FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What qualifications do you have?
Analysand currently has two team members:
Dr Kreimild Saunders has a doctorate degree in sociology and a certification in psychoanalysis.
Ms. Ione Hepburn has a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, is a nationally certified counselor (NCC) through the United States National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), and is a License Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) under the state of New Mexico. Additionally, she holds a certification in Life Coaching and is certified as a Meditation Instructor.
Analysand is based in Nassau, Bahamas. The Bahamas does not have specific licenses for these fields. (http://bahamashpc.com/). However, as required, Analysand holds a business license to operate.
What types of support does Analysand offer?
We offer life coaching, counseling, and psychoanalytic therapy
Are the sessions virtual, face to face or both?
Sessions are offered mainly by phone or virtually via a HIPAA-approved platform. However, clients desiring face-to-face sessions can make special arrangements prior to booking.
What is the difference in the Services offered?
1
Coaching
This is generally future-focused. Coaching provides support and accountability for clients as they develop and work towards achieving specific goals for their business, life, career, relationship, etc. Coaching is focused on the client's goal and thus is meant to end once the client has achieved it or believes he, she, or they have the strategy to continue alone. However, clients have the power to end the coaching relationship at any point.
2
Counseling
Counseling focuses on the whole person and depending on the approach used, may examine different aspects of the client's life. It sometimes includes elements of coaching but is meant to examine beyond the surface. Counselors help clients identify any negative dispositions, and work with them to resolve or manage them. The length of time counseling takes varies and is based on each client, their condition, and the type of therapeutic approach used. However, the choice to end counseling or move to a different counselor always lies with the client.
3
Psychoanalysis
Developed by Sigmund Freud, the approach aims to support client by bringing their unconscious or deeply buried thoughts and feelings to the surface (conscious mind) so that repressed experiences and emotions, can be examined. The process ultimately leads to major changes in a client's life. Clients commit to attending at least one session per week, and it can last for many months
Is therapy right for me?
People from all backgrounds come to therapy, and most times, it is their individual choice. Therapy can help when dealing with different types of mental health issues, like depression, anxiety or depression. Also, therapy can be very helpful when one is going through life challenges, changes, or transitions, as in the case of relationships, careers, supporting parents, or other general concerns. Some people use therapy to obtain personal growth by working towards more self-awareness, new insight, or new strategies. Therapy provides long-term, lasting benefits and will support you as you discover ways to help you live your best life. Bottom line, therapy is right for you if you fall into any of the categories mentioned and are ready to work towards the change needed to achieve your goal.
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
Medication is never a substitute for therapy. There are cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. However, research has proven that challenges with mental and emotional problems cannot be resolved solely by medication. Many challenges are better treated without any medication. In situations where you may require a combined treatment, our team will refer you to a psychiatrist who can also provide adequate counseling. An alternative can be to continue counseling while seeing a psychiatrist, but consent for the release of information may be necessary to ensure holistic treatment. It is important to know that in the Bahamas, only a psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor is allowed to write a prescription.
Does it matter which therapist I choose?
Typically, a therapist should have a master’s degree or higher in one helping profession (counseling, psychology, social work, etc.) This is important because it ensures that the therapist has gone through certain training that provided them with a thorough understanding of the field and given them the experience and skills necessary to support you responsibly. Beyond qualifications, having the right client-therapist fit is even more important. At the top of the list of qualities of a good client-therapist relationship is the positive bond that develops between client and counselor, agreement about the tasks of treatment, and agreement about the goals of treatment (Bordin 1979). It is also important that both you and your therapist have the ability to share positive and negative feelings with each other and correct problems that may come up during the session (Knobloch-Fedders, 2008) Also, to get the best from coaching or therapy, you must be active participant in the session. Thus, finding a therapist or coach who is not consistently dominating the session by talking and giving advice is essential to your growth,
What is a typical session like?
Depending on the type of session you want, the experience will be different. All sessions begin with an intake (getting to know you and your reason for coming), and from that information, you and your therapist will agree on a plan based on your goals. In each session, you may discuss primary issues and concerns in your life. It is normal and recommended that you remain open and honest about issues and your feelings surrounding them. If you are, your therapist will be in the best position to support you.​Ideally, sessions are scheduled weekly, lasting around 45 minutes to an hour. Whether your therapy is short-term or longer often depends on your goals, the issues you are working through, and your progress in therapy. However, it is important to stay committed and do the work if you hope for therapy to be the most effective.
How do I prepare for my first session?
Taking time to reflect on what you want from the session and counseling experience is the best way to prepare. Commit to being open and honest, but feel free to ask questions if you need clarity on something. Bringing along something to write and take notes on is advisable. Finally, if your session is via phone or virtual before you sign on, find a private and safe space to connect so you can speak freely without interruptions.
Is therapy confidential?
The law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and therapist except in a few incidents (See informed consent form)
Do you accept insurance?
Unfortunately, we do not currently take insurance. Therefore, to help you manage on your own, we offer our services at a reduced rate based on our clients' needs
What is the cost of a session?
The cost of the session depends on the service you choose. We generally use a sliding scale in an effort to support clients' needs. Contact us to determine what package may be best for you.
What are the methods for payments?
You can pay through a credit or debit card using PayPal, or you may use your online bank to transfer to our account. (See payment information and slip)
Still have questions?
This is your journey so it's important that you are ready.
We are here for it all. Connect with us if you need to know more, would like a free consultation, or are ready to begin your journey to healing,