the present while therapists are often more focused on healing at the deeper level. Both professions offer a great deal of support in helping folx reach their goals.

Therapists help you to gain insight, relieve suffering, address emotional pain, and explore the ways that the past has impacted your present. Therapists help you to notice your patterns, explore and understand core wounds, acknowledge past trauma, and cultivate compassionate self-awareness. Therapists are licensed, follow ethical guidelines, and have specific training that makes them fit to deal with issues related to mental health and wellness. 

Coaches identify and describe problematic behaviors so that the client can work to modify them. Coaching is good for folks who are ready to get beyond insight and awareness to take action. Coaching is often ideal for people who want to work on “how” to work toward a goal. While Therapists focus on “why” certain behavioral patterns occur.

Q: What can I expect from therapy?

A: Once you decide to see a therapist, there’s a chance you still may feel apprehension about the process. Many people feel nervous or hesitant before their first appointment. Therapy is a shared process but the journey is ultimately yours. You get to make decisions that work best for you. The healing journey requires that you remain curious, open, compassionate towards yourself and committed to the process. I will listen with deep respect and compassion. I will ask thoughtful questions. Your answers or questions will guide the direction of our work together. I will pay attention to what you say and don’t say. I will hold space for all the parts that make you, you. You can expect to be held in positive regard. There will be times (not often) where I will offer suggestions or opinions but I will never tell you what to do.  I will never tell you what to do because I trust that you will come to the decisions on your own or already have the answers deep within.

Making a decision to see a therapist takes a tremendous amount of courage. It is okay to feel apprehensive about the process. Many feel nervous or hesitant at their first appointment. Be kind to yourself and also be honest about your feelings. Therapy works best when we remember that it is a collaborative process. Therapy is a shared journey and process. My wish is to walk alongside you on this process but ultimately this is your journey and you will make your own decisions. I believe part of my role is to support you and hold space for you so that you can decide for yourself. I do not have the answers to all of your concerns but what I do have is the ability to listen carefully and ask thoughtful questions. 

Q: What happens during the first session?

A: The initial session(s) are the time for you to start to share your story, talk about your goals and wishes and discuss what you'd like to change. I’ll ask lots of questions (at the pace of trust,we can go slow) that will help me get a sense of the following: 

What is bringing you to therapy at this time? What is the presenting issue that you are dealing with? What would you like me to know about you and your life, past and present? What are your future wishes? What are your goals for therapy? 

Another important aspect of the first sessions is deciding if we are a good fit. Questions I’d like you to consider: Do I seem like someone you can trust? Do you feel safe enough together to the deep dive of the journey inward? Do you feel that you can collaborate with me on this process of healing? I strongly believe that the healing happens in the relationship that is forged between us, between therapist and client. On this journey, we are establishing a relationship that will become the foundation for working together. 

Some questions that I’ll ask to help us get clear on fit: 

What would be supportive for you as we journey through this process together? Do you have previous counseling experiences? If yes, what worked and what didn’t? How can we make this experience more supportive for you? 

You’re invited to share what you’re comfortable with. Therapy works best when you try your best to bring as much of your authentic self to the space as you are able to. Remember there is no wrong way to do therapy.

I’ll also share lots about what to expect in our work together, make room for you to ask questions about the process and of me, and we’ll take it from there.

How long do appointments last?

Appointments are 45 minutes long. This is the standard length of my counseling sessions. If you are interested in a longer session (50 to 75 minutes) please contact me regarding availability and pricing.

How often will we meet?

A:  To begin, we will meet once a week. I find it’s important to gain some momentum in the beginning by meeting weekly or progress can stall out. Once some or all of your goals are met, meeting less often will make sense.

What theoretical approach do you use?

A: Coming from a long-line of healers, brujas/brujxs and spiritualists, I take an eclectic approach to therapy and coaching that values ancestral practices, spiritual and energy work, divination (tarot and oracle cards), somatics, mindfulness, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and other decolonial healing practices (often seen as alternatives to healing) that center the needs of those I work with. I am also guided and grounded in Black Feminist theories and traditions, lineages and scholarship that informs that work that I do. I have found that this approach and techniques are often helpful to my clients. 

How much do you charge?

I charge a price range that falls between $175 and $225 per 45 minute session. You choose the rate within that range that works best for you. Payment will be collected at the time of service.

Do you offer a sliding scale? 

No, I do not have sliding scale spots at this time. All spots have been filled. 

Do you accept insurance?

No, I do not accept any insurance. I will collect payment in full from you at the time of service. If you have out-of-network benefits and want to submit a claim for out-of-network reimbursement, I can give you a receipt to help support any reimbursement you may be entitled to. Please note that submitting an insurance claim means I will need to give you a mental health diagnosis.

How can I find out if I have out-of-network benefits?

Services may be covered in part or in full by your health insurance plan. Please review your coverage carefully. Below are some suggestions for questions you may want to ask your provider.

Do I have "out-of-network" mental health insurance benefits?

Do my insurance benefits include out of network mental health services?

What is my deductible and has it been met?

What is my "co-insurance"?

How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?

What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

Is approval required from my primary care doctor?

Is there a limit to the number of sessions per year I can be reimbursed for?  

In instances where “out-of-network” benefits are covered, you will be responsible for payment at the time of service. Your insurance will reimburse your expenses afterwards.

What is your cancellation policy?

I ask that you provide 24 hours notice of cancellation or you will need to pay for the appointment. An occasional exception may be made in the case of an emergency. I’ll do my best to try to accommodate your schedule if I can. It’s important that we meet consistently in order to make progress.

Do you prescribe medication?

No, I am not a medical doctor. Many of my patients find medication is helpful, but many of them also progress well in therapy without medication. If you want to be evaluated for psychiatric medication, either contact your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. If you are already taking medication, I can coordinate care with your doctor or provider.

Are there any issues or types of therapy clients that you DON’T work with?

I only work with adults aged 18+ (not children or couples). I do not conduct child custody evaluations nor do I provide custody recommendations. I also don’t provide treatment for eating disorders, substance use, alcoholism, or those navigating what is described as psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, etc). Due to state licensing laws, I can only provide therapy and counseling to individuals residing in Pennsylvania.

If you are interested in therapy with Biany, please schedule a brief consultation to discuss next steps, logistics and to determine fit.