Common questions, answered honestly.

Do I have to have a diagnosis to start therapy?

No. You do not have to arrive with a diagnosis, or even know exactly what is wrong. You might simply know that you are tired of feeling stuck, that something is not working anymore, or that you want to understand yourself better. We can start there.

What does therapy with you look like?

Therapy with me is collaborative, relational, and sometimes a little unexpected. We might talk, sit in silence, explore a pattern, learn something about how your brain or emotions work, or try a small experiment together. I do not believe the real work can always be pre-planned. We will pay attention to what is happening in the room.

What happens in the first session?

We start by getting to know each other and talking about what brought you and what you are hoping might be different. I will want the bigger picture: not just what is wrong, but what has been happening, what you have tried, and what matters to you. Most important, we begin figuring out whether we are a good fit. You do not need the perfect words.

What do you mean by play in therapy?

Play does not mean therapy is silly or that we avoid hard things. Play creates room for curiosity, creativity, and trying something different without needing to get it perfect. Sometimes a small, low-risk experiment teaches you more than another hour of thinking about what you should do.

Is playful therapy actually serious?

Yes. Playfulness and depth are not opposites. Some of the most meaningful work happens when there is enough safety to experiment and approach something from a different angle.

Will you tell me what to do?

Probably not in the way you might expect. I do not believe therapy is a list of instructions for how to live. We work together so you can make choices that actually feel like yours.

What if I have big emotions?

Bring them. You do not have to apologize for your feelings here. We can get curious about what they are telling you rather than treating them as something to eliminate.

How do I know if we are a good fit?

You should leave our first interactions feeling like you can be yourself. You do not need a therapist who looks impressive on paper and is impossible to be human with. If you want warmth, honesty, curiosity, and no shame, we might be a good fit. If we are not, that is okay too. Finding the right therapist matters.

How much does it cost?

Sessions are $150 an hour. I want therapy to be possible, so if a different price would work better, say so. We can look for a compromise that works for both of us. If you are paying out of pocket, you can ask for a Good Faith Estimate before we start.

Do you see clients across Texas?

Yes. Sunday Counseling is based in Richardson and offers virtual therapy to late teens and twenty-somethings anywhere in Texas.

Can I see you for couples or family therapy?

No. This practice is individual therapy. I can point you toward couples or family therapists I trust.

Do you prescribe medication?

No. I am a counselor, not a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner. If a medication consult makes sense, I can refer you to a prescriber.

Is what I tell you confidential?

Yes, with the legally required exceptions: imminent risk of harm to self or others, abuse of a minor or dependent adult, or records subpoenaed by a court. We review the limits in the first session.

What if I already understand why I do what I do?

That is a good place to start. Understanding a pattern in your head does not always mean you know how to change it. We move from I know why I do this toward more awareness of what is happening in the moment, and what you might choose next.

What if I don't know what I need?

That's okay. You don't need to have therapy figured out before you walk through the door. You bring the curiosity. We'll figure out the rest together.

Will I have to talk about things I'm not ready to talk about?

No. You set the pace. I will not push you toward a story before you are ready. Fit matters more than a complete history on day one.

Is it okay if I cry? What if I don't have everything figured out?

Yes. Bring the tears. Bring the mess. You do not have to arrive composed, or with a five-year plan. Tired of feeling stuck is enough.

What if I've already tried therapy?

Then you already know something important: you've been willing to try. If the last round didn't help, that doesn't mean therapy isn't for you. Sometimes the approach, the relationship, the timing, or the fit wasn't right. We can get curious about what worked, what didn't, and what you might want differently this time.

Do you only work with women?

No. The practice is built around late teens and twenty-somethings who feel stuck in patterns they can already name. Gender is not a requirement.