Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know you are the right therapist for me?
I love answering this question! I can’t stress enough, how important it is that you are able to connect with your therapist. Studies suggest that the fit between client and therapist is an important predictor for successful therapy outcomes.
I recommend that during our initial interview/first session you ask me questions. I want you to get a sense of what it feels like to work with me. It’s OK to be curious about the therapeutic process and it’s important that you feel heard, supported, and understood. I’m hopeful that after meeting me, you will know if you would like to continue.
What is your availability?
Individual and couples counseling in San Diego is open to anyone who is seeking both positive and lasting change. Therapy appointments are offered in the morning, afternoon, and in the evening. Unfortunately, I do not offer weekend appointments at this time.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, sessions are being offered virtually for anyone who resides in California.
What is your approach to therapy?
While I am trained in the traditional models of therapy, I work through an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) / Experiential lens. EFT is a process that addresses relational conflict from an attachment-based perspective.
I am a Certified EFT Therapist whose expertise in this model of therapy is recognized by the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT). I have submitted videos of my work, documented my qualifications, and have had both extensive and advanced training using the EFT model.
Due to the success rate of this approach, EFT, has been internationally recognized in various scientific journals. Please visit “What is EFT?” to learn more about this model of treatment.
Does Emotionally FOcused therapy (EFT) only work with couples?
No- Emotionally Focused Therapy also works well with individuals and families.
Although I tailor treatment to meet the unique needs of my clients, the EFT framework often serves as a road-map and foundation for all of my therapeutic work.
In addition to EFT, I often engage in experiential and systems therapy approaches. Please visit the “individual therapy” subsection found in the “therapy services” drop-down menu if you have questions regarding my services.
What are some of the goals of the EFT approach when it pertains to couples?
Break free from chronic cycles of frustration, sadness, loneliness, and pain.
Make sense of both your needs and emotions as well as your partner’s needs in the relationship.
Heal injuries, reignite connection and passion, and begin to forgive.
Learn productive patterns of communication.
(Re)build trust and increase intimacy.
Increase vulnerability, closeness, and learn how to stay connected when differences arise.
Learn how to have honest, soft, and vulnerable dialogues with one another.
Repair and resolve conflict so that you can experience a lifetime of connection and love with your loved one.
Enhance communication skills.
Strengthen and deepen your couples bond.
Do you have a social media policy?
Yes. Unfortunately, I cannot accept friend requests from current or former clients on any social networking site. Adding clients as friends on these sites can compromise client privacy and confidentiality. It can also affect the therapeutic relationship.
Who do you treat?
Although my San Diego practice is centered around couples counseling and women’s issues, I also treat individuals and families- still working through an attachment-based lens. I also offer premarital counseling, relationship therapy, and adolescent counseling. I often incorporate other models of therapy, depending on the presenting issue(s).
What is therapy?
Therapy, also referred to as "counseling" or "psychotherapy," is the process of meeting with a therapist with the goal of resolving and working through problematic beliefs, cycles, feelings, behaviors, and/or somatic responses.
Through counseling in San Diego, you can improve your relationships, heal from past traumas, change self-destructive habits, and overcome painful feelings. Therapy should be a safe and supportive place- a space where you work one-on-one with your therapist to resolve both inner and relational conflict.
What is the best way to contact you?
The easiest way to reach me is via email: devon@devondubois.com. If you prefer to connect via phone, send me an email and we will schedule a call that is convenient for you. I return all calls as quickly as possible, but am much more responsive via email. Please allow at least two business days for a return call.
Please indicate the type of therapy you would like to engage in- whether it's couples counseling, individual therapy, marriage counseling, premarital therapy, or family therapy. If you are unsure, I can help you decide.
Please be aware that connecting with me via email may compromise your confidentiality and privacy. If you choose to communicate with me through email, please be advised that all messages are retained in the logs of your Internet service provider. Although it is highly unlikely that the system administrator of your service provider would look at these logs, they are accessible.
How often should I attend therapy and how long does treatment last?
Couples counseling, marriage counseling, relationship therapy, and individual therapy, is generally most effective when people attend at least one 50-minute session per week, until their symptoms dissipate or until conflict is resolved.
Counseling can be an effective and powerful way to work through many challenges. Because therapy is a process, there is no way to accurately predict how long it will last. Counseling can be short-term, but depending on the unique challenges in your life, your goals, and your personal/relational history, the process may last longer. It is always best to come in for an intake session to see what is clinically recommended.
How long will it take before I begin to feel better?
While many people experience relief after the first few sessions, it may take time to meet all your treatment goals. Processing, working through complex challenges, and repairing relationships can take time. While the duration of therapy is different for everyone, counseling does not have to be “long-term” in order for it to be effective. Some people meet their treatment goals within 8-12 sessions.
Can I discuss anything during therapy?
Yes, feel free to share your dreams, your fears, your quirks, your needs, and all of your complicated emotions with me. I want our time together to be safe, supportive, and empowering. It’s OK to be yourself- and it’s OK if you feel like your life is “messy.” I am here to help you organize, process, and heal from your pain. I want to support you through the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I encourage vulnerability and authenticity- these are beautiful things. I like to laugh and connect, but more importantly, I want to make sure that I am understanding my clients and helping them reach their goals. I like solutions- but I also believe in unconditional positive regard and the power of empathy and understanding.
