Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
Jessica Brohmer, LMFT | Therapy with reflective intention for thoughtful people
Jessica Brohmer, LMFT provides online therapy to clients from Aptos across California.
Mindfulness Based Therapy Online in California
Many people come to therapy with questions before they reach out. It’s normal to want to know about what sessions are like, how long it takes to start, and how therapy fits into life. Below are some of the questions I hear most often. If your question isn’t here, you’re always welcome to contact me or bring it up in a consultation.
Getting Started
How do I get started with therapy?
The first step is 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 land 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 unsettled 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.
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?
Therapy with me is insight-oriented and relational with an emphasis on slowing down and understanding how your inner world has been shaped over time. Rather than focusing on techniques or quick solutions, we work toward deeper understanding and a more trusting relationship with yourself.
Will you give me advice or tell me what to do?
I don’t take a directive or prescriptive approach. While I may offer reflections or help you notice patterns, the work is centered on your experience and the meaning you create. Therapy with me is about developing understanding rather than being guided toward specific decisions.
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 work with adults, children, and teens in California who are drawn to a reflective, depth-oriented approach to therapy. My areas of focus include grief and loss, perfectionism and people-pleasing, 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?
I charge $225 per week. 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. This allows the work to remain flexible and focused on your experience rather than diagnosis or medical necessity. If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a superbill for possible reimbursement.
Why don’t you accept insurance?
Many clients value the privacy and freedom that come with private-pay therapy, including not needing to assign a diagnosis or follow insurance-driven treatment requirements. I’m happy to answer questions about this during a consultation.
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?
Practical questions are always welcome. Deeper reflections or therapeutic material are best held within sessions, where they can be explored with care and attention.
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.