Frequently Asked Questions

About Sessions

Q: How are therapy sessions conducted?

A: I provide online therapy sessions exclusively through Google Meet. This allows you to attend sessions from the comfort of your location while ensuring a secure and confidential environment.

Q: What days are sessions available?

A: I currently offer sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During our initial consultation, we can discuss specific time slots that work best for your schedule.

Q: How long is each session?

A: Each therapy session typically lasts 50 minutes.

Q: How long should therapy last?

A: There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The length of therapy depends on several factors:

• Your personal history and experiences

• Current life circumstances

• Available time and energy for therapy

• Existing support systems and coping skills

• The complexity of the trauma being addressed

We'll regularly check in about your progress and adjust our approach based on what's working for you. Some clients complete their work in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support. Some might finish therapy and return later when new challenges arise – all of these paths are normal and valid.

Q: What about session fees?

A: I offer:

• Standard session rates - PHP 2000

• Sliding scale rates for students (with valid ID) - PHP 1700

• Discounted rate for Persons with Disability (PWD) - PHP 1700

• Discounted rate for Senior Citizens - PHP 1700

Please note that while I'm committed to making therapy accessible through these reduced-fee options, I maintain only a limited number of sliding scale and discount slots in my private practice. These slots may not always be immediately available. Specific fee information will be provided during our initial communication after you've reached out via email.

Q: What if your practice is full?

A: As I maintain a small private practice, my slots often fill up quickly. If I'm unable to accommodate you in my private practice, you can reach me at Better Steps Psychology, Inc. where I also provide therapy services. Please note that Better Steps has different fee structures and policies. You can contact me there at kristel.mbalais@bettersteps.org

Q: Do you offer payment plans or installments?

A: Sessions are paid per meeting. I'll provide detailed payment information after reviewing your intake forms and confirming that we can work together.

Q: Is therapy effective online?

A: Yes, EMDR and trauma therapy can be effectively delivered online. We'll use specific techniques and adaptations that make the therapy just as impactful in a virtual setting.

Q: How long does therapy take?

A: The duration varies for each person depending on their specific needs and circumstances. Some clients may experience benefits within a few sessions, while others may need longer-term treatment. We'll discuss a general timeline during your initial consultation.

Q: Do I need to prepare anything for online sessions?

A: Yes, you'll need:

• A private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted

• A stable internet connection

• A device with a camera and microphone (computer or tablet preferred)

• Headphones for better privacy

• A comfortable place to sit

Scope of Practice

Q: Who do you work with?

A: I work exclusively with adults who are ready to address and heal from trauma. This includes:

• Recent traumatic experiences

• Childhood trauma

• Past trauma affecting present life

Q: What types of therapy do you NOT provide?

A: I do not provide:

• Child or adolescent therapy

• Couples counseling

• Family therapy

• Group therapy

• Court-mandated therapy

• Legal documentation

• Comprehensive psychological assessments

• Crisis intervention or emergency services

Q: Do you work with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients?

A: Yes, I work with both LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients, understanding the unique challenges and traumas that can arise from these experiences. However, I do not provide services to address specialized needs like:

• Transition-related counseling

• LGBTQIA+-specific relationship issues

• Executive function coaching

• Sensory processing support

• ADHD management strategies

I can provide referrals to specialists who focus exclusively on these areas.

Q: Can I attend therapy if I'm currently abroad?

A: No, I exclusively provide services to clients who are physically located within the Philippines. As a licensed and registered psychologist in the Philippines, I legally and ethically cannot provide therapy services if you're outside of the Philippines, even virtually. This is because psychological services are regulated based on where the client is physically located during sessions, regardless of either party's nationality or cultural background. The general principle in teletherapy is that I am practicing where you (the client) are located, not where I am located.

Q: Do you provide therapy for crisis situations or suicidal thoughts?

