Care Backed by Expertise

  • Affing care means that your identity, lifestyle, and relationships are accepted as normal and healthy from the very first minute you walk in or log on. You do not have to defend, explain, or "educate" your therapist about your community.

    Instead of treating identities like being LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, or practicing ethical non-monogamy as a problem to solve, our therapists understand how systemic oppression, stigma, and minority stress impact your mental health. We focus on helping you navigate life, anxiety, or trauma while completely respecting who you are.

    • Length: Standard individual sessions last between 55 to 60 minutes.

    • Frequency: Most clients start with weekly or bi-weekly sessions to build momentum. We will figure out a schedule together that fits your goals and budget.

    • Format: We offer both in-office visits at our Lakeland office and secure virtual telehealth sessions to anyone located in the state of Florida.

    • The Dynamic: Therapy is a collaboration. You are the expert on your own life. We provide the tools, a safe sounding board, and clinical expertise to help you get where you want to go.

  • The first session is called an intake assessment. It is completely normal to feel nervous! Here is exactly how we spend that time:

    • Getting Comfortable: We start by helping you settle into the space, whether that is online or in our office.

    • Reviewing the Basics: We will briefly look over the paperwork you filled out online, go over confidentiality rules, and talk about your right to privacy, practice policies, and how sessions will work going forward.

    • Sharing Your Story: We will talk about what brought you to in to right now. We will look at your current symptoms, your history, and what has or hasn't worked for you in the past. You only have to share what you are comfortable sharing.

    • Setting Goals: We will map out a rough game plan for what you want to achieve or change through therapy.

    • Interviewing Your Counselor: This session is a two-way street. It is your chance to ask questions and see if your counselor feels like the right clinical match for you.

  • Yes, please complete all electronic intake paperwork through our secure client portal at least 24 hours before your session. This includes your history forms, consent for treatment, and billing setup. Completing these ahead of time ensures we can spend your entire first session focusing on you, rather than tracking down missing signatures.

    • Identification & Insurance: Please bring a photo ID and your physical insurance card if you are using insurance.

    • Payment Method: Have your credit, debit, or HSA/FSA card ready for any co-pays or self-pay fees, if you have not already added that information to your profile online.

    • A List of Questions: Feel free to jot down any questions you have for your therapist about their approach, boundaries, or scheduling.

    • Comfort Items: If you are neurodivergent or simply nervous, feel free to bring an object to stim with, a favorite fidget, or a comforting drink.