Frequently Asked Questions

Your first session, often called an intake session, is primarily focused on getting to know you and understanding your concerns. Your therapist will:

• Ask about what brings you to therapy and your goals
• Gather some background information about your life and current situation
• Discuss confidentiality and other practical matters
• Answer any questions you have about the therapy process
• Begin to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs

This initial session helps establish a foundation for your therapeutic relationship. It's also an opportunity for you to determine if you feel comfortable with the therapist and their approach.

The duration of therapy varies widely depending on your specific needs, goals, and the type of issues being addressed. Some general guidelines:

• Short-term therapy: For specific, focused issues, therapy might last 8-12 sessions.
• Medium-term therapy: More complex issues may require 3-6 months of weekly sessions.
• Long-term therapy: Deep-seated issues, trauma, or personality concerns might benefit from longer-term work extending from several months to years.

Your therapist will discuss their recommendations during your initial sessions and periodically review your progress together. The therapy timeline can be adjusted based on your evolving needs and progress toward your goals.

Most therapy at Hisparadise begins with weekly sessions, which provides consistent support and maintains momentum in your therapeutic work. However, session frequency can be tailored to your specific needs:

• Weekly sessions: Standard for most therapy work, especially in the beginning stages.
• Twice weekly sessions: May be recommended for crisis situations or intensive therapeutic work.
• Bi-weekly sessions: Sometimes appropriate after significant progress has been made.
• Monthly sessions: May be used for maintenance after primary goals have been achieved.

Your therapist will discuss the recommended frequency with you based on your unique situation and adjust as needed throughout your therapy journey.

Progress in therapy can sometimes be subtle, but there are several signs that therapy is working:

• You notice changes in how you think, feel, or behave in situations that used to be challenging
• You develop new skills for managing difficult emotions or situations
• You gain insights about yourself, your patterns, and your relationships
• Others in your life notice positive changes in you
• You begin to achieve the specific goals you set at the beginning of therapy

Your therapist will periodically check in with you about your progress and may use assessments to track changes over time. It's also important to communicate openly with your therapist if you feel therapy isn't meeting your needs so adjustments can be made.

Scheduling an appointment at Hisparadise Therapy is simple. You have several options:

• Phone: Call our office at +234 911 434 8968 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM).
• Online: Complete the appointment request form on our Contact page.
• Email: Send your request to Hisparadisetherapy@gmail.com with your preferred days/times and the type of service you're seeking.

For new clients, we'll need some basic information and will ask about your primary concerns to match you with the most appropriate therapist. We strive to respond to all appointment requests within 24 hours on business days.

We understand that circumstances can change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

• We require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
• Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee (50% of the session cost).
• No-shows without notification will be charged the full session fee.

To cancel or reschedule:

• Call our office at +234 911 434 8968
• Email us at Hisparadisetherapy@gmail.com
• If you have your therapist's direct contact information, you may contact them directly

We enforce this policy to respect our therapists' time and to ensure appointment availability for all clients. However, we understand that emergencies happen, and exceptions may be made in extenuating circumstances.

Our standard session lengths are:

• Individual therapy sessions: 50 minutes
• Couples therapy sessions: 75 minutes
• Group therapy sessions: 90 minutes
• Initial intake/assessment sessions: 60-90 minutes

These timeframes allow for focused therapeutic work while giving your therapist time to make notes and prepare for their next client. Extended sessions may be available upon request and at the therapist's discretion for specific therapeutic needs.

Our current fee structure for therapy services is as follows:

• Individual Therapy: ₦25,000 per 50-minute session
• Couples Therapy: ₦35,000 per 75-minute session
• Group Therapy: ₦15,000 per 90-minute session
• Initial Assessment/Intake: ₦30,000 (60-90 minutes)

We offer package discounts for clients who commit to multiple sessions in advance:

• 5-session package: 5% discount
• 10-session package: 10% discount

Payment is due at the time of service. We accept cash, bank transfers, and major credit/debit cards.

We are committed to making mental health services accessible to those in need. We offer a limited number of sliding scale slots based on financial need and availability. The sliding scale fee range is typically between ₦12,000-₦20,000 per session for individual therapy.

