What is therapy like at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates?

Our relationship counselors in Reno are first and foremost, compassionate, discreet and honoring of where you are. We are experts in our work but we are also humble, and we listen. We work with adolescent and adult clients in individual, couples and family therapy formats. The primary type of therapy we do is grounded in attachment, but is not entirely standardized. In fact, it’s highly individualized. However, there are some common factors and things you can expect out of our work together: Respect, caring, and compassion Clarification of what is going on My understanding of what relief would look like for you Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings Real strategies for enacting positive change Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance Also, scheduling frequency is one of the most frequently asked questions about therapy. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions of approximately one-hour each. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.

Is therapy confidential?

Your confidentiality and privacy are of the utmost importance to us. Our view is that you are the “keeper” of the information you share with me and in general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law and these include: Suspected Child abuse or Dependent adult or Elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately. If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police. If a client intends to harm themself the therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

How do I schedule an appointment for relationship counseling in Reno?

Scheduling with us is easy. Follow this link to our scheduling portal. You'll find easy instructions for new client and existing client appointment requests. If you're a new client requesting an appointment, we'll send you intake materials via email. When these materials are completed (takes about 15-minutes) within 48-hrs, your appointment will be confirmed. Please note that it is important to get these intake materials completed for us within 48-hrs so we can continue to hold your spot in our practice. Thank you in advance.

Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face. This is one of the most frequently asked questions about therapy.

What type of treatment will I receive?

This will depend on the issues or stressors you are seeking help with. We do not do medication management but will make sure you're referred to the right prescriber if this is necessary. Our therapists offer individual, couple and family counseling rooted in attachment science. We do EFT, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Brainspotting, Attachment-Based Therapy and EMDR. Your treatment needs and the therapist's specialized training will always drive the process. Our therapists will always work with you to determine the best type of therapy to fit your specific needs.

My schedule is busy, how can I fit this in?

This is a common dilemma, especially for people in couple therapy. We offer therapy at convenient days and hours including Monday-Friday sessions from 9:00 am until 6:30 pm. We also have Saturday session available. Our job is to create stress relief, not more stress so we try to find ways to be flexible and accommodate multiple schedules. We also offer online therapy sessions.Once you are an active client in our practice we advise you schedule well in advance. This way, you are more likely to get days and hours you prefer.

Is our therapist going to tell us what to do?

At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, we understand that considering starting therapy can bring up questions like, “Will our therapist tell us what to do?” Our experience is that concern about being told what to do is one of the reasons people don't start therapy. They worry that therapy will be about the therapist's agenda or the therapist making a judgement call. The short answer to this question at our practice is NO, our therapists won’t tell you what to do. Instead, we believe in a collaborative approach to therapy that respects your role as the expert on your own life. Our team of therapists combines professional training with a deep understanding of emotional and relational dynamics. Rather than providing directives or instructions, we focus on helping you explore your emotions, thoughts, and relational patterns. This process allows us to uncover areas that might not be immediately apparent to you and to provide insights and perspectives that can support meaningful change.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

One of the most common questions we're asked is, "how do I I know if my insurance will cover therapy?" We've created this post to help you find out. We are contracted with some and are not an “in-network” provider for others. What this means is that some insurers will pay for the majority of our session (you may have a copay) and others may pay a portion of the fee. There are benefits and drawbacks to each case and will be happy to discuss these with you. To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions: What are my mental health benefits? What is the coverage amount per therapy session? How many therapy sessions does my plan cover? How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider? Is approval required from my primary care physician? Additionally and importantly, many insurance companies limit coverage for couples and families so make sure to verify your specific insurance plan for details. We do accept HSA or FSA (health or flex savings account) payment. Effective January 1, 2022 under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, a ruling went into effect called the “No Surprises Act” which requires practitioners to provide a “Good Faith Estimate” about out-of-network care. At Emotional & Relationship Health Associates, we work from a place of transparency regarding the cost of therapy sessions and the therapist and client collaborate together on length of treatment and overall care.

