FAQ — Ashley KS Therapy

Question 1

Do I need a diagnosis or referral to work with you?

Accepted Answer

No. You don't need a diagnosis, a referral, or any prior therapy experience. If you're an adult located in Massachusetts or Vermont and something in your life isn't working the way you'd like, that's enough of a reason to reach out.

Question 2

What if I don't know what I want to work on?

Accepted Answer

That's completely fine — and honestly pretty common. A lot of people come in knowing something isn't working but not being able to name it yet. We'll figure it out together. You don't need to arrive with a clear agenda.

Question 3

How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?

Accepted Answer

The best way to find out is to reach out and have a brief conversation. You can ask questions, get a sense of how I work, and we'll both figure out whether it feels like a good fit. There's no pressure and no commitment involved.

Question 4

I've never been to therapy before. How does this work?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to know how to "do therapy," know exactly what to say, or arrive with a perfectly organized explanation of what's going on. Therapy isn't a test, and there isn't a right way to do it. I'll ask questions, help guide the conversation, and we'll work collaboratively from there. Most people find that it gets easier pretty quickly once we get started.

Question 5

What happens during the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. We'll talk about what's bringing you to therapy, what you're hoping will change, and start figuring out what kind of support would actually be useful. You don't need to have everything figured out beforehand — that's what we're there to work on together.

Question 6

Where are you licensed?

Accepted Answer

I'm licensed as an LMHC in Massachusetts and an LCMHC in Vermont. You need to be physically located in one of those states during our sessions — that's a legal requirement, not a preference.

Question 7

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

I currently provide therapy exclusively through telehealth. Sessions are held virtually, so you can meet with me from a private and comfortable location that works for you.

Question 8

How long are sessions and how often do we meet?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are approximately 53 minutes. Most clients begin with weekly sessions, particularly when starting therapy. Some people eventually move to every-other-week sessions depending on their needs and goals. We'll figure out what makes sense for you as we go.

Question 9

What do I need for a virtual session?

Accepted Answer

A device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private space where you can talk freely. That's it. Your car counts.

Question 10

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

I am in-network with many major private health insurance plans in both Massachusetts and Vermont. Insurance networks and benefits vary, so please reach out to me directly to confirm whether I currently accept your specific plan.

Question 11

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Please reach out directly for current fee information. I'm happy to discuss this during a consultation.

Question 12

Do you offer a sliding scale?

Accepted Answer

I have a limited number of reduced-fee spots available. If cost is a barrier, please mention it when you reach out — I'll let you know what's currently available.

Question 13

What's your approach to therapy?

Accepted Answer

I use an integrative approach, which means I draw from several frameworks — including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-based approaches, and person-centered and strengths-based principles — and adapt based on what's actually useful for you. I don't follow one rigid method. My style is direct, practical, and collaborative. I'll ask real questions and offer real perspectives, not just reflect your words back at you. Insight matters, but I also want therapy to be useful outside the therapy room — that means working on practical tools and strategies you can actually use in your everyday life.

Question 14

How long does therapy take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you're working on and what you want from it. Some people come in with a specific goal and feel done in a few months. Others find ongoing therapy valuable for longer. There's no predetermined timeline — we'll check in regularly about how it's going and whether it's still useful.

Question 15

I've had bad experiences with therapy before. How is this different?

Accepted Answer

Therapist fit matters enormously, and previous difficult therapy experiences are valid. If something didn't work for you before, I'd encourage you to bring that up — it's genuinely useful information. We can talk about what wasn't helpful and what you'd need to feel more comfortable this time around.

Question 16

Do you work with adults with ADHD or highly sensitive adults?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work with adults with ADHD and adults who identify as highly sensitive — or who feel they experience emotions, environments, or relationships more intensely than others seem to. I'm interested in understanding your actual experience, not fitting you into a diagnostic box. If you've spent a lot of your life being told you're "too much" or "too sensitive," or if you're exhausted from constantly compensating for how your brain works, that's exactly the kind of thing we can work on.

Question 17

Can I talk openly about sex, kink, or alternative relationship structures with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. I'm sex-positive and kink-affirming, and I welcome conversations about sexuality, intimacy, kink, consensual non-monogamy, alternative relationship structures, relationship dynamics, communication, and boundaries. You don't need to worry about being judged or having your relationships measured against someone else's definition of "normal." This is a space where you can talk about all of it.

Questions you might have before reaching out.

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