**Now Accepting Clients - CA Residents Only**
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WOC Therapy FAQ

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More women of color are reaching out for support, but find limited options when it comes to selecting a therapist who gets them. The therapists at Women of Color Therapy Inc. are here to support you, empower you, and address cultural factors that often hinder the healing process.  Please find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below.

Who can benefit from the services at WOC Therapy?

Our services are primarily tailored for women of color and teens facing mental health challenges, seeking personal growth, or needing a supportive community. We cater exclusively to California residents at our Valley Glen Wellness Center but also offer online therapy options for convenience.

What kind of services does WOC Therapy provide?

We offer a variety of services to support your mental wellness journey, including:

  • Traditional therapy
  • Culturally sensitive therapy
  • Reiki and energy healing
  • Healing circles
  • Workshops on various topics
  • Online therapy sessions
  • Special programs like the partnership with The Light of Liberty Spiritualist Institute for healing ceremonies

How do I know if WOC Therapy is right for me?

If you’re a woman of color or a teen looking for a supportive space to address your mental health, navigate life’s challenges, or explore personal growth, WOC Therapy might be a great fit. Our services are designed with your unique needs in mind, offering a compassionate and understanding environment to foster healing and well-being.

What is Reiki, and how can it help me?

Reiki is a beautiful and gentle form of energy healing that originates from Japan. The word “Reiki” itself comes from two Japanese words: “Rei,” meaning “Universal,” and “Ki,” meaning “life energy.” This life energy flows through all living things, and it’s believed that when someone’s energy is low or blocked, it can lead to physical, emotional, or mental imbalance. During a session, a trained practitioner lightly places their hands on or near your body, aiming to clear energy blockages and promote relaxation. This can lead to reduced stress, improved emotional balance, and a sense of peace.

Can I get help online?

Yes, we offer online therapy sessions for those who prefer or require remote assistance. Our online therapy provides the same level of care and support as our in-person services, ensuring you have access to mental health resources regardless of your location.

What if I'm just starting my therapy journey?

If you’re new to therapy, WOC Therapy offers a welcoming and safe space for you to explore your feelings and challenges. Our compassionate wellness therapists are here to support you every step of the way, helping you feel comfortable and understood.

How can I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment by sending us a request through the chat box on our website or by contacting us via phone or email. Our staff will guide you through the process and help you schedule a time that works for you.

Let’s Start With the Main Question - What Is Therapy?

Psychotherapy – or just therapy – is a type of treatment for those who suffer from mental health problems and emotional distress. There are various approaches and styles of therapy.  Therapy counseling means examining the life of a client and gaining insight into the difficulties that someone is facing. These could be related to family, relationships with a partner, work, money, or anything else someone’s struggling with.

How Will Therapy Help You?

A positive change that happens over time of going to therapy sessions (both in a group with other people and individually) is the releasing of negative emotions and energy that have accumulated over time. Improvement can be visible after a couple of sessions, but for best results 3-6 months is the average time it takes to change patterned behavior.

Should I Go to Therapy? Some Sure Signs You Need Consultations With a Therapist

Suppressed or visible trauma, mental illnesses, depression, emotional labor, anxiety, stress, loss of a loved one, eating disorders, etc. are just some of the most common reasons why people decide to go to treatments.

Women of color, unfortunately, deal with additional daily stressors. Racial and gender biases can emerge in any aspect of their lives creating additional barriers to success. Getting professional help and advice can benefit you – you will gain more confidence and learn how to cope with difficult emotions.

What Does a Therapist Do?

The philosophy at WOC Therapy Inc. is leading with being human.  Therapy should not feel cold and stiff, with only one person doing the talking.  It is an exchange of energy and shared experience.  An effective therapist is someone who knows how to gain your trust, who listens empathically, and connects you to your own inner strengths. Opening up and developing a relationship with a therapist helps you to heal childhood wounds and overcome daily challenges that keep you feeling stuck.

We’re all aware of how challenging life can be, especially in these past two years. Therapists are trained to know how to address all kinds of problems their clients have and how to help them.

It’s Best to Get Started With a Therapist That Has the Right Licensing

Either licensed or pre-licensed therapists are trained to address your mental health needs. To avoid unpleasant experiences and unethical practices, check your therapist’s credentials. Some hints that you’re dealing with an ineffective therapist are:

  • Talking too much,
  • Being judgmental,
  • Looking uninterested in what you’re saying,
  • Sharing inappropriate information about their life or the life of other clients,
  • Making sexual overtures toward a client,
  • Breaching confidentiality agreement,
  • Threatening or blackmailing.

Culturally Competent Care

Culturally competent therapists consider the biological, psychological, and environmental factors at play.  They evaluate presenting issues while considering  the impact of racism and historical trauma.  Choosing a therapist who can identify with your unique experience is important.

Psychotherapy should give you a sense of purpose and empower you to feel more confident and worthy.  Many of our clients experience more peace of mind and learn how to live more intentionally.

Are You Looking for a Licensed Therapist With Years of Experience?

We understand your desire to work with a licensed and experienced therapist. Research shows that the most significant factor in successful outcomes in therapy is “therapeutic alliance,” or the quality of the relationship between client and therapist.

We invite you to remain open in the selection process, and consider both connection as well as credentials. You may be surprised to find a stronger connection with an Associate Clinical Therapist.

An Associate Clinical Therapist is mental health professional who has completed their educational requirements but is in the process of fulfilling the supervised clinical experience needed for full licensure. Associate therapists can perform many of the same functions as licensed therapists, such as conducting therapy sessions, helping clients develop coping strategies, and addressing various mental health issues. However, they do this under the oversight of a supervisor.

The Therapy We Provide Can Help Women of Color and Teens Heal from Trauma

Our belief is that pain that isn’t transformed, gets transmitted. It affects your relationships, limits your potential, and increases levels of anxiety and depression.

We help ambitious women go on and pursue their dream jobs. We help them to experience deeper and more meaningful relationships, to set better boundaries, and learn ways to manage stress more effectively.

How Much Do Our Services Cost?

If you’re interested in individual (in-person and online therapy) services, the price for 50-minute sessions ranges from $175-$275. Sliding scale fees are available on a limited basis. Group sessions cost $50 per meeting. Therapy online allows you to talk to a therapist without any risk due to the current pandemic, and you can use it from the comfort of your home.  Online psychotherapy is equally confidential as in-person sessions.

We currently do not accept insurance, but would be happy to provide a superbill that you can provide to your insurance for reimbursement. When you call your insurance, be sure to ask what percentage they cover for out of network providers.

A complimentary 15-minute consultation is valued at $65 and includes personal assessment and recommendation for services.