What types of issues do you treat?
I treat a wide variety of issues, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, panic, relational distress, infidelity, bereavement, loss, and trauma. Please visit my “individual therapy” or “couples therapy” section(s) to learn more about the issues I treat.
If I am unable to meet a person’s specific needs, I may offer a referral to a provider who specializes in a specific area. Although this does not occur often, it is a possibility. My goal is to make sure that everyone receives the highest level of care.
I have heard that many people feel drained or exhausted after therapy. Is there a reason why this can occur?
While counseling can be relaxing and cathartic, it can also be tough work. This is because there will be moments where we work through emotionally laden issues. You can expect to feel a variety of emotions during therapy. Whether you are engaging in couples therapy, marriage counseling, relationship counseling, or individual therapy, you will find, that there will be “great” sessions (aka, break-through sessions)- sessions that can be life-changing and empowering, but there will also be “difficult” ones- ones that challenge you to the core. I will be with you every step of the way. You will not go on this journey alone.
Do we have to explore my childhood during therapy?
The answer to this question varies depending on the individual. I am the type of therapist who does not like to “stay in the past” or focus on it unless it is affecting an individual in the “here and now.”
While successful therapy often involves understanding how your childhood experiences may have contributed to the issues you are encountering in life and in your relationships, it is not necessary that we focus on the past. With this said, I do like to have an understanding of one’s personal story as well as their attachment history.
If you are looking to heal from a trauma that occurred when you were a child, you can expect that we will discuss your past. Although we may touch on some heavy topics, we will work at a pace that is comfortable for you and I will make sure that we also tune into your strengths and potential.
I am not sure if anything is really “wrong” with me, but I’m just not feeling like myself. Can therapy help?
Absolutely! I am a firm believer that counseling can be beneficial for just about anyone. Life does not always cooperate and at some point on your journey things may become difficult for reasons out of your control. You may feel hopeless at times, or you may just feel a little off. The good news is, whether you are struggling immensely or just needing some support around a few issues, therapy can help you reach your goals.
What are the fees?
Therapy is an investment in you, your future, and in your close relationships. Fees charged for 50-minute and 90-minute sessions are equivalent to fees charged by other similarly-qualified therapists in the San Diego and greater San Diego area. The fee schedule is based on the value of my experience, continuing education, knowledge, skills, and time. My fees are the same whether you are engaging in couples therapy, marriage counseling, premarital therapy, individual counseling, or family counseling.
My fee is $210 per 50-minute session. This is the standard fee for San Diego psychotherapists who are certified in the EFT model. Payment for sessions can be made through check, cash, or credit card. I realize that not everyone who could benefit from having support can afford the fees. If that is the case, please read the section below.
What if I can’t afford the fees?
I reserve a small portion of my practice for clients who need a reduction in fees. If you cannot afford the full fee, feel free to call me to inquire about the lower fee slots. If I have any available, I am more than happy to accommodate you. I want to make sure that the fees don’t create a barrier to your treatment.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
I am not contracted with any insurance provider. However, some insurance plans allow individuals to see "out-of-network providers." Please contact your insurance company to find out what your plan does or does not cover. If your plan allows for you to see an out-of-network provider, I can provide you with an invoice so that you can seek reimbursement of session fees via your insurance company. ***Please note, you may be reimbursed the full or a partial amount of the session fee depending on your insurance provider and plan.
Where is your office located?
Couples and individual therapy appointments are offered in Mission Valley, San Diego.
*I am currently providing psychotherapy services virtually, due to COVID-19.
How do I get started?
I understand that beginning the therapeutic process may seem overwhelming or intimidating. For many, therapy is “new territory;” and, thus, can be scary because it’s the unknown. Further, reaching out can be tough because many of us are creatures of habit- we thrive in predictable and familiar environments (and attending counseling is not always familiar, at least at first).
So how do you break through the barrier and reach out? Well... you just begin. You take the first step and you don’t look back. You see, when we are unhappy, it can be beneficial to take a leap of faith and leave behind the “known.” We need to stop being what I call “uncomfortably comfortable” so that we can move towards happiness. Reaching out will bring you one step closer to the relief that you deserve.
Who said we can’t reinvent ourselves? Who said we can’t create a life that we love?
The leap is critical, because it can lead to positive change, relief, and happiness. The second step (after the initial leap) involves showing up to our session. And I will take it from there. Remember, courage starts with showing up.
If you are ready to take the leap, connect with me today. I am here to listen, support, and to help you through your darkest hour. Let’s do this together, one step at a time.
What is a good faith estimate?
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to provide a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges for items and services to individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate, explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under this law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, and hospital fees.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call or call (800) 368-1019.
DISCLAIMERS
A Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created.
The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.
There may be additional items or services the convening provider or convening facility recommends as part of the course of care that must be scheduled or requested separately and are not reflected in the good faith estimate.
The information provided in the Good Faith Estimate is only an estimate and that actual items, services, or charges may differ from the Good Faith Estimate.
The Good Faith Estimate is not a contract and does not require the uninsured (or self-pay) individual to obtain the items or services from any of the providers or facilities identified in the Good Faith Estimate.
If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill. You may contact the health care provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can ask them to update the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.
You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill. There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019.