Psychotherapy FAQ
What do we talk about in the first visit?
During the first appointment, we will explore the issues that brought you in as well as your current challenges and strengths. We will define the goals we want to achieve and we will explore previous attempts to resolve the presenting problem.
What type of treatment do I need?
Each treatment is different. We adapt it to your presenting needs and it will be determined conjointly between you and the Psychologist. Progress will be reviewed on a regular basis.
What type of approach will be followed?
My approach in Psychotherapy is aimed to be short term and combines different elements of the change-based models, brief, systemic, narrative, solution-focused, and cognitive behavior therapies. I collaborate with my patients to use their resources in their social network to implement changes.
How often will I need to come?
Each phase of the process has its rhythm.
Assessment phase: At the beginning of therapy, sessions are scheduled weekly. You can ask for more sessions if under a specific crisis that requires doing so. In the first 3-4 sessions, we will focus on exploring the issues further and plan treatment needs.
Mid-phase: Weekly sessions will focus on identifying how you function and in changing the behavior patterns that have interfered with achieving your goals in different areas of your life. You will develop new abilities and tools to confront situations in a more positive and constructive way. Weekly sessions provide the regularity and intensity that fosters efficacy of results in the long run
Maintenance phase: Once the problems have subsided, sessions can be spaced out biweekly. Our work will focus on addressing issues as they come, with the goal of maintaining achieved changes and prepare to finish treatment.
Follow up phase: In the last phase, we will decide the most convenient time frame between sessions.
How long does each visit last?
Sessions last for 45 minutes.
What can I do if I have to cancel my appointment?
To assure the continuity and effectiveness it is preferable to change an appointment than to cancel it. If you are unable to attend, you are requested to cancel by phone (not e-mail) at least 48 hours before the appointment, so we can offer the time to someone else.
Does my private insurance covers psychotherapy?
I am a direct provider for several companies and depending on your policy you won’t need to pay for the sessions.
For other Health Insurance Companies that offer reimbursement policies for Psychology, we will give you a receipt to submit to your company. It is important you ask for the number of sessions that the policy covers and the reimbursement percentage per session as well as the waiting period (‘periodo de carencia’) to go to the specialist.
Some Insurances offer direct payment to professionals.
There are many Health Insurance policies that offer Psychology reimbursement option. For example:
- BUPA
- DKV Top Health
- ADESLAS Extra and Premier
- AXA Optima Plus
- Caser Salud Prestigio
- Mapfre Medisalud
- Sanitas Mundi
- Cigna Reembolso
Who can benefit from Psychotherapy?
Most people can benefit from Psychotherapy. It is necessary that your Psychologist makes a good diagnosis, understands your vital circumstances, and has knowledge about the condition or relationship to be treated.
Is the same Psychologist than Psychotherapist?
A Psychologist has a University degree and a psychotherapist obtains his/her training as such in different institutions.
My curriculum includes a doctorate in Psychology and training in the US for individual, couple, and family therapy. I belong to the Col.legi Oficial de Psicologia de Catalunya, Spanish Federation of Psychotherapists. and the Catalan Society of Family Therapy.