Frequently Asked Questions

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps people feel better after distressing experiences. During an EMDR session, a therapist helps you think about a sad memory while moving their eyes side to side or using other simple movements like tapping. This helps the brain process the memory in a way that makes it less upsetting.

It's like helping the brain file away a bad memory, so it doesn't hurt as much. EMDR can help with problems like feeling scared, anxious, or sad.

ADHD assessments often include filling out forms about your symptoms and behaviors. A holistic intake looks at your strengths and difficulties in different parts of life, like school, home, and with friends. Regular data tracking helps see progress over time. This can include using habit tracking apps, visual timers, and task lists to manage tasks and behaviors better. 

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It means you might be having trouble paying attention, sitting still, and regulating your emotions. 

It also might me you fidget a lot, that you might talk over other people, you might have trouble taking turns in a conversation or blurting something that you didn't mean to say. 

Both kids and adults can get an ADHD assessment. For kids, it usually starts at age 6 and up. . It can help them get the right support and treatment. The assessment can take place over several visits. It depends on each person and their needs.

We look at the your strengths and difficulties in different parts of life, like school, home, and with friends.  The results help to create a plan that includes treatment and support for managing your ADHD symptoms. 

The length of time it takes to see results from counseling sessions with Healing Pause Mental Health Counseling and Coaching varies depending on the individual and the issues being addressed. Some clients may see improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require longer-term therapy.

I offer support for various issues such as ADHD assessments, anxiety counseling, attention deficit disorder support, and EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy. We will collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan aligned with your goals. 

EMDR with Riyon, ADHD  Assessments offers a range of counseling services including individual therapy and parental support. After the intake I will ask you to commit to a minimum of 4 sessions so we can get started on your journey together. 

• Schedule a free 20-minute consultation: I will ask you some general questions about yourself and your reason for seeking therapy, and you should ask me any questions you might have. If both you and I agree you would be a good fit for each other, I will collect information from you and then book your initial session on Headway.co or in Sessions Health Record
• Complete the intake session. You will be asked to fill out the questions that will help me get to know what you need help with. You will sign the consent paperwork and practice policies. This is a great time to ask any questions you have if they were not answered during the consultation. The first sessions are usually dedicated to the therapist asking questions to learn an overall history of your life, previous experiences with mental healthcare, current symptoms, and what your goals are for therapy. These goals will become your Treatment Plan that we will use to determine the course of treatment.
• Following sessions: During the first few sessions, therapists seek to develop rapport and trust. It may take time for you to feel that you can be yourself, and this is a normal thing to feel! After 4 sessions, ask yourself: Do I feel my therapist is a good match? Do I want to change anything? Sometimes it’s difficult to know what you want to focus on at first, or you’re not exactly sure what your goals are for therapy. The following is a list of questions you can ask your therapist and some of the most commonly used clinical approaches. I tailor therapy to your needs and goals can be adjusted at any time.

I get it. We all have so many areas in our lives where we can use support. I will work with you to explore what area of your life you want to see change in first. I can help you clarify what strengths and skills you already have to bring into the areas you need help with. 

We will talk about your specific goals and how to accomplish them. Many people find relief using Eye Movement Depersonalization and Reprocessing Therapy or by learning new skills

Persons with Attention Deficit Disorder have many different areas of strengths and challenges. Sometimes people freeze when they have too many choices. Maybe you can start interesting things but avoid starting boring tasks. You might finish things 80% of the time and let’s not talk about how many projects are lying around in the closet. 

We will work on goals together and then I will pick an approach that likely works well for you. It can be adjusted at any time.

 We could use an approach like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, discussion guides, and homework. I often email .pdf files after a session to review on your own and/or practice skills. 

 We’ll focus on this topic and set solution-focused goals. We can also do skills coaching. 

 We can use an approach like EMDR or Cognitive Processing Training. There are certain coping skills taught before EMDR processing and we will see if you are able to not disassociate before we start trauma processing. 

Therapists often provide information about topics like flight/flight/freeze and action paralysis. If you feel you know this information then we can focus on setting a path to move forward

We will work on this goal by exploring the past, building coping skills, and using tools to understand what is driving the behaviors. EMDR is my preferred tool for this.

Cognitive Processing Therapy is 10-14 highly structured sessions. Workbooks are available to download online or you can purchase your own. 

Sometimes you need a lighter session or two to talk about what was processed. We will switch or add approaches if needed.

There can be many sensitive topics like money, shame, and past choices. It’s okay to bring it up. You can ask me about the topic first if you aren’t sure.

Money can be a "touchy" subject for many people. I specialize in helping you reduce your financial anxiety and retail therapy. I can't help you do the dishes but I can help you figure out how to do them before company comes over. I can refer you to talk to someone about marriage counseling if you want to work together with your partner on these challenges

I encourage you to be honest about how you think things are going. You will not hurt my feelings by sharing yours. Feedback can improve how therapy works for you. Sometimes counseling can be uncomfortable and it’s important to share that in session. Neurodivergent persons don't communicate differently. Many feel they can't "read the situation" or don't want to say anything because they think it's mean. This is your time to be heard.

I encourage you to bring your sense of humor, your love of gaming, and other things that bring you joy into the session. You are welcome to drop some of those F bombs if you need to. There are limits to confidentiality in counseling and coaching. You will be provided with a consent form that explains your rights. You may also find more information at the Department of Health or with the Revised Codes of Washington. While you may bring up almost any topic I may not have the expertise needed to help you with that topic. I can refer you to someone to help you with that in addition to working with me or you can transfer your care. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.02.230 or doh.wa.gov