Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
Q1: What services do you offer?
We offer individual therapy. Visit our Services Page for more details. We do not offer any couple's or group therapy.
Q2: Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, we provide online therapy to ensure accessibility and convenience for clients who prefer virtual meetings.
Q3: How do I book an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment directly through our Booking Page. If you’re unsure which service is right for you, book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs with Victoria.
Q4: What are your hours of operation?
We offer flexible appointment times, including evening and weekend sessions. Availability may vary depending on the therapist's schedule.
Q5: Where are you located?
We are only offering sessions virtually. No in-person sessions are being offered at this time.
Therapy & Counseling Questions
Q6: What should I expect during my first therapy session?
During your first session, we’ll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and your background. This is a chance for us to get to know each other and determine the best approach to meet your needs.
Q7: How long are therapy sessions?
Sessions typically last 60 minutes, but we offer extended sessions upon request.
Q8: How often should I attend therapy?
The frequency of sessions depends on your individual needs and goals. Many clients start with weekly or biweekly sessions and adjust as they progress.
Q9: Is therapy confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. We adhere to strict privacy laws and will only disclose information with your written consent or in cases required by law (e.g., safety concerns).
Q10: Do you accept insurance?
We accept Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, United Healthcare, Optum and Quest Behavioral Health, and also provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider for coverage details or visit our out-of-network benefits checker tool
Policies & Practical Information
Q14: What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee.
Q15: What languages are your services available in?
We currently offer services in English, Yoruba, and Pidgin English
Q16: Can I request a specific therapist?
Currently, Victoria Songonuga, LCPC is the only counseling professional at this practice. If you prefer another counselor, please visit therapy searching tools including psychologytoday.com
Q17: How can I contact you?
You can reach us via email by filling out the contact form on our Contact Page.
Q18: Do you provide crisis support?
While we offer crisis counseling, we are not a 24/7 crisis center, and do not offer crisis counseling outside of business hours. If you’re experiencing an emergency, please contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.
Q19: I know Victoria in real life; can I still see her for therapy?
Maintaining professional boundaries is essential in therapy to ensure the best outcomes for clients. If you know Victoria personally, we may recommend connecting you with another therapist to maintain objectivity and uphold ethical guidelines. Please contact us to discuss your options.
Q20: Can I see two therapists at the same time?
It’s generally not recommended to work with multiple therapists simultaneously, as it can lead to conflicting approaches and hinder progress. However, exceptions may apply for specialized therapies (e.g., trauma therapy alongside couples therapy). If you're considering this, please discuss it with us first.
Q21: What happens if I see my therapist outside of sessions?
Therapists are bound by ethical guidelines to maintain professional boundaries. If we encounter each other in public, your privacy and confidentiality will always be respected. You are not obligated to acknowledge your therapist, and they will not initiate contact to protect your confidentiality.
Q22: Can my therapist be friends with me or my family members?
To maintain professional boundaries and avoid conflicts of interest, therapists cannot engage in dual relationships, such as friendships or business relationships, with current or former clients or their close family members.
Q23: Can my therapist talk about me to others?
No, everything discussed in therapy is confidential, except in the following situations:
- You provide written consent to share specific information.
- There is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
- Reporting is required by law (e.g., child abuse, elder abuse). For more details, please refer to our confidentiality policy.
Q24: Can I give my therapist a gift?
While we appreciate the thoughtfulness, therapists are ethically bound to avoid accepting gifts of significant value to maintain professional boundaries. If you wish to show appreciation, a heartfelt note or positive feedback/review is always welcome.
Q25: Can I choose my therapist's therapeutic approach?
Our therapists tailor their approaches based on your unique needs and clinical expertise. If you have a preference for a particular therapeutic method, please discuss it with your therapist so they can incorporate it when appropriate or refer you to a specialist.
Q26: Can my therapist terminate therapy with me?
Yes, under specific circumstances:
- If therapy is no longer beneficial.
- If you require a specialist beyond our expertise.
- If ethical or boundary concerns arise. Your therapist will discuss this with you and help with referrals to ensure a smooth transition.
- If unable to reach you after multiple attempts.
Q27: Can I record my therapy sessions?
Recording therapy sessions is not permitted without prior consent from your therapist. This ensures a safe and confidential environment where both parties feel comfortable sharing openly.
Q28: What happens if I stop therapy abruptly?
We encourage you to discuss any decision to pause or stop therapy with your therapist. Abruptly ending therapy can disrupt progress, but we respect your choice. We’re here to support your transition or provide referrals if needed.
If you have further questions, feel free to contact us directly. We're here to help!