Yes! Every therapist has at least one evidence-based theory/modality that they practice. This theory/modality is a framework on how the therapist views growth in a client, progress in therapy, helps with setting therapeutic goals, and how they stay consistent in therapy. Each theory also has tools and interventions that are more used in one theory than others.

Examples based on the theories I practice (therapists can be eclectic in their selection of theories or only stick with one!):

• Relational Cultural Theory/Therapy (RCT) - Connections heal disconnections. We need to look at clients relationships and how client has been impacted and influenced by societal and political systems.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) - Our mind is made of multiple “parts” that makes us whole. We need to work on the parts need to feel heard, understood, and unburned from the roles they may not want to do.

Read the My Approach section for more info on the theories I practice and my focuses! I can also talk more about theory during our free consult or in sessions.

This is a “it depends” answer based on the reasons you came to therapy, the impact your past and present relationships have had on you, level of trauma care, and therapeutic goals that you and your therapist will decide together.

Because of the modalities I am informed in, you will know progress is happening if:

• You feel comfortable, respected, and authentic in the therapeutic relationship.

• You can identity aspects of your external relationships and how they have influenced you.

• You were informed around your nervous system, and identify signs that your body gives you.

• You are able to identify your inner parts map, and find parts that need to be unburdened.

• You are provided a space to share on topics that have carried shame and feel more authentic to yourself as sessions progress.

Once we are in contact with each other I will send an online link for us to chat! This consultation is free and can be 15-20 minutes long. This is your time to get a feel if therapy with me is a right fit!

In this free consultation, I will ask you what brought you to therapy and wanting to begin this therapy journey with me. I will share a bit of how I work and answer any questions you have!

If you are not sure what to ask, here are some questions!

• Can you tell me more about _____ modality you use?

• How do you handle safety and trust in our time together especially with virtual therapy?

• Cancelation policies?

• What is your experience with _______?

• What is your experience with working with ________?

We can meet for weekly sessions, biweekly sessions, or once a month sessions. When starting out, I recommend weekly or biweekly sessions to start building the rapport and goal setting process.

There’s a few factors that come to play:

• Training and experience of the clinician

• Weekly supervision which can be up to $200-$500 monthly, and as LPC-Associates we need supervision until we hit 3,000 hours of counseling service.

• Continued counseling education and workshops. Counseling is weirdly capitalistic in how much their trainings costs.

• Saving up for office space rent (I would love to provide in-person services someday!)

• Industry averages in the area (in Austin the mean range of therapy is $150-$180).

• Student loan accumulated from therapist

I am not in-network with any insurance companies at this time. As an LPC-Associate we cannot accept insurances until we are fully licensed. However, there are many benefits to not accepting insurances, such as…

• Not needing a diagnosis to get services! Insurance companies need a DMS-5TR diagnoses for clients to qualify, and therapists who accept insurance need to add a diagnoses in the first 2 sessions after meeting a client, which does not give proper time for actual diagnosis evaluation.

• No limit to the amount of sessions you want to have! Insurances limit the amount of sessions provided and cap the number of sessions unless therapist offers justifications to continue.

• You won’t have to worry about third parties and insurance companies knowing your business! Mental health records need to be shared to insurance companies. By not taking insurance, you won’t worry about insurance companies or third parties having access to your diagnoses (if any), progress notes, treatment plans, or demographic identity that you want to keep private.

The reality of health insurances is that they undervalue and do not pay mental health therapists enough. Health insurances can pay therapist as little as $40 for a session, not counting the work that goes before and after a session.

However, I can provide a superbill upon request if you’d like to seek out-of-network reimbursement.

If you need to get in contact with me for questions or starting sessions, feel free to email me at esteban@rootedinempatia.org

If you want to start sessions with me, feel free to click on the “BOOK NOW” website button or email me at esteban@rootedinempatia.org

If you are already a client working with me, feel free to use the Simple Practice portal to send me messages or schedule our next session.