How do I schedule an appointment?
Typically the fastest way to reach me is via text at 757-304-0238. Alternatively, please feel free to reach out through our contact form or email me directly at maureen@uproarcounseling.com. I will do my best to respond within 1-2 business days (usually sooner).
Do you take insurance?
I do not accept/bill insurance. My rates and fee structure can be found here.
I believe that working within a self-pay structure gives clients greater control and agency over their treatment (e.g., scheduling extended or intensive sessions) as well as increased privacy.
Some insurance plans include out of network (OON) benefits and may reimburse for some or all of individual sessions. I encourage all clients to communicate with their insurance company to determine OON benefits. You may be reimbursed for some or all of standard sessions. If you decide to work in this way, I am happy to provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance provider. Please note, when seeking reimbursement, your insurance company requires a diagnosis.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand.
Regardless of the reason for the cancellation, failure to give a 24 hour notice or not showing for an appointment will result in a No Show fee of the full rate of the session. Uproar Counseling does not subjectively apply this policy to avoid bias and uphold ethical treatment. As such, there are no exceptions to this policy in order to ensure fair policy implementation to all clients.
Where are you located/how can I find you?
My office is located within the aura photography studio Aura Theory within the Pacific Plaza shopping center. There is ample free parking in the parking lot, please avoid any reserved spaces. If Aura Theory is open, you will find two chairs up front where you can have a seat and I will be right out. If Aura Theory is not open, I keep the door locked between sessions. Please send me a text at 757-304-0238 and I'll be right out when I am able.
What can I expect from EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that includes a reprocessing stage (often using eye movements or similar bilateral stimulation). EMDR also incorporates a period of preparation and resourcing to support the efficacy and efficiency of the reprocessing stage. Treatment is tailored to your particular goals, and is designed to decrease the overall distress of particular memories, situations, or circumstances by reprocessing limiting beliefs. I am an EMDRIA Certified Consultant in Training which means after my training I completed additional training and supervision to enhance mastery and I am currently augmenting that supervision so I may support others in their EMDR training. You can read more about EMDR here https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
How long will it take?
We know this is really hard to gauge. I do my best to make a reasonable estimate with clients as we get started and check in throughout the process. When determining length, we can consider your desire for personal development, your commitment to the process (even when uncomfortable), and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place. At your first session, we will explore your specific goals, determine an appropriate treatment plan, and throughout our work together we will regularly track progress toward these goals. For instance, EMDR offers lasting results - you will feel ready to "graduate" - and tangible relief but isn't often a "quick" process. My approach to couples counseling also involves moving toward graduation from day one: Our initial stage works to de-escalate conflict, we then work through intentional repair of attachment ruptures, and finally integrate the learned skills to develop a tailored plan to work from beyond therapy.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
A personal commitment to the process (aka buy-in) is a key factor to getting the most out of therapy. So if you're already feeling that curiosity, you're on the right track. That said, it is normal to hit friction and resistance and there are various means to support the process. It won't always be comfortable, but I aim to keep you within your threshold for discomfort. I wrote a blog post about ways to support the EMDR process you can find here. You may also wish to check out the recommended resources page.