FAQ

General Questions

How long is a typical session?

Therapy sessions run for about 53 minutes. Clients looking to obtain a Gender Confirmation Letter will meet for 85 minutes one time instead of the standard 53 minutes.

How do I get in touch with you in-between sessions?

The best way to get in touch with me is by email. If you are experiencing a crisis, please phone me.

How do I pay?

Before your first session, you will receive a prompt to provide payment information processed at the end of each session. Accepted cards include debit, credit, or HSA cards.

How do I make an appointment?

Please self-schedule a free of charge consultation to get started. During this consultation we will discuss a standing appointment time that works for both of our schedules. If in the future, you need to change your appointment time, open session times will be listed on the scheduling page and we can discuss switching your time when we meet or you can send me an email. If you are looking to schedule a gender affirming letter session, please self-schedule your session. No need for a consultation.

Can I cancel an appointment?

Yes, you can cancel an appointment. Please note, my cancellation policy requires a 24-hour notice to avoid the full charge of the session to the card on file. Additionally, if a cancellation occurs twice in a row, you may be at risk of losing your held session spot.

What if I am running late?

Would you please let me know via phone, email, or text as soon as you know you will be late and when I should expect you? If you are more than 20 minutes late for the session, I will reschedule your time and charge you the full session fee.

What is a free initial phone consultation?

Every interested new client gets a 20-minute, free-of-charge consultation via video to see if I am a good fit for what you are looking for in a therapist.

Are you in-network with any insurance providers?

I am in-network with Premera, LifeWise, Regence, BlueCross, BlueShield, Kaiser PPO, and Kaiser HMO, and First Choice.

How much does a session cost?

If you are using insurance, the cost per session that you will pay out of pocket will depend on your coverage benefits. If I am out-of-network, you are private pay, or you elect to not use your health benefits–then the cost per each 53-minute therapy session is $190.00, due at the time of the session.

Do you offer in-person sessions or telehealth sessions?

I only offer telehealth sessions and have moved my practice to be 100% remote. You can now enjoy your session from the comfort of your home or car while using a secure video link emailed to you a few minutes before each session.

Can I have my sessions with you anywhere?

You are welcome to be anywhere in Washington State. Otherwise, if you are outside of Washington State, you will need to reschedule your session.

What can I do to prepare for a telehealth session?

You can use a computer or phone for your session. Please be in a quiet and private space free of interruption and where you will feel comfortable expressing yourself.

During telehealth, you only see my top half. Do I have to wear clothing on my bottom half?

Yes, please be fully clothed during your telehealth sessions. Sometimes, the camera drops, or we do a mindfulness exercise showing more of your body on the video.

How frequently do I have a session with you?

Generally, you will have a session every week. I encourage weekly sessions for at least the first eight weeks to start making progress toward your desired goals. From that point, we can discuss meeting every other week. I rarely see clients on a schedule that is less than every other week.

Therapy Questions

With what age range do you work?

I work with clients who are 18 years and older.

Do you work with couples or families?

I work with individuals only.

What can I expect from the first session?

We will go over the pre-session paperwork that you filled out and read before coming to the first session.

From there, we will talk about what brought you to therapy, your goals, what your life looks like in general, and develop a rough plan for going forward.

We will also reflect on the first session together to gauge if you would like to continue with a second session.

How long will I be in therapy?

There is no way to determine this. Sometimes people are in therapy for a few sessions; others find therapy necessary for overall health and wellness and meet weekly for years.

Generally speaking, we are constantly working toward the goals you identify and reflecting on your progress; however, the time commitment is what you put into it.

How do you work with clients?

I work with clients from a warm trauma-informed and strengths-based approach. I use modalities such as Internal Family Systems, Attachment perspectives, Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR. People describe me as a relational therapist because I emphasize the dynamic that happens both during a session and how you relate to others in your life.

Do I have to tell you everything?

No, you do not have to tell me everything. There will be a lot that goes unsaid because we will only see each other for an hour a week.

Although a general rule of thumb is if you are thinking, “I should probably tell Kassondra about this,” then it’s likely good content for therapy. Many folx find it helpful to keep a little post-it note handy with a running list of things to bring up in therapy for the week.

Does anyone cry in front of you?

Often. Crying is a normal part of the therapeutic process. It is our way as humans to let out emotion, a release if you will. Tears are a welcomed part of the process.

Are there therapy risks?

Sometimes, when we start focusing on something, we think about it more than usual before it becomes everyday. A common phrase in therapy is, “It gets worse before it can get better.”

We see this sometimes come up in therapy for some folx when they begin to unpack old feelings of hurt and fear from the past. Rest assured that this is a normal part of the process, and we will move slowly through these moments to avoid overwhelming your system.

Since I am at home, can I drink or smoke during my session?

Please do not smoke marijuana, drink alcohol, or use other drugs during your sessions. Think of your time with me as being like a doctor’s appointment in which you would not partake in those activities during those visits.

I am OK with you smoking cigarettes/a vape during the session if you can smoke in a designated area free from other individuals/bystanders.

Is there anyone you won't see?

I do not see clients younger than 18 years of age and those who are court-ordered for treatment. I refer out for couples/family therapy and medication management.

Are you a Christian counselor?

No, I do not practice any faith-based counseling.

For Assessments

Do you offer one-time sessions for Gender Confirmation Letters?

Yes, I meet with folx for 90 minutes one time, and then 99.9% of the time, I can write a letter from one session; although, sometimes more than one session is necessary.

Will I be able to see the letter before you send it?

Yes, you will see a draft of the letter to “approve” before I send the final to your surgeon.

I'm running the clock here; can you get me in fast for an assessment?

Yes, generally, I can get you in within a week if you are in a pickle. Please let me know if you are in a jam, and I will do my best. For folx who have some time to spare, I can usually get assessments scheduled within a few weeks.

Do you charge for the letter?

No, I only charge for the assessment time, not the letter.

What if insurance kicks back my letter? Will you revise?

The door is not closed until you have had your procedure; reach back out with your needs.

Questions About Me

What pronouns do you use?

I use she/her/hers pronouns.

What is the best way to get in touch with you?

Via email is the best way to get in touch with me: kw@counselingforthequeers.com.

What is your educational background?

I received my Undergraduate Degree from The Evergreen State College and my Master’s Degree from Antioch University of Seattle.

How long have you been in practice?

I have practiced as a therapist since 2014 and opened my private practice in 2017.

What do you enjoy about being a therapist?

I enjoy watching folx go from wishing and dreaming to exceeding their goals. There are many opportunities to celebrate with clients as a therapist.

Have you ever been in therapy yourself?

Yes, therapy is a part of my general health and wellness. I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without a fabulous team of mental health providers, and I wouldn’t be able to thrive without continued therapeutic care.