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

This is an issue of considerable recent discussion. Therefore, it is one of the most asked questions about therapy. In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

Where is Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates located

Our therapy offices are centrally located in Reno, NV, at 403 Flint St. You'll find a convenient map icon on all pages of our website. We are one block east of Arlington Ave, between California Ave. and Liberty St. We are near the Nevada Museum of Art, Wingfield Park and the Cheese Board restaurant.

What if my partner doesn’t want to come in and I think we need relationship counseling?

This is a very frequently asked question. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, we often encounter situations where one partner is hesitant or unwilling to participate in couples therapy. Our message in these instances is clear and encouraging: come in anyway! It's a common misconception that both partners need to be present from the start to effect change in the relationship. In reality, when one partner engages in therapy, it can lead to positive shifts in the couple's dynamic. The insights and personal growth gained in individual sessions can ripple out, influencing the relationship in constructive ways. We also recommend inviting your partner to attend just one session initially. This can be a non-threatening way for them to experience therapy and see if they find it beneficial. Often, the key to engaging a reluctant partner is allowing them the space to feel heard and supported in a therapeutic setting. Once they experience this firsthand, many partners become more open to the process. At ERHA we understand that every relationship is unique, and we tailor our approach to fit the specific needs and circumstances of each couple. Even if your partner is initially resistant, we are here to support you and offer strategies to help both of you navigate this journey. Our goal is to create a safe and constructive space where both partners feel valued and understood, whether they start therapy together or one begins the journey alone.

Can I schedule an appointment for another adult?

We get this question a lot. Unless you are that person's legal guardian, you unfortunately cannot. A patient’s health information is personal and private. Healthcare workers should keep patient information in confidence and divulge it only with permission of the patient. Permission can be provided via a Release of Information (ROI) document signed by the patient. We can make this document available.

Why is a credit card required to make an appointment?

When a client makes an appointment the requested time is reserved exclusively for them. We highly value our therapists and their time. Our therapists have a limited number of session spaces available each week. (A number of hours go into pre and post session work and this completes a weekly workload). With adequate cancellation time (48-weekday-hours) we are able to make this space available to another client. When a session space goes unfilled because of failure to cancel or attend, it affects our therapist's income. Thank you in advance for understanding.

How much do sessions cost?

In our commitment to ensuring the affordability of our therapy services in Reno, NV, we provide alternatives for couples, individuals, and families who may struggle with typical therapy expenses. We offer adjustable fee reductions tailored to the unique situations and requirements of our clients when possible. Our standard charges for sessions vary between $90 and $210, predominantly influenced by the therapist's level of expertise and training. We acknowledge that investing in therapy is significant but undoubtedly a wise choice for your personal or family's future well-being. Rest assured, we will clarify the entire cost of treatment before you commence therapy.

What is Attachment-Based Therapy?

Attachment-based therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on how early relationships with caregivers shape a person's ability to form healthy bonds throughout life. It's grounded in attachment theory, which identifies different attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganized) developed in childhood. The therapy works by helping clients understand how their early attachment experiences influence current relationship patterns, emotional regulation, and self-worth. Therapists create a safe, consistent therapeutic relationship that can serve as a "corrective experience" - allowing clients to develop more secure attachment patterns. It's particularly effective for trauma, relationship difficulties, depression, and anxiety, as it addresses the root interpersonal foundations of many psychological issues rather than just symptoms.

Relationship Counseling FAQs | 15 Therapy Questions Answered

Here you will find clear, straightforward answers to relationship counseling FAQs for our practice in Reno, NV. Wondering how much therapy costs? Not sure how to get started, what happens in a session, or if therapy is right for your situation? Curious about confidentiality or whether you can come alone if your partner isn’t ready? We’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or looking to deepen your current experience, this FAQ is designed to provide the information you need. Our goal is to support you in creating stronger, healthier relationships—and if you have more specific questions, our Care Coordinator or therapists are happy to offer a free consultation.

Call us at 775-235-2205 and we'll be happy to help.

Answers to Relationship Counseling FAQs in Reno, NV

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