Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of therapy do you offer?

I work with adult individuals and couples, helping them navigate life’s challenges. I’m certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which focuses on understanding your attachment needs and improving relationships—both with yourself and others. I’m also trained in EMDR, a powerful approach for processing distressing or traumatic experiences.

What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?
EFT is all about understanding how your past attachment experiences shape your relationships today. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, this approach helps you recognize patterns in your interactions, improve communication, and feel more secure with yourself and others. At its core, EFT is about helping you feel seen, heard, and supported.

What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy technique that helps people process traumatic experiences. It was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and uses eye movements, tapping, or other bilateral stimulation to reduce the emotional impact of painful memories. It’s especially helpful for those who have experienced trauma and want to lessen its hold on their life.

How do I get started?
It’s easy! Just send me a message through the contact page or email me at ustina@utscounseling.com. I also offer free phone consultations to make sure we’re a good fit.

How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?
Finding the right therapist is really important. After a few sessions, ask yourself:

Do I feel comfortable being open and honest?
Does my therapist listen and respond to my concerns?
Do I trust their understanding of my struggles?
Do I believe they can help me?

I like to check in after a couple of months to make sure therapy is working for you. And if you ever feel like you’d be better suited with someone else, that’s okay—I can help with referrals. This is your journey, and you deserve the best support possible.

Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions? Which one is better?
I primarily offer virtual therapy but do have limited in-person hours if needed.

In-person therapy provides a private, secure space to talk freely.
Virtual therapy is super convenient—no commute, more flexible scheduling, and you can be anywhere in Michigan. The key is making sure you have a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable opening up.

Do you take insurance? How does that work?

Yes! I accept Aetna, BCBS, BCN, McLaren, Medicaid Plans, and PHP. Every plan is different, so I recommend calling your insurance provider to check your coverage for outpatient mental health services. Some plans require you to meet a deductible first, so it’s good to clarify those details ahead of time.

How long does therapy usually last?
It really depends on what brings you to therapy. Some people need support for a short period, while others benefit from a longer process. If you're going through both a mental health challenge and a life crisis, therapy may take more time. My goal is to help you feel better at a pace that works for you.

How often should I go to therapy?
I recommend starting with weekly sessions for the first 3-4 months. This helps us build trust, dig into your main concerns, and create a solid treatment plan. In the beginning, old memories or emotions might resurface, so consistent sessions can help you process them in a safe way.

What does a typical session look like?
Sessions last 53 minutes. In the first few meetings, we’ll go over assessments—like an attachment history assessment—to get a deeper understanding of what’s going on. We’ll also set clear goals for therapy. Each session will focus on those goals, and depending on the approach we’re using, things might look a little different each time. No matter what, my priority is that you always feel seen, heard, and supported.