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FAQ

Got questions? We've got answers. 

How do I get started?

To get started, contact Phoenix here. Ze will confirm what type of services you need, payment type, and your scheduling needs for sessions. Then ze will schedule a 20-minute consultation call with you. This call is similar to the first session of therapy where you can share your challenges and needs. Then, Phoenix will let you know what treatment would look like if we worked together, such as interventions, psychoeducation, and coping strategies. If it feels like a fit for you, then we schedule an intake. 

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Phoenix lives and works in Durango, Colorado, primarily out of a home office. Ze has an in-person office, however due to other constraints, ze can only offer limited in-person at this time. If you're interested in in-person sessions, please inquiry and Phoenix will let you know if ze has any spots available that could work for you.

What is therapy like with Phoenix?

Phoenix doesn't wear a professional mask and brings zir full authentic self into the therapy room. Many clients remark how they love Phoenix's honesty and realness, and find it humorous when ze swears (appropriately) during session. Ze will help you to feel comfortable by checking to see if you need any accommodations, allowing you to redirect any questions that feel like "too much" or that you need clarification on, and supporting you with a warm and causal attitude.

During the first session, we will talk about your areas of need, the challenges you want to work on and we will create a treatment goal plan together using strategies that you approve of. Treatment plans are in packages of 6, 12 and 24. 

 

Phoenix will always be transparent about your treatment, which allows you to review session notes, understand your neurotype and/or diagnosis and what it means, and amend your treatment goals at any time. 

At the beginning of every session, Phoenix will ask what you want to discuss or work on. Some clients like an open space to sit and process, and don't mind not having an agenda. Others like to know what the plan is and be guided more directly. Every session is up to you. 

At the end of every session, Phoenix uses the last 3-5 minutes to check in about how today's session went, what you liked or didn't like, and any final comments to close our work. Ze values your feedback and wants to make sure the therapy is working for you every step of the way. 

What is a treatment plan?

A treatment plan is a list of major challenges/symptoms and an intervention plan to address them. It also outlines what a timeline for sessions and how often we will meet. Some treatment plans are basic, like "client would like to improve relationship skills through neurodivergent-affirming education" or "process grief by talking it out and getting genearl support." Some clients request to have no plan at all, while others benefit from a detailed plan. 

 

Here's an example of a detailed sixth month plan -- 

Main Challenge: ADHD and Gifted with Anxiety and Depression

1. ADHD Challenges, including feeling unmotivated, spaces out during meetings, and has trouble completing tasks.

   Interventions:

         A) Psychoeducation on ADHD and Gifted traits (eg interest based nervous system, easily bored, sensory differences, executive functioning differences, executive dysfunction, etc) to increase self-awareness and acceptance

         B) Psychoeducation on ICNU model and how to use model for task initiation/completion and motivation for difficult tasks

         C) Psychoeducation on "stimming" for focus regulation and teach forms of stimming client can enact during meetings, ask for accommodation if needed

2. Anxiety, including high anxiety/panic upon waking, procrastination issues due to feeling overwhelmed, and hypervigilance due to sensory issues due to ADHD/Gifted traits

   Interventions:

         A) Explore underlying cause of morning anxiety, including Cortisol level is too high (confirm via blood test), blood sugar is too low, morning stressors, history of morning chronic stress/trauma, or other causes; Remedy underlying cause with appropriate interventions. 

         B) Psychoeducation on ICNU model to address procrastination issues, such as breaking tasks into smaller ones, use of timer for difficult tasks, increase interest/novelty/complexity, etc

         C) Explore sensory challenges and possible solutions, such as earplugs, headphones, saying "no" to overstimulating situations/events, stimming, sensory tools, etc. 

