Professional Psychotherapy &

Assessment Services  

​Sven Schild, PhD, SEP, TCC


Call:  858-602-2847

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Q: What is psychotherapy?
A: Psychotherapy is the practice of spending time with a mental health professional who is trained in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral problems.  At the center is the caring relationship between a therapist and a client. Therapy provides the unique opportunity to learn about oneself and to make changes that will allow you to live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. 

Q: What kind of psychotherapy do you offer?
A: My psycho-therapeutic approach is based on a strong humanistic foundation. Humanistic psychology tends to look beyond the medical model of psychology in order to open up a non-pathologizing view of the person. My goal is to help you make changes in your life that are consistent with who you are.  Depending on my client's needs, however, I also use many other evidence based approached such as EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and some CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) approaches in order to facilitate change. 

Q: Therapy is only for crazy people, right?
A:  No. While it is true that many people with mental and emotional problems seek out therapy, I view therapy as a psychological and personal growth opportunity from which most people can benefit. Only if we lean more about ourselves are we able to grow as a person. 

Q: What can I expect during my first therapy session?
A: Prior to our first appointment, you will be asked to complete some intake forms which you fill out online. The intake questionnaire inquires about your background and presenting problem and the consent form explains my office procedures and the limits of confidentiality. During our first meeting, I will discuss the consent form with you and answer any questions that you may have about the documents or about therapy in general. Afterwards I will conduct an intake assessment where you will be asked to describe the presenting problem (e.g., depression, anxiety, relationship issues, etc.) and some of your background information (i.e., where you grew up, family relationships, school history, etc.). 

Q: How long is each therapy sessions?
A: Except for our initial intake session, which generally will take between 45 - 60 minutes, each following therapy session is 55 minutes in length. 

Q: How long will it take to get better? Do I have to come every week for therapy? 
A: This questions depends on your personal situation and needs. Some people are able to resolve their problems and reduce their symptoms in a few sessions, while others may need to attend therapy for longer periods of time. Generally clients come to therapy on a weekly basis. In some situations, clients may need to be seen more often. Again, it all depends on each person's situation and needs. 

Q: What is the difference between a marriage and family therapist and a psychologist?
A: Marriage and Family therapists, so called MFTs, are generally master level therapists. Psychologists generally have earned a doctorate degree in psychology. Their training may have been focused on theory and research methods, or they may have concentrated in clinical therapy and counseling. Psychologists are required to complete several years of supervised practice before becoming licensed. Furthermore, many psychologists are allowed to conduct psychological testing which, due to their training, many MFTs are not allowed to do. 

Q: What do we do during therapy?
A: My goal is to create a therapeutic environment that allows each client to reach his or her potential. Clients generally share their concerns and worries and together we find solutions to your problems. 

Q: Which health insurances do you accept? 
A: I accept a limited number of health insurances plans. For a complete list of accepted insurance plans, please click HERE.

Q: Are there any downsides to using my health insurance to pay for my therapy? 
A: When using your health insurance to pay for your therapy sessions, certain personal information, such as your diagnosis & progress in therapy, must be shared with your insurance carrier. Therefore before deciding if using your insurance is in your best interest, please consider (1) the purpose of your therapy and (2) how comfortable you are with the amount of information that is being shared. 

Q: Do you prescribe medication? 
A: No. The majority of clinical psychologists do not prescribe medication. Medication is generally prescribed only by medical personnel, such as psychiatrists. 

Q: What if I need medication? 
A:  If it is determined that your psychotherapy would be improved with medication, I can provide you with a referral. 

Q: What happens if I am unable to attend my appointment?
A: If you are unable to attend your appointment, please give at least 48 hours advanced noticed.  If less notice is given, you will be billed a $120 no show fee for your scheduled time. 

Q: When do I have to pay for my appointments?
A: You will be expected to pay for your appointment at the end of each therapy session. 




If your question remained unanswered or you would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.