Question 1

What is therapy?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is a space to form a relationship and explore your world, memories, experiences, emotions and thoughts. It is a conversation that seeks to provide growth, healing, change and new insight. It is a process, something understood when experienced, but complex to describe. You can find out more by taking a look at this blog.(https://www.thomasgeffen.com/post/choosing-therapy)

Question 2

How often would we meet?

Accepted Answer

Creating a consistent space for connecting is key. Therefore, we would meet at least once a week and agree on a regular slot, meeting at the same day and time each week. I find that this is the most efficient approach, that also works best with the approach that I use for therapy.

Question 3

What are Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs)?

Accepted Answer

Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) are the benefits that every medical aid (regardless of your plan) is liable to cover, and extends to specific conditions. For therapy, these include some depressive, bipolar and psychotic disorders. Generally, medical aids will cover 15 therapy sessions for such a condition. 
 
After having a few initial sessions, we may discuss a PMB application. If this is authorized it may then be backdated to cover these initial sessions.

Question 4

How much does therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are 50+ minutes, and cost R1200 each. This is within most medical aid rates.

Question 5

Will my medical aid cover therapy?

Accepted Answer

I work on a cash practice basis. This means that you will pay upfront and claim back from your medical aid. This may either come from a specific benefit or from your savings. My rates are covered by most medical aids, but this will depend on your cover and plan. You can find out more in this blog post.(https://www.thomasgeffen.com/post/claiming-from-medical-aid)

Question 6

How long does therapy take?

Accepted Answer

That depends - therapy is not a fixed process. Therapy may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. Given my experience and way of working, I find that long-lasting change is created over the long-term. Therapy requires the formation of a working relationship, and it will take some time to be able to create a space where we can explore the challenges you are facing. 
 
Ideally, therapy would end when both you and I feel that we have adequately worked towards growth, and have reached a sense of completion. However, therapy may end prematurely due to external factors, where one party decides to end therapy. In this case, it is important to have as much time as possible to prepare for the ending, and to give a notice peiod to work through the impact, and for me to make an appropriate referral and consider the best plan going forward.

Question 7

How does therapy begin?

Accepted Answer

Therapy begins with a general exploratory period, to consider what has brought you to therapy and to consider how I may best assist you. This is a flexible process, and may take a few sessions. There are also different processes for children and couples in the FAQs below. You can book (https://www.thomasgeffen.com/book-online)an initial session now, or contact me (https://www.thomasgeffen.com/book)for more information.

Question 8

Are you taking new clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are welcome to book (https://www.thomasgeffen.com/book-online)a session now where you can see all my available times, or you can contact me (https://www.thomasgeffen.com/book)for more information

Question 9

If you have another question please ask by contacting me below:

Accepted Answer

Contact me here (thomasgeffen.com/book)

Do you have another question? Ask me here: