Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy is a big step, and it’s natural to have questions before reaching out. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from new clients. If you don’t see your question here, we’d be glad to talk it through during a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes. Heartswell is currently accepting new individual and couples clients. We see people in person in Ballston, Arlington, VA and virtually in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The best way to get started is to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. We typically respond to inquiries within 1-2 business days.
How does the consultation process work?
The best way to get the information you need is by booking a free 15-minute phone consultation. This call will be with our Clinical Director, LuAnn Oliver, unless she is traveling. She can answer any questions you have and get a sense of your needs to match you with the ideal provider. If a match is found, she can schedule your first session. If you prefer to get some basic information beforehand by email you can reach out through our contact form. Please keep in mind this is not secure so we recommend you provide only general details.
How much do sessions cost?
Our rates range from $165 to $265 per session, based on each therapist’s experience and session length. Individual sessions are typically 50 minutes; couples sessions are 60 minutes. We accept credit and debit cards, HSA-linked cards, cash, and checks. Payment is processed on the day of each session.
Do you accept insurance?
We are an insurance-friendly, out-of-network practice. We partner with Mentaya to make reimbursement easier. Mentaya can handle superbill submissions on your behalf, which is especially helpful if you’ve found the insurance process overwhelming or hit dead ends. If you prefer to submit claims yourself, invoices are available for download at any time through your secure client portal.
Where is Heartswell located?
Our office is at 4001 9th Street North, Suite 220, Arlington, VA 22203. We serve clients throughout Northern Virginia and the greater Washington D.C. area, including Alexandria, Falls Church, McLean, and surrounding communities. We also offer virtual therapy in Maryland and Georgia.
What types of therapy do you offer?
We integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) with body-centered practices including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, yoga, and mindfulness. Our approach is rooted in research from leaders like Sue Johnson, John Gottman, Richard Schwartz, Bessel van der Kolk, and Brené Brown. We believe the mind and body are not separate, so what affects one affects the other, and we treat the whole person.
What issues do you specialize in?
We support individuals and couples through anxiety, depression, addiction, sexual issues, relationship challenges, premarital preparation, life transitions, and trauma. We also offer specialized support for foreign service families and military members navigating the unique stresses of those careers.
What happens in the first few sessions?
The first 3-4 sessions are an assessment phase where we get to know one another. For couples, this includes an individual session with each partner. By the end of this phase, you and your therapist will have established clear goals and a roadmap for treatment together.
How often will I meet with my therapist?
Most clients meet weekly or every other week, especially in the early stages of therapy. Consistency matters because therapy is much like exercise. You’re building and stretching new emotional muscles and neuropathways, and regular, steady meetings allow lasting growth to take root.
How long will I be in therapy?
Because every person is unique, the timeline varies. Many couples and individuals work consistently for 1-2 years and then transition to monthly check-ins or manage on their own. Others choose to make therapy an ongoing weekly, biweekly, or monthly part of their lives, much like a regular exercise practice. We’ll figure out together what fits your goals and your life.
How will I know therapy is working?
You’ll likely notice symptom relief, new tools for handling conflict and intense emotion, increased self-awareness, and a stronger connection to your authentic self. One of the most meaningful results is the sense of trust and safety you build with your therapist, something many people don’t have elsewhere. Because we’re rewiring nervous system patterns, change is often gradual; you may not see it day to day but will notice meaningful growth looking back over months.
What is the 12-Session Package for Couples?
This package is designed for couples who want to reduce their per session fee by committing to 12 sessions. You pay up front at the cost of 10 sessions and receive 12. We follow a curriculum of topics adapted to your needs, with about an hour of weekly homework. In the final session, we review what you’ve learned and provide a continuation plan, either self-guided or therapist-supported.
What is an EFT Couples Immersion?
Our 3-day immersions include approximately 12 hours of therapy, often supplemented with yoga and relationship-building activities. They’re ideal for couples who travel frequently, live in long-distance relationships, are too far from Arlington for weekly sessions, or simply want to make significant progress quickly. Many couples find this format creates deeper shifts than weekly therapy alone. Intensives are typically booked 4-6 weeks in advance.
Do you offer premarital counseling?
Yes. Our premarital counseling is typically 6-8 sessions covering commitment, finances, attachment styles, sexuality, and communication patterns. More than anything, we help engaged couples build the deep emotional bond from the start that lasting relationships require.