When you reach out to Ways of Play Counseling Services, one of our clinicians will ask you a few questions (free of charge) to find you the best fit.
What to expect
>What you need when you call – Your insurance information (or if you need to pay out of pocket) – A working email address – We encourage you to share any and all questions you have.
>Intake Paperwork After calling, a provider (or clinician) will email you the intake paperwork. Currently our intake paperwork is sent through Simple Practice. Simple Practice is a HIPAA compliant software that keeps your information safe and protected. No more need for paper files (YAY!). If you should have questions or concerns, your clinician can help you through the process. To receive the best services, is best to have the paperwork filled out 24 hours prior to your appointment. If not, your session may be moved. >The Initial Session After you call and fill out the paperwork, your first session will focus on gathering important information. During this first session, the clinician will spend time collecting information about your past, family history, current concerns, and your goals for therapy. This typically can be completed in 1 or 2 sessions.
>The Therapeutic Process The therapeutic relationship is unique in that it is both highly personal and contractual. Given this, it is important for us to reach a clear understanding about how our relationship will work and what each of us can expect. This consent will provide a clear framework for our work together. Feel free to discuss any of this with me. Please read and indicate that you have reviewed this information and agree to it by filling in the checkbox at the end of this document. You have taken a very positive step by deciding to seek therapy. The outcome of your treatment depends largely on your willingness to engage in this process, which may sometimes result in considerable discomfort. Remembering unpleasant events and becoming aware of feelings attached to those events can bring on intense feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, etc. There are no miracle cures. I cannot promise that your behavior or circumstances will change. I can promise to support you and do my very best to understand you, repeat patterns, and help you clarify what you want for yourself.
>Scheduling A Consultation It is simple: Fill out the contact form with a brief description of what is bringing you to therapy and whether you have insurance. A clinician will reach out to begin a connection. You can request a 15-minute, free virtual consultation to learn more about the clinician and therapy. This will be an ideal time to share your availability and potential goals. From there, you will schedule an initial session. >Initial Session The initial session is held for the clinician to gather information about you and your history. The clinician needs this information to create a treatment plan and understand you. The clinician will explain the therapeutic process further and outline the potential therapy schedule (how long and how frequent). You also have a voice in this process and are encouraged to share your thoughts with your clinician.
>Therapy Different forms of therapy are available, and they will look different with each therapist. There is no such thing as a “one size fits all therapy.” Some therapies are straightforward and hands-on (with homework and skill training), whereas others are non-directive (the therapist does not give homework and allows the client to direct the session). Each has its benefits. You can talk to your clinician about what you think may be effective. Once you have started therapy and decided on duration and frequency, you will begin building rapport and working on your concerns. The therapeutic relationship is special and unique. It is a place to come to be open, safe, and unjudged. You can ask questions and seek further clarification on anything you do not understand.
>Termination We hope that you find therapy beneficial and meet your goals. When this happens, your therapist will talk to you about termination. Termination will help provide a type of closure and set you or your loved one up for further success outside of therapy. Termination can look different depending on your therapist. Ideally, termination is planned and can take up to two sessions. As always, clients are encouraged to reach out if they need more support after termination. Unfortunately, termination is not agreed upon. You or your therapist may feel that you are not making enough progress or meeting your goals promptly. If your therapist plans to terminate therapeutic services, they will address this topic as soon as possible and will provide up to 3 referrals for services. The client is also allowed to terminate at any time during the process. Clients are encouraged to have this conversation with their therapist. Remember, it is the therapist's responsibility to help serve the client. Other reasons for termination:
Moving out of State- Per Missouri Tele-Health regulations, therapists can only provide services to clients physically located in the State of Missouri.
Inability to make contact- if the therapist cannot contact the client after three attempts, services will be terminated.
Several missed appointments—In a 12-month period, if a client misses 3 or more sessions (canceled, late, or no-show), services may be canceled.
No longer making appointments- if the client is no longer making appointments one month after the last appointment, services may be terminated, and the client is subject to resubmitting intake documents.