Frequently
asked Questions

+ What is counseling?

Counseling is a way to gain perspective and make sense of your behavior, emotions, and relationships in all areas of your life. Through counseling, you will learn to identify positive and self-defeating patterns of behavior in addition to learning to express your feelings in a healthy way and environment.

You will learn to cope with and ultimately extinguish any symptoms of short-term or prevailing depression, anxiety, and/or other mental concerns. Communication skills for dealing with conflict and resolution can be addressed and developed. Counseling also helps with understanding and coping with various forms of loss and working through the pain that comes with it in order to heal. Additionally, counseling can also be used as a vehicle for finding meaning and self-fulfillment in a constantly changing world.

+ What is business / career counseling?

Business/career coaching is a way to assist clients in effectively assessing their desires and values, developing leadership and communication skills, building a powerful social/professional network, and figuring out how to balance priorities in order to quickly grow within their industry, find a new career path, or find a new position.

Career coaching helps clients take action to finding a path that is filled with passion and fulfillment.

+ What can I expect from counseling?

Every person's experience in counseling is as unique and individual as that person is in their own life. Counseling is a type of learning: about one’s self, feelings and relationships. Just as in any other learning environment, clients who participate actively, attend sessions, complete homework and are open and honest with their counselor will experience the most benefit.

Counseling should not be considered a quick fix because every therapist at Noyau Wellness Center is passionate about seeing you achieve your goals and total fulfillment. The therapist and client will work to develop a collaborative relationship in which the client feels comfortable exploring areas in their life where they may feel dissatisfied or experience pain. Together the client and therapist will determine new processes for dealing with these issues successfully.

It is common for clients to experience discomfort or increased anxiety during the therapeutic process. Confronting long-standing self-defeating beliefs can be difficult and may produce feelings of anger or resentment towards the therapist. Bringing these feelings up during your session, along with any other questions or concerns you may have, is a very beneficial and a natural part of the counseling process.

+ How long can I expect to be in counseling?

The length of therapy depends on you and your therapist. Some clients come in for 6-8 weeks to work through a specific, targeted concern.

Some come in for 6 months to 3 years to work through current concerns as well as deep-seated underlying issues. Others will come in for several years to work on continuous growth and towards ultimate fulfillment. The process is unique to each individual and the goals you wish to achieve.

+ Is what I say in counseling confidential?

The foundation for a therapeutic relationship is confidentiality. Clients can expect that what they say to their therapist will stay between them and the counselor. That being said, there are a few exceptions to this rule.

If a client appears to be a danger to him or herself or someone else (expressed intention to commit suicide or homicide) and the counselor feels this is a real and imminent threat, the therapist will break confidentiality and seek outside help for the client. Texas law also requires therapists to report abusive situations including child, elder or dependent adult abuse.

As therapists, we value our clients and the trust they have in us. We seek to protect both their confidentiality and well being. Noyau Wellness is a comprehensive, collaborative, total mind and body wellness center, and as such, clients will often receive services from multiple practitioners in our office (seeing both a counselor and nutritionist in treatment for your depression), thus practitioners are encouraged to collaborate on a client's treatment to ensure the most effective outcome. Only treatment relevant information will be shared amongst professionals in our office. Questions or concerns regarding this policy should be discussed with your practitioner.

You may also request us to speak to outside professionals (psychiatrist, general physician, etc.) regarding your treatment. We are happy to consult with others regarding your case with a signed release of information from you.

Some insurance companies require clients to release confidential information regarding diagnosis, treatment and coverage. This is especially true of in-network benefit filings. Clients should discuss the ramifications of this information sharing with their therapist. Noyau Wellness Center will file out-of-network insurance claims for clients, and depending on your coverage, you may be reimbursed for services from your insurance company. Clients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider at the onset of therapy to determine coverage.

+ What makes Noyau different?

Noyau Wellness Center takes a collaborative approach to work towards quicker results and healing. Because the mind and body are so interconnected, we've decided to have all the resources available in one place to effectively address whatever issues you may be facing.

Our staff consists of licensed senior therapists, a dietitian/nutritionist, a holistic doctor, and a massage therapists. We want to be able to address your concerns from every angle in order for you to get the results you desire as quickly as possible.

