Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
Jessica Brohmer, LMFT | Online therapy based in Aptos and available across California
Jessica Brohmer, LMFT provides online therapy to clients from Aptos across California.
Therapy is a space to slow down, reflect, and understand what’s happening beneath the surface, not just managing symptoms, but exploring the patterns, emotions, and experiences shaping your life.
Many people have questions before getting started. Below are answers to some of the most common ones. If you don’t see your question here, you’re always welcome to reach out or bring it into a consultation.
Getting Started
How do I get started with therapy?
The first step is to have a free 20 minute consultation. This is a chance for us to meet, talk briefly about what’s bringing you here, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. There’s no expectation that you decide anything during this conversation. It’s simply an opportunity to ask questions and see how the pace and approach feel for you.
What if I’m not sure therapy will help?
It’s very common to feel uncertain, especially if you’ve already spent a lot of time reflecting on your inner experiences. Early sessions are a place to explore what you’re noticing, name what feels stuck or unclear, and build up a supportive therapeutic relationship. Your uncertainty and questions are welcome.
Do I need to know exactly what I want to work on?
No. Many people begin therapy with a general sense that something has shifted or feels wrong without being able to name exactly what the problem is. Your willingness to slow down, reflect, and stay curious is enough to begin. Clarity often emerges through the process of the work itself.
About Sessions
Do you offer in person or online therapy?
I offer individual therapy sessions online for people located in California. Sessions take place on a secure video platform. I primarily work with adults, but I do see children and teens who are drawn to a more reflective space.
How long are sessions and how often do we meet?
Standard sessions are 60 minutes weekly. Meeting regularly supports the continuity and depth needed for this kind of reflective work, allowing patterns to unfold over time rather than being revisited sporadically. Your weekly fee also covers asynchronous support throughout the week.
Do you offer longer or less frequent sessions?
Yes. For some people, I offer extended half-day sessions that take place less frequently. This can be a good option when weekly therapy isn’t feasible or when deeper immersion feels supportive. We can discuss whether this format makes sense for you.
What happens in a typical session?
Therapy sessions with me are conversational and reflective rather than structured or directive. We pay attention to what’s emerging in your inner experience and explore what comes up with curiosity rather than judgment. There’s no expectation to perform, arrive with answers, or make progress on a timeline. My clients often discuss relevant dreams, emotional experiences, or moments that have stuck with them through the week.
About the Work Itself
What kind of therapy do you practice?
My approach to therapy is thoughtful, relational, and focused on helping you understand what’s happening beneath the surface. In our work together, we slow down and pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and patterns as they come up in real time. Over time, this helps you develop a clearer understanding of yourself and a stronger sense of trust in your own perspective. I also integrate trauma-informed methods including EMDR when it feels supportive so we can work both with what’s happening now and the experiences that shaped it.
Will you give me advice or tell me what to do?
I won’t tell you what decisions to make, but I also won’t leave you to figure things out on your own. My role is to help you understand what you’re feeling, what matters to you, and what might be shaping your reactions so you can make decisions that feel clear and aligned. Many clients find that as we work together, their sense of direction becomes more natural, not because they’re being told what to do but because they trust themselves more.
What if therapy brings up difficult feelings?
Deep work can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially when we’re turning toward experiences you may have learned to shut down or avoid. We move at a pace that feels tolerable and respectful. If something feels overwhelming, that becomes part of the work. We slow down rather than push through.
What if I’m already very self aware?
I work best with people who are thoughtful, introspective, and already have a strong understanding of themselves. Therapy with me isn’t about gaining insight for its own sake but allowing understanding to go deeper in a way that brings acceptance, kindness, and clarity where things have felt stuck.
Fit and Scope
Who do you work with?
I primarily work with adults in California who are drawn to a reflective, depth-oriented approach to therapy. I also see children and teens who feel comfortable in a more thoughtful, exploratory space. My areas of focus include grief and loss, stress and anxiety, perfectionism and people-pleasing, Christian therapy, and therapy for therapists.
Do you work with couples, children, or families?
Yes, as long as everyone present is fully on board with a slow, reflective approach. Different members of a couple or family often choose to work with me individually to honor their unique needs and pacing.
What if I’m not sure this approach is the right fit?
That’s exactly what the consultation is for. Fit matters, especially for this kind of work. If it becomes clear that another approach or provider would better support you, we can talk that through thoughtfully and I may be able to provide referrals.
Fees and Insurance
What are your fees?
My fee is $225 per week, which includes one 60-minute session and asynchronous support between sessions as needed.
Extended half-day sessions are $600. Cancellations are $100, and no-shows are billed at the full rate.
Do you accept insurance?
I’m a private-pay practice and do not accept insurance directly. If you have out-of-network benefits, you can use the widget below to verify your coverage and see if you’re eligible to submit superbills or use Thrizer.
Ongoing Questions
What if therapy doesn’t seem to be helping?
Therapy is a collaborative process, and it’s important to talk openly about how the work feels. If something doesn’t feel helpful or aligned, we can slow down and explore that together. Questions, uncertainty, and feedback are all part of the work.
Can I ask questions outside of sessions?
You’re welcome to reach out between sessions if something comes up or you need support during the week. I do my best to respond thoughtfully, especially if something feels immediate or difficult to navigate on your own. I typically respond within a reasonable time frame during the week, though I’m not always able to respond immediately outside of session times. For deeper conversations or trauma work, we’ll usually keep that for our sessions where we have the time and space to really explore it together.
A Final Note
If you’re someone who tends to think carefully before reaching out, you’re not alone. Questions aren’t a problem here, they’re often the beginning of the work itself. If you’d like to talk further, you’re welcome to schedule a consultation when it feels right.