Question 1

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

With telehealth, patients fill out and email a few simple forms.  Patients are then sent a link.  To begin a video call, patients simply click on the link.  
 
With in-person sessions, patients take 10 minutes to fill out paperwork in the waiting room.
 
With both in-person and telehealth, during the 50 minute session, we simply have a conversation.  I ask you what brings you in and how you would like me to be helpful to you. After discussing with my patients details around their presenting concerns, relevant history, and goals for therapy, I share with them my initial impressions, my understanding of their symptoms, as well as thoughts on what will best help them achieve health and their desired goals.  I also do a brief check-in to see how the patient felt during our time together.
 
At the end of the first session, the majority of my patients report feeling more comfortable than they thought they would prior to coming to the appointment.

Question 2

Why is the first session free of charge?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an opportunity for the therapist and patient to meet and to see whether or not the collaboration feels like a comfortable, natural fit.  This variable is quite important, as it can impact the overall likelihood of treatment success.  For this reason, the initial consultation is free of charge so that both therapist and patient can have an honest, fair, genuine assessment of their fit and comfort level in continuing to work together.

Question 3

What if I have already seen another therapist and did not feel comfortable?

Accepted Answer

The dynamic between any two people is completely unique.  Even if you feel that prior therapy has not helped or that you did not feel heard by past treatment, it may just be worth giving it another try.

Question 4

Do you offer weekend appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I do.  I offer appointments on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Question 5

How does therapy work?

Accepted Answer

Therapy entails a systematic approach to understanding why certain feelings, thoughts, and relational experiences come about.  
 
The patient's role is to simply bring in to session those aspects of their experience (e.g., thoughts, feelings, dilemmas, symptoms, etc.) that they would like to work on.  The patient shares at the pace at which he/she is comfortable.
 
The therapist's role is to conceptualize/understand the patient's experience through systematic analysis of the presented feelings, symptoms, relational experiences.
Theory, technique, and the relational/intersubjective nature of the therapeutic relationship all serve as the therapist's tools in uncovering the path necessary to achieve health and growth for the patient.  
 
Generally speaking, symptoms emerge as part of our healthy psychological immune system. By signaling a challenge in our inner world, they point us in the direction of health.  When symptoms are approached with curiosty and awareness is raised around their origins, the symptoms most often dissipate.
 
The most important elements in successful treatment include:
Trust between patient and therapist
Patient's motivation and committment toward therapy

Question 6

What does Telehealth look like?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Arslanian has intentionally designed her telehealth practice to be as straightforward and user-friendly as possible.  As long as you have an email address, telehealth can be an option for you.  There is no need to be fluent in using your computer or any other program to engage in telehealth.  Please feel free to direct any specific questions to Dr. Arslanian.

Lisa Arslanian, PsyD
Currently Practicing via Telehealth
Dually Licensed in CA & NY

Frequently asked questions