A: My practice is not equipped for crisis intervention or emergency situations. If you're experiencing active suicidal thoughts or a mental health emergency, please contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline:

• Landline: 1553

• Mobile: 0917-899-8727 / 0917-899-USAPa

Getting Started

Q: What is the process for starting therapy with you?

A: There is a careful screening process before we begin therapy:

1. Initial Contact

   • Email me at kristel@traumatherapyph.com

   • Include brief information about what brings you to therapy

2. Intake Forms

   • After your initial contact, I will send you intake forms to complete

   • These forms help me understand your history, current concerns, and needs

   • It's essential to fill these out thoroughly and honestly

3. Assessment Period

   • I will carefully review your intake forms

   • This review is crucial as it helps me determine if my expertise and services align with your needs. (Please see the section above on Scope of Practice to see my limitations)

   • Important: I must first confirm that I can ethically and effectively work with your specific situation

   • There may be cases where I need to refer you to other professionals who can better meet your needs

Q: Why is the screening process so important?

A: This careful screening process is essential because:

• It ensures you receive the most appropriate care for your specific needs

• It allows me to maintain ethical practice standards

• It helps determine if my expertise aligns with your situation

• It protects both client and therapist

• It increases the likelihood of successful therapy outcomes

Q: What happens if you determine we're not a good fit?

A: Sometimes, after reviewing your intake forms, I might determine that a different provider would be better suited to support your specific journey. This is never because there's anything wrong with you or your experiences. Just like how different doctors specialize in different areas of medicine, therapists also have specific areas where they can provide the most effective support.

If I feel another provider might be better equipped to help you, I will:

• Have an open and caring conversation with you about this

• Explain my thought process transparently

• Provide referrals to trusted colleagues whose expertise better matches your needs

• Share relevant resources that might be helpful

Think of it like finding the right key for a lock - it's not about the lock being "too complicated" or "too difficult." It's about finding the exact right fit that will work smoothly for you. My primary goal is to ensure you receive the most effective and appropriate care for your unique situation, even if that means connecting you with another professional who specializes in exactly what you need.

Q: What happens in the first session?

A: The first session is an opportunity for us to:

• Discuss what brings you to therapy

• Review your history and current concerns

• Explain how EMDR and trauma therapy work

• Determine if we're a good fit for working together

• Answer any questions you may have

Professional Boundaries and Communication

Q: Do you provide documentation for legal purposes or court-mandated therapy?

A: No, I do not provide therapy services for court-mandated cases or legal documentation purposes.

Q: Do you offer psychological assessments?

A: No, I do not provide comprehensive psychological assessments. My practice focuses specifically on EMDR and trauma therapy.

Q: How can I communicate with you?

A: I exclusively communicate through email (kristel@traumatherapyph.com). While I understand that messaging apps like Viber, WhatsApp, or text might be more convenient, I maintain this boundary to ensure clear professional communication and protect both client and therapist privacy.

Q: What is your email response time?

A: Please note:

• I typically respond within 24 hours

• I primarily manage emails on Tuesdays and Thursdays

• While I may respond on other days when available, these are not guaranteed

• Email communication is for non-emergency matters only

Q: What if I have an emergency?

A: It's crucial to understand that I do not provide emergency or crisis services. Emails are not monitored 24/7 and should never be used for emergencies.

If you're experiencing a mental health emergency or having thoughts of suicide, please contact:

National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline:

• Landline: 1553

• Mobile: 0917-899-8727 / 0917-899-USAP

Q: Can I reach out between sessions?

A: Email communication between sessions should be limited to:

• Scheduling matters

• Basic questions about appointments

• Sending/receiving forms or documents

• Brief updates that can be addressed in our next session

Remember, therapeutic work is most effective when done within our scheduled sessions rather than through email exchanges.

Q: Do you provide therapy or counseling via email?

A: No, I do not provide therapy or counseling through email. All therapeutic work takes place during our scheduled online sessions via Google Meet only.