Frequently asked questions.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Therapy is right for you if you’re struggling with current life situations, feel stuck in past experiences, or simply want to learn more about yourself and move from survival to thriving. It can also be helpful if you’re experiencing overwhelming emotions, noticing patterns in your relationships or behaviors that aren’t serving you, going through a major life transition, or feeling like something is “off” even if you can’t quite name it. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy, many people seek support to enhance their personal growth and overall well-being.

What can I expect in my first session?

In our first session, we’ll chat and get to know each other. I’ll share some housekeeping items and explain my approach to therapy so you can get a feel for me and how I work. Then I’ll ask you some questions about you and what you’re struggling with, what you want to get out of therapy, and some background information.

The first sessions are about getting a broad overview of your background and current situation. I’ll create a calm and comfortable space for you to feel welcome and at ease. It’s completely normal to be nervous about first sessions—therapists get nervous too! My goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and hopeful about the path ahead.

How long does therapy typically take?

This really depends on every individual. Some clients need a little support for a few months, get what they needed, and do the rest of the work on their own. Other people want to develop ongoing support for years.

Typically, we start with weekly or biweekly sessions and then reduce frequency as clients want and as they make progress. We’ll regularly check in about your progress and adjust our schedule to fit your needs and goals. I also offer intensive sessions for clients who want to get right to the deep work in a short period of time.

Do you accept insurance? What are your fees?

Yes, I accept insurance. Please visit our Insurance and Payment page to learn more about accepted insurance plans, out-of-pocket costs, and payment options.

What types of therapy do you offer, and how do you choose which approach to use?

I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, with the main ones being EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). However, I also pull from other therapies like IFS (Internal Family Systems), psychodynamic therapy, and person-centered therapy.

I tailor the therapy I use depending on the client and the things you’re wanting to work on. I’ll share more about the therapies I use in session and will often talk through them with you to get a sense of what resonates and what direction you want to go in. I provide education about the therapies I use, especially at the beginning, to help you feel empowered with knowledge you can use outside of session and to make sure we’re on the same page with the direction you want to go.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, therapy is confidential with some important limits. I’m required by law to break confidentiality if someone tells me they are going to harm themselves or someone else, if I suspect child abuse or neglect, or if I receive a court order.

Your privacy and trust are extremely important to me, and I take confidentiality seriously. I’m happy to discuss any questions or concerns about confidentiality in more detail during our sessions.

Do you offer virtual/telehealth sessions?

Yes, I offer both telehealth and in-person sessions. This gives you the flexibility to choose what works best for your schedule, comfort level, and circumstances. Many clients find telehealth convenient and just as effective as in-person therapy.

What is EMDR therapy and who is it good for?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-backed psychotherapy approach specifically designed to help people heal from trauma, disturbing memories, and emotional distress.

Here’s how it works: When something traumatic happens, the memory can get “stuck” in your brain in a way that keeps it feeling fresh and painful, as if it’s happening right now. That’s why you might have flashbacks, intense emotions, or physical reactions when you’re reminded of the event.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements (following my fingers back and forth), tapping, or audio tones, to help your brain “unstick” and naturally process these memories. During EMDR, you’ll focus on the traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation. This activates your brain’s natural healing process.

As your brain processes the memory, the memory becomes less vivid, the emotions become less intense, and your beliefs about yourself shift from negative (“I’m helpless,” “I’m not safe”) to more adaptive (“I survived,” “I’m strong now”).

EMDR is particularly effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, disturbing memories, and distressing life experiences.

How do I know if intensive therapy is right for me versus traditional weekly therapy?

Intensive therapy might be a good fit if you’re dealing with specific trauma or distressing memories you’re ready to address deeply, prefer concentrated healing over a shorter timeframe, or have a busy schedule that makes weekly sessions difficult to maintain consistently. Intensives work well when you want to make significant progress quickly and are prepared for focused, transformative work.

Traditional weekly or biweekly therapy might be better if you’re looking for ongoing support as you navigate current life challenges, prefer a gradual pace with time to process between sessions, are working on building coping skills over time, or want consistent, long-term support for personal growth.

During our initial consultation, we can discuss your goals, timeline, and what feels right for you. Some clients also choose to do an intensive and then transition to less frequent traditional sessions for continued support. Learn More

How do I schedule an appointment?

Getting started is easy! You can:

• Fill out our Contact Form on the website

• Call: 614-300-7043

• Email: chelseahagy@storywellcounseling.com

I’ll get back to you promptly to schedule your first session and answer any additional questions you may have.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?

Life happens, and I understand that sometimes you need to reschedule. I require 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours’ notice) and no-shows are subject to a fee. This policy helps me maintain availability for all clients and ensures that your dedicated time is respected.

Still have questions?

If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, please reach out. I’m here to help you feel comfortable and confident as you begin your healing journey.

Contact Storywell Counseling:

• Phone: 614-300-7043

• Email: chelseahagy@storywellcounseling.com