FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Services in Nashville and Brentwood

Answers to Common Questions About Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, Young Adults, Teens 16+, Recovery, and Healthcare Worker Support

  • Therapy can be helpful when life feels overwhelming, patterns keep repeating, or you’ve simply run out of ways to manage things on your own. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit—many people come to therapy for clarity, growth, and healthier relationships. If you’ve been feeling anxious, stuck, or disconnected from yourself or others, therapy can provide a space to slow down, understand what’s happening, and begin making lasting change. Whether it’s your first time or a return to care, therapy is a collaborative process designed to meet you where you are.

  • Session fees are $135 for individuals and $165 for couples. A number of reduced-rate spots are available for those with financial need starting at $95, and I’m always happy to discuss what feels sustainable. Therapy is an investment in your well-being and relationships.

    No, I do not take insurance. I am a private pay provider which means I’m not currently in-network with insurance providers. I do, however, take HSA / FSA cards. This helps keep our work confidential and allows us to focus on your story—not a lasting diagnosis which is required by insurance companies. For clients who wish to use their benefits, I can provide a monthly receipt (called a superbill) to submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

  • Everyone’s experience may look a little different. For some people, therapy starts to feel helpful within the first few sessions. You might notice small things shifting—feeling a bit more understood, more aware of what you’re feeling, or starting to see patterns more clearly. For others, it takes more time as trust builds and deeper work begins.

    Most people find that showing up consistently matters more than how fast change happens. Together, we’ll talk about what progress looks like for you and make sure the pace feels right—so you can feel supported while you start to notice real movement in your life.

Deciding If Therapy Is Right for You

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

How much does therapy cost, and do you take insurance?

How long does it take for therapy to start making a difference?

Deciding if Therapy is Right for You

  • Your first session is a chance to slow down and get to know one another. I’ll invite you to share about what led you here, what you’re hoping for, and what support might look like moving forward. We’ll talk about your goals, background, and any questions you have about the process. It’s normal to feel nervous—many people do—but my role is to help you feel comfortable and supported as we begin. Together, we’ll decide on next steps and begin shaping therapy around your pace, needs, and story.

  • These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are a few distinctions. Therapists and counselors both provide talk therapy to help individuals, couples, and families work through challenges and create change. Titles can vary based on training and licensure—for example, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, or professional counselors.

    A psychologist also provides therapy but typically holds a doctoral degree and may conduct psychological testing or research in addition to clinical work.

    All of these professionals share a common goal: helping people improve their mental and emotional well-being. Evidence has proven the best fit often comes down to connection, comfort, and approach of the clinician rather than title alone.

  • Yes. What you share in therapy is private and protected by law. I don’t release information about you without your written consent. There are a few exceptions required by Tennessee law—such as when someone is in immediate danger, when there is suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or when records are ordered by a court.

    Confidentiality also depends on age and legal status:

    - Adults (18 and older): Everything you share is confidential, except in the situations described above.

    - Teens ages 16–18: In Tennessee, teens may consent to their own therapy for certain situations, and their privacy is generally protected. However, parents or guardians may have limited access to information if it’s necessary for safety or ongoing care.

    - Children under 16: Parents or guardians are considered the client and have legal access to treatment information. Even so, I work to protect the child’s privacy by sharing only what’s important for safety and progress in therapy.

    Outside of these circumstances, what we discuss stays between us. My goal is to create a space where you can speak freely, knowing that your story is handled with care, respect, and discretion.

  • That’s completely understandable—and you’re not alone. Many people come to therapy after a previous experience that didn’t quite fit. Sometimes progress takes time, and sometimes it depends on finding a therapist or approach that feels like the right match. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship itself is one of the strongest predictors of change (Flückiger, et al., 2018).

    If you’ve felt discouraged by therapy in the past, this can be a chance to try again with a new focus and a fresh start. Together, we can talk about what did or didn’t work before and shape our sessions around what you truly need now.

Understanding the Therapy Process

What should I expect in my first therapy session?

What’s the difference between a therapist, counselor, and psychologist?

Is therapy confidential?

What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?

Understanding the Therapy Process

  • Yes. I offer therapy both in person and online for clients across Tennessee. In-person sessions take place in a private office setting in Nashville, while online sessions are held through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform that allows you to meet from wherever you feel most comfortable.

    We can decide together which format best supports your schedule, comfort, and goals.

  • Finding the right therapist is often about fit and connection. Research shows that the quality of the relationship between you and your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy (Norcross & Lambert, 2018). When looking for a therapist, notice how comfortable you feel in the first conversation—does the person listen well, explain things clearly, and create a sense of safety?

    It can also help to consider practical details like experience, specialties, scheduling, and location. Trust your instincts; the right therapist is someone you feel understood by and supported in your goals.

    If you’d like to see whether we’d be a good fit, you can click on this link to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. It’s a simple way to ask questions, share what you’re hoping for, and get a feel for how we might work together.

    If it feels like we may not be the right fit, that’s completely okay! I’ll help connect you with other therapists or resources that better support what you’re looking for.

  • Getting started is simple! The first step is to reach out through the contact form on the Hanks Therapy Co. website to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. This brief call is a chance to share what’s bringing you to therapy, ask questions, and see whether it feels like a good fit.

    If we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your first full session—either in person in Nashville or online anywhere in Tennessee. From there, we’ll begin shaping therapy around your goals, pace, and needs.

Beginning Therapy with Hanks Therapy Co.

Do you offer both in-person and online therapy in Nashville?

How do I find the right therapist for me?

How do I start therapy with Hanks Therapy Co.?

Beginning Therapy with hanks therapy co.