Frequently asked questions about therapy

Feeling stuck, exhausted, or overwhelmed?

Therapy isn’t just for times of crisis. I’d actually prefer to see you before things get really hard. Because therapy can prevent things from becoming overwhelming and to find relief from the seemingly small things that weigh on us in everyday life.

Head over to my blog post and I’ll walk you through 7 signs that therapy might help and how to take the first step toward support.

Contrary to the belief of many seeking out a therapist, we do not give you advice on how you should live your life and then you suddenly feel all better.

A good therapist helps you find out what you actually want and helps you develop strategies to achieve your goal in your unique way. My role is to guide with questions and suggest different perspectives or interpretations.

Therapy should always be a safe space to explore and experiment, where you decide the pace and discoveries you take home.

It’s best to try it out and see for yourself.

Starting therapy can seem daunting. Will the therapist ask me to tell them every single painful detail of my life? How will they react? What if they laugh? What if I cry?

Many clients feel nervous before their first session. So, what actually happens during that first meeting? There are a few practical and organisational things to discuss, but beyond that, we’ll simply start getting to know each other. Some common questions for a first session are:

• Why are you here?

• Is there a reason you decided to come now?

• What would you like to achieve at the end of our work together?

• What are things you expect from me (your therapist) during these sessions?

• What are the things you are worried about?

And then depending on your needs we take it from there. I say we, because therapy is a common project and you get to decide what you talk about, which questions you want to answer and how fast we approach some of the more difficult topics.

There really isn’t a one size fits all which is why finding the right therapist for you is so important. So how do you find the right therapist? Read my blog post How to find the right therapist!

The single most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your therapist and feel you might be able to trust them over time. You should feel heard and taken seriously.

Yes, absolutely. Confidentiality is very important to me. It’s the basis for building trust and being able to share your thoughts, emotions and history in our sessions.

I only share information my clients explicitly tell me to share.

As a therapist, I deeply respect your boundaries and understand that certain topics may be difficult or uncomfortable to discuss.

If there are specific topics that you are not comfortable sharing at the moment, that is completely fine. We can work together to gradually build trust and create an environment where you feel safe exploring those sensitive areas when you are ready. It is essential to remember that therapy is a gradual process, and we will proceed at a pace that feels right for you.

Most of my clients come to therapy for around 8–15 sessions.

However, the number of therapy sessions needed varies and is highly individual. Therapy is a dynamic process, and its duration depends on the individual, the complexity of the issues, the goals of therapy, and the person’s readiness for change. The ability to engage in the therapeutic relationship also plays an important role.

To make sure we are working effectively towards your goals, we regularly review your progress and where you are in the process, and consider how we can work together even more effectively.

A 50-minute session costs CHF 220. The first session is complementary so we can get to know each other.

I offer sliding scale rates for individuals with limited financial resources. I am committed to providing my services at fair rates that match the financial resources available to my clients.

Depending on your current supplementary health insurance provider, it is possible for therapy services to be covered either fully or partially. I have detailed information on therapy insurance coverage in Switzerland here.

However, it's important to note that in Switzerland, you are responsible for the initial payment of your sessions and the filing of reimbursement with your supplementary insurance provider later.

To simplify the process for you, I can provide a monthly cumulative invoice that you may submit to your health plan for potential reimbursement.

Based on available information online and the experiences of existing clients, the following Swiss insurances have been known to reimburse the therapy services I offer: Helsana, ÖKK, CSS, Visana, EGK, Atupri, Agrisano, Vita Surselva, SWICA, Assura, Rhenusana, Sympany, and Sanitas. Please keep in mind that insurance information and policies can change at any time, so it is advisable to contact your provider directly to verify how your specific plan compensates you for psychotherapy services.

I can provide any necessary documentation or assistance as needed.

I accept TWINT and bank transfers. At the end of each month, I send out a monthly cumulative invoice for all the sessions for that month. This is the billing method most of my clients prefer. I can send you an invoice after every session on request.

I kindly request a 48-hour cancellation notice for therapy sessions. This allows me to effectively manage my schedule and offer the session time to other clients if needed. Appointments canceled with less than a 48-hour notice will be billed at the session fee.

I understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and I am committed to working with you to find a solution if such situations occur. However, to ensure fairness and maintain the effectiveness of our therapeutic work, the cancellation policy helps to honor the commitment of scheduled sessions.

If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, please notify me at least 48 hours in advance. This will allow us to find a mutually suitable alternative and avoid any cancellation fees.

I appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding this policy, and I am here to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Starting from February 2022, I shifted to offering therapy exclusively online.

I like it since it makes therapy so much more accessible for my clients who are often already stretched for time.

And my clients appreciate not having to travel back and forth, and being able to join their session from wherever works best for them.