3. Depression, including one to three days in deep depression (can't get out of bed, doesn't eat much but junk food, socially isolates), happens a few times a month, sometimes thinks about suicide

   Interventions:

         A) Psychoeducation on autonomic nervous system's fight/flight/freeze responses, common nervous system challenges for neurodivergent people

         B) Evaluate nervous system activation for common dysregulation patterns, which cause depression (freeze) and suicidal ideation (create safety plan if needed)

         C) Help client identify causes of dysregulation patterns and teach appropriate coping skills to stabilize nervous system, such as somatic practices, boundary setting, mindfulness/meditation, conflict management, trauma-informed yoga, etc.

Sessions will occur weekly for 45 minutes for 24 weeks.

 

Discharge criteria: When we have met the above goals by 90%.

I have a childhood diagnosis of ADHD/Autism or was identified as a Gifted child, can I still work with Phoenix?

Absolutely! Phoenix specializes with late-identified, but welcomes any neurodivergent person who would like to work with zir.

How long will we work together?

The length of the treatment plan is up to you. Phoenix will let you know what ze thinks based on your presenting challenges, but it's always up to you. Treatment plan packages come in 6, 12 and 24 sessions. When we reach the end, we will reevaluate and decide if we are ready to terminate or need to create another plan together. Most clients move into a maintenance phase at the end of treatment, which means they have monthly sessions for three months or longer. 

 

You can decide at any time to terminate therapy and you do not need to finish a package if you don't want to.

Do we have to meet weekly?

That all depends. Generally speaking, Phoenix requires a client start weekly, then as a client gets stabilized in treatment, we can move to biweekly. Monthly sessions are only appropriate for long-term clients who are phasing out of therapy and have moved into maintenance work. However, occasionally there are clients who are already emotionally stable, have done a lot of therapy work already, and are looking for some additional support. Phoenix will let you know what is clinically appropriate for you at the consultation and throughout treatment. 

Do you accept insurance?

Phoenix works as an out-of-network provider and can provide you with a superbill for reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company to find out the reimbursement rate for Licensed Social Workers. 

What is your rate?

For individual therapy and family collaborative work, Phoenix charges $205 per 45 minutes, and a limited number of reduced rate spots for $125 per 45 minute session. Please note, reduced rate spots are currently waitlisted. Please contact Phoenix to be placed on the (short) waitlist.

Phoenix has one probono spot for a client who cannot afford therapy otherwise. This spot is waitlisted and Phoenix is no longer adding names.

 

Phoenix also offers grant-funded sessions. See below for more information. 

Phoenix charges a different rate for neurotype assessments. These assessments start at $900 (three 45 minute sessions) and can be up to $3000 (ten 45 minute sessions) depending on the complexity, comorbidity of other diagnosis, and how many neurotypes are being assessed. These assessments require special training/consultation and thus are more expensive. There is no reduce rate for assessments. Short-term and long-term payment plans are available through PayPal. Contact Phoenix for more information. 

How can I access grant-funded sessions?

Phoenix works with several non-profits to provide short term grant-funded therapy sessions, such as IMatter Colorado and Second Wind Fund. This means clients do not pay for services. Currently these sessions are only for youth under 21.

If you are a youth in need of services, please check out the Grant Funded Sessions page for more information.

Do you work with Medicaid/Medicare?

The short answer is - NO. Phoenix is not allowed to accept payment from Medicaid/Medicare clients due to Colorado law. However, if you qualify for grant-funded sessions, then Phoenix can work with you. 

What does LSW mean?

It stands for "Licensed Social Worker." Social workers are trained in human development, psychology, social justice, and research. They also view clients holistically and have a high standard of ethics. 

 

Phoenix is currently working towards getting zir clinical license as a therapist and is under the supervision with Elena Davis, LCSW. Elena specializes in working with complex trauma, somatic therapies, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergence. She provides excellent supervision and consultation. If you need to reach Elena for any reason, please do so at (720)988-5620. Phoenix will complete the requirements for zir clinical licensure in 2025.

Please note, Phoenix's license is under zir legal name Jessica Disbrow.

Other Questions?

For ADHD, Autistic, and Gifted People 

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