To apply for sliding scale fees:

1. Indicate your need for financial assistance when scheduling your initial appointment
2. Complete our financial assistance application form
3. Provide documentation of your financial situation as requested

We review all applications on a case-by-case basis. If we are unable to accommodate your financial needs, we can provide referrals to other local low-cost mental health resources.

Yes, we work with several health insurance providers in Nigeria. We currently accept the following insurance plans:

• Hygeia HMO
• Avon Healthcare
• Axa Mansard Health
• Liberty Health
• NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme) for eligible services

For clients with insurance coverage:

1. Please bring your insurance card to your first appointment
2. We will verify your benefits and explain any co-pays or deductibles
3. We will handle the claim submission process for you

If your insurance provider is not listed, we can provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit for possible reimbursement through out-of-network benefits. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand your mental health coverage before your first appointment.

At Hisparadise Therapy, we take your privacy very seriously. We adhere to strict confidentiality standards:

• All information shared in therapy sessions is confidential
• Your records are kept secure and protected from unauthorized access
• Our office space is designed to ensure privacy during sessions
• Staff members are trained in confidentiality protocols
• We follow all applicable privacy laws and ethical guidelines of the Nigerian Psychological Association

During your first session, your therapist will review our confidentiality policy in detail and provide you with written documentation of your privacy rights.

Yes, there are a few specific situations where therapists are legally and ethically required to break confidentiality:

1. Imminent risk of harm to self or others: If a client expresses intent to harm themselves or someone else, we are obligated to take steps to ensure safety, which may include contacting appropriate authorities or emergency contacts.
2. Suspected abuse or neglect: If we have reason to believe a child, elderly person, or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, we are mandated to report this to the appropriate protective services.
3. Court orders: In rare cases, a court may order the release of therapy records.

Additionally, if you choose to use insurance, some basic information about your diagnosis and treatment may be shared with your insurance provider for billing purposes.

Your therapist will discuss these limitations in detail during your first session and answer any questions you may have about confidentiality.

At Hisparadise Therapy, we offer a wide range of therapeutic approaches to meet the diverse needs of our clients:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns that influence behavior and emotions.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious processes and how past experiences influence present behavior.
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Particularly effective for couples, focuses on strengthening attachment bonds.
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Combines CBT techniques with mindfulness practices.
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Goal-oriented approach focusing on solutions rather than problems.
• Trauma-Focused Therapy: Including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma processing.
• Family Systems Therapy: Addresses issues within the family context and dynamics.

Our therapists are trained in multiple modalities and typically integrate different approaches based on your unique needs. During your initial assessment, your therapist will recommend the most appropriate therapeutic approach for your specific situation.

Yes, we offer secure online therapy sessions (teletherapy) as an alternative to in-person appointments. Our online therapy options include:

• Video sessions: Using a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform
• Phone sessions: For clients who prefer or require audio-only communication

Benefits of online therapy include:

• Convenience and flexibility in scheduling
• Elimination of travel time and transportation barriers
• Ability to receive therapy from the comfort of your own space
• Accessibility for clients with mobility issues or those in remote locations

Online therapy has been shown to be as effective as in-person therapy for many issues. However, it may not be appropriate for all situations, such as severe mental health crises or certain complex conditions. Your therapist can help determine if online therapy is suitable for your specific needs.

Determining the right service depends on your specific concerns, goals, and circumstances. Here's a general guide to help you decide:

• Individual Therapy: Best for personal issues, mental health concerns, self-development, and working through past experiences.
• Couples Therapy: Ideal for relationship issues, communication problems, intimacy concerns, or preparing for major relationship transitions.
• Family Therapy: Appropriate when issues involve multiple family members or family dynamics are contributing to the problem.
• Group Therapy: Beneficial for those who would benefit from peer support, shared experiences, and developing social skills.
• Specialized Services: For specific issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction.

If you're unsure which service to choose:

1. Call our office for a free 15-minute consultation
2. Describe your concerns to our intake coordinator who can guide you
3. Schedule an initial assessment where a therapist can provide professional recommendations

Remember that therapy is flexible, and recommendations may change as your needs evolve. Many clients begin with one service and transition to another as needed throughout their therapeutic journey.