Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started can be overwhelming.

Here are the answers to a few common questions to help you get going.

  • This can vary, but typically we will meet weekly or biweekly for 50 minute sessions. Most people participate in therapy somewhere between 3-12 months depending on their goals and “why” for therapy. As long as you have things you want to work on and we feel we’re making progress, we can continue. You also can end therapy at any time and your therapist will provide you referrals whenever requested or if there is a reason I am no longer able to provide you what you need.

  • Any session scheduled can be held virtually via Simple Practice telehealth. You will receive a link via text and/or email depending on your preference shortly prior to our session to login to the virtual office. You’re welcome to download the app on your device when prompted or use a typical web browser.

  • We will talk more about this when we meet, but know all sessions are confidential - AKA totally private. The way we describe this is by saying whoever is in the room is who gets to know the details of what is discussed. When a minor is being seen, parents do have a right to have a general idea of what is being covered in sessions, but not the details. The primary exception is concerns of safety: for you or someone else you’re talking about. In these cases there are times when parents become more involved or confidentiality may be broken related to mandated reporting.

  • Yes! We have offices in Minneapolis and Minnetonka and you can learn more here. If you would like to meet in person, we can plan accordingly when scheduling.

  • Pua joins Melissa in sessions several times a week, whether in person or virtually. You always have the option to opt out of her being present for in person sessions and similarly she will try to have her present for those who request it when able. You can learn more about Pua here.

  • Unfortunately, no. Therapists are licensed individually by each state and currently Grounding Space providers are licensed only by Minnesota. If you’re planning to travel for an extended period of time or move out of state, please let your therapist know and we can discuss the options.

  • No. Insurance companies regulate therapy in limiting ways such as session duration, frequency, and treatment requirements. They also require a mental health diagnosis be on file and the release of records to them for the payment of services. By not taking insurance we are able to be more flexible in our work together, in our practice, and maintain a higher level of confidentiality. You can learn more about our fees and payment options here.

  • The cancellation policy requires notice of a need to cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Anything less than that will be charged the full session fee as scheduled. There are reasonable exceptions to this and if we’re able to reschedule within the same week the fee will be waived. Ultimately, when you communicate directly and promptly about your needs, we can problem solve most issues together.

  • Well, it depends… mostly on what you mean by it working. Therapy is not a “do this to cure that” treatment and it may or may not feel like it’s working within the session. But studies (as well as anecdotal experience) show time and again that people who lean in and “do the work” within and between sessions experience shifts they deem positive and worthwhile. So. Therapy is hard AND rewarding. You often get out of it what you put in and it takes time and effort outside of our weekly sessions. That said, we believe that therapy pretty much always shifts something within us and can help us accomplish our goals, whatever they may be.