What to expect from the therapy process.

Traditional talk therapy focuses on engaging the brain's linguistic and logical regions, while art therapy taps into the visual and sensory areas where emotional memories are frequently held. These areas of the brain hold the imprints of past experiences, perceptions, and feelings—many of which may be too overwhelming or complex to articulate in words.

By engaging these visual and sensory pathways, art therapy creates a direct and compassionate route to access and process memories. It offers a powerful way to externalize and explore what might have previously felt impossible to express, transforming pain into a manageable and meaningful part of your healing journey.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help individuals heal from the emotional distress and trauma that can feel overwhelming or difficult to resolve through traditional talk therapy. EMDR focuses on the brain's natural ability to process and integrate experiences, using bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—to help reprocess and release the emotional intensity tied to painful memories.

During EMDR sessions, we’ll identify and explore troubling memories, thoughts, or feelings that are impacting your well-being. Through a structured, step-by-step process, EMDR works to reduce the emotional charge of these experiences, allowing you to feel more grounded, empowered, and free to move forward.

This approach is highly effective for treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other challenges. EMDR offers a transformative way to move through emotional barriers and achieve lasting healing.

I offer sessions both in-person and online. We can discuss what type of scheduling will be best for you.

Since scheduling an appointment involves the reservation of time specifically and only for you, I require a minimum of 24 hours' advanced notice for the cancellation of an appointment. If you provide less than 24 hours' notice, you will be financially responsible for the full session fee.

Mentaya is a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits.

Mentaya is perfect if you:

• Have out-of-network benefits

• Feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance

• Have submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursement

• Simply want to skip the hassle of paperwork!

Here's how it works:

1. Sign up for Mentaya: https://mentaya.co/inviteclient/alannabetts

2. Our practice will enter your sessions into the platform.

3. Mentaya submits the claim and handles any insurance follow-up.

4. You get reimbursed by insurance!

Mentaya charges a 5% fee per claim, which includes handling any paperwork required, dealing with denials, and calling insurance companies. It's risk-free: They guarantee claims are successfully submitted, or a full refund of their fees.

Working with insurance companies limits my ability to offer the best services for you and your family.

Here is a helpful article that outlines many of the reasons therapists have decided to move out of network.

Alanna is an approved out-of-network (non-network) provider for Tricare East plans. This means we cannot bill Tricare directly but you can get reimbursed for sessions. If you are a Tricare subscriber, learn more here.

I generally recommend once a week or biweekly therapy for clients. This recommendation depends on stability, need for support, and scheduling considerations. Attending therapy less often makes it difficult to make progress toward achieving treatment goals.

It’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about what to ask during a consultation call. This is your chance to see if the therapist feels like a good fit for you. You deserve to feel safe, understood, and supported in therapy.

Some helpful questions you might consider include:

• What kinds of clients and concerns do you typically work with?

• How do you approach therapy

• Have you worked with people who’ve experienced situations similar to mine, like birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, or eating disorders?

• What does a typical session look like, and how long are sessions?

• Do you offer in-person, virtual, or both types of sessions?

• What are your fees, and do you provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement?

• How do you help clients know if therapy is working for them?

Remember, there are no “right” or “wrong” questions. Sometimes the most important thing is how you feel while talking with the therapist. Do you feel heard, comfortable, and safe? That gut feeling matters.

During my own consultation calls, my goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where you can share what’s been going on and ask whatever’s on your mind. Even if you don’t know exactly what to ask, we’ll figure it out together.

Absolutely. My system will process your HSA or FSA card just like a credit card. Many clients utilize these funds to pay for their therapy sessions.

My office offers longer 60 minute sessions because I believe this allows for the most effective use of your therapy hour. When we have a few minutes longer, it allows me to engage in more in depth interventions and ensure that you feel calm and grounded prior to leaving my office.