Frequently Asked Questions
Outdoor Intensives might not be something you have come across before, so it is understandable to have questions! Below are some of the most common questions I have received about Outdoor Therapy intensives.
Outdoor Therapy Intensive FAQ
A Therapy Intensive is an accelerated form of therapy designed to help clients go deeper and get results faster. Instead of attending therapy one hour per week for a year, why not carve out a weekend or a week for Therapy Intensives? It’s a cutting-edge approach to help people feel better faster. No need for a weekly therapy appointment.
In fact, many people think of Therapy Intensives like a retreat. For that weekend (or mid-week getaway) you can unplug, take time off work, get a babysitter, or even stay in a hotel. This time is completely dedicated to you so you can focus on healing, reflecting, and reconnecting.
Who can benefit from Therapy Intensives?
Therapy Intensives are perfect for people that are ready for relief now. If you’re ready to see things change in your life and your relationships but you don’t want to wait for that to happen next year - a Therapy Intensive may be right for you. If you have a specific topic, trauma, or stressor that you want support with - this can be the focus of your Therapy Intensive. The dedicated time will be customized specifically to you and your goals.
Why should I do a Therapy Intensive instead of a normal 50-minute therapy session?
Therapy Intensives are more effective and efficient than normal 50-minute therapy sessions. Typically in a 50-minute session, there are at least 5-10 minutes of “check-in” at the start of the session and usually, 5-10 minutes spent on “closing up” or “checking out” at the end of a session - Leaving only 30-40 minutes for deep therapeutic work. Therapy Intensives are different. A 3-hour Therapy Intensive allows for 2.5 hours of depth work. That’s the equivalent of five 50-minute sessions or more than a month of therapy - in a single day!
Why would I do my intensive outdoors?
This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors.
Why would I do my intensive outdoors?
It is definitely different taking therapy outdoors! Research shows us that being outside naturally regulates our nervous systems, reduces physiological signs of stress such as heart rate and blood pressure, and shows promising symptom improvement in clients with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Post-Traumatic Stress.
Do I have to be a hiker to do Outdoor Intensive Therapy?
Not even a little bit! There are so many trails and walking paths in Washington State that we can find one that matches your skill and activity levels, as well as your comfort with more (or less) remoteness and nature immersion.
Will we see other people hiking during my intensive?
That is entirely possible. Although we can meet at lower-traffic times or trails, I cannot always guarantee confidentiality for our outdoor sessions due to their location on public lands or facilities. However, in the event of engaging with people while facilitating the outdoor sessions, I will continue to take reasonable steps to protect your confidentiality on the trail.
I have a medical condition- am I unable to do Outdoor Therapy Intensives?
In short: definitely not! I accept clients with a variety of medical conditions on Outdoor Therapy Intensives on a case-by-case basis because I believe nature offers opportunities for all of us. Your safety is of the utmost importance to me, so I will learn more about your condition(s) and ensure they are well managed between you and your medical provider. I am committed to finding an outdoor space that safely meets your needs.
Who is NOT a good candidate for Outdoor Intensive Therapy?
Generally, it is inadvisable to engage in outdoor intensive therapy if you have experienced a traumatic event, psychosis symptoms, major physical injury, or inpatient hospitalization in the last 6-12 months. It is important not to open a (literal or figurative) fresh wound when you are in a particularly vulnerable space. Additionally, it is inadvisable to engage in an outdoor therapy intensive while under the influence of mind-altering substances (even “just a little bit”).
How many Intensive Days should I schedule?
Great question! This depends on your goals for the Therapy Intensive. Some goals can be reached in a 1 Day Intensive (3 hours), but other goals are more complex and may require a 3 Day Intensive. I can help you determine the number of days that would work best for your therapy goals.
I already have a primary therapist. Can I do an intensive as adjunct therapy?
Absolutely! Therapy Intensives work very well as an adjunct therapy. I would ask that you sign a Release of Information so that your current therapist and I can collaborate/coordinate to best serve you.
Can my insurance help pay for Therapy Intensives?
Therapy Intensives are not covered by insurance. However, if you have out-of-network benefits, your insurance company may reimburse a portion of the Therapy Intensive. It’s best to call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card to learn the details about your specific plan. Make sure to ask questions like: Do I have a deductible for out-of-network services? Have I met my deductible? What CPT billing codes do you reimburse (i.e. 90837 or two 90843 in one day)? What is the rate of reimbursement for each billing code? What is the allowable amount for reimbursement?
When are payments due?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is due at the time you book your Therapy Intensive. The remaining 50% is due on the first day of the Intensive Session.
I don't live in Washington- can I do an Outdoor Therapy Intensive?
You definitely can! You do not have to be a Washington resident to participate in an Outdoor Therapy Intensive here, but you would have to come visit to participate. Many clients use this time as a therapeutic retreat, staying in a hotel and taking space away from their everyday stressors for extra processing time after their Outdoor session(s).
What if I’m interested in a Therapy Intensive but I’m not 100% sure?
Let’s schedule a time to talk! I’m happy to answer any questions and explore your unique situation to see if a Therapy Intensive may be helpful for you.