For example, if you're currently facing depression, you might benefit from a diet change, regular massages, and acupuncture in addition to therapy. All of these impact the persistence of your depression and addressing these areas will effectively work together to eliminate your depressive symptoms.

+ If my symptoms aren't that severe, can I still benefit from counseling ?

Anyone can benefit from counseling! Even if you feel that you are happy and are just looking to be even happier and more fulfilled, we can help you get there. Many people look around them and think they should be happy with all they have in life but still can't quite get there. We can help you fill in the gaps and find the answers to what you may be missing. An outside professional perspective can always be beneficial for you to get where you want to go or become who you want to be in life.

+ What if my ethnicity, cultural or spiritual beliefs differ my therapist? Can they still relate to and help me?

We strive to create an environment that is open and nurturing to all ethnicities, cultures, and spiritualities. Our own beliefs are ever-evolving, and we believe everyone's unique belief systems and experiences are part of what makes our role exciting. We are constantly learning and know that these backgrounds are part of what makes you who you've been and who you will become. We want to work with you to effectively thrive within your own framework and value system.

+ Does being in counseling mean I'm crazy?

Being in counseling does not mean you're crazy, it means that you have the strength and courage to explore your obstacles and work towards finding solutions.

It means you're willing to discover how to improve your life and are seeking information and help to reach the fulfilling life you're seeking. Counseling helps manage the challenges presented to all of us at one time or another, and seeking help from a trained, licensed professional is a great way to work through difficulties and uncertainties.

+ Does being in counseling mean I'm weak?

No, being in counseling does not mean that you're weak. In fact, it means you're stronger than you realize. It takes a lot of courage to work towards healing and to try to change your life in some way. Deciding that you want to explore new ideas and possibly answers takes strength and openness and should be pursued with pride.

+ If I'm in couples counseling, is what I say to my counselor confidential from my partner?

During the course of relationship/couples counseling you may also see your therapist as an individual. It is important for the progression of therapy that you are open and honest with your therapist regarding yourself and your relationship without fear of your counselor telling your spouse your private thoughts. It is for this reason that what you discuss with your therapist when your partner is not present will be kept confidential.

+ What is a "collaborative approach"?

Our staff consists of licensed senior therapists, a dietitian/nutritionist, a holistic doctor, and a massage therapists. We want to be able to address your concerns from every angle in order for you to get the results you desire as quickly as possible.

For example, if you're currently facing depression, you might benefit from a diet change, regular massages, and acupuncture in addition to therapy. All of these impact the persistence of your depression and addressing these areas will effectively work together to eliminate your depressive symptoms.

+ What is the "mind body connection"?

Countless studies have shown that the mind can positively or negatively affect a person's body and health. People battling depression consistently have body aches, digestive issues, and energy deficits, among other physical issues. People working through anxiety can experience heart palpitations, digestive issues, difficulty breathing, or even nose bleeds to name a few.

We've found that by addressing both mental and physical concerns in a collaborative approach, we can work more effectively towards quicker healing.

+ How does my diet/nutrition effect the way I think or feel?

Recent studies have shown that a healthy diet is associated with lower risks of various levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental issues. A person's food intake effects mood, behavior, and brain function. Vitamins and nutrients effect levels of neurotransmitters and these neurotransmitters influence mood, thinking, and sleep patterns. By assessing and modifying one's diet, we can effectively work to increase mood, brain functioning, and energy levels.

+ How can acupuncture help my physical or emotional challenges?

Acupuncture works to restore balance throughout the body to decrease symptoms related to both mental and physical health by stimulating the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters.

Studies show that acupuncture is effective in both the treatment and prevention of mental and physical health concerns. In combination with therapy and nutrition planning, acupuncture works to increase the success and longevity of positive lifestyle changes.

+ Will my insurance pay for my treatment?

We have decided to be considered an out-of-network insurance provider in order for you to remain in control of your wellness process and to keep your confidentiality safe.

Many insurance providers require a diagnosis and limit your therapy to a certain time period or amount of sessions. We feel you are unique and don't feel that everyone needs or requires a diagnosis that will be placed in your medical records.

We can file out-of-network for you, and your insurance company will reimburse you a percentage of your session cost.

+ What is a good faith estimate?

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.