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FAQs & Policies
My Approach
My approach is relational, depth-oriented, and humanistic (holding space for you as a whole individual with an innate potential for growth and self-actualization).
This way of working is informed by my studies as well as my own personal experiences in depth psychotherapy, astrology, tarot, and the metaphysical arts. Clients have described my work as empathetic, intuitive, compassionate, and nonjudgemental.
My psychological framework is rooted in depth psychology including psychodynamic & psychoanalytic therapy, Jungian dreamwork, existential therapy, emotionally focused therapy, attachment-based, and archetypal psychotherapy.
Depth psychotherapy is oriented toward furthering your wellbeing by working with the unconscious and deeply embeded relational patterns.
I am trauma informed, LGBTQ affirming, neurodivergent affirming, and committed to an ongoing practice of recognizing the complexities of individual identity and how marginalization impacts our lives personally, socially, and collectively - via identities around age, ability, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, indigenous heritage, nationality, and gender.
In my astrological framework, I draw from a blend of contemporary and ancient astrology traditions (Hellenistic, Traditional, Psychological, & Archetypal Astrology). I use the tropical zodiac and the Whole Sign House system. I'm happy to use other house systems (Placidus, Koch, etc.) based on your preference.
Overall, my intention is to accompany you on your life's path. Together we work through challenges so you can leave with more clarity, insight, and empowerment.
Scheduling
I'm typically available within 1-3 weeks. Please email me at shawna@theastropsyche.com to reach out if you're interested in working with me.
For psychotherapy, we schedule an initial session to see how I can help you and together we decide if it feels like a good fit to work together. This initial session may include talking about your astrology birth chart and transits as much as you wish.
Frequency
Psychotherapy involves weekly 50 minute sessions, via zoom, on a regular day and time that's set aside for you. For those seeking a more intensive experience or a higher level of support, multiple sessions per week is an option we can discuss anytime you like.
Readings & Other Sessions (Astrology Readings, Tarot Readings, or Astrological Mentoring) involve an initial one-time session with the possibility of meeting more frequently (weekly, monthly, or as needed).
Meeting via Telehealth (Zoom)
I will send you a private zoom link before our first session. Please use this personal ID meeting for all of our sessions together.
Please plan to be in a quiet and confidential space, where you can speak freely without distractions or interruptions. This means we cannot do sessions if you're driving or multitasking in some other way. Similarly, you should avoid being in a crowded public place.
Confidentiality
All information you share with me as well as our working relationship will be kept strictly confidential. By law, however, confidentiality is not guaranteed in life-threatening situations involving yourself or others, or in situations in which children, elders, or dependent adults are put at risk for abuse. If I need to discuss your treatment with my supervisor, I will take pains to disguise identifying information.
Fee
Once we set your initial session appointment, I will email you an invoice to pay prior to the session. Going forward, for psychotherapy or regular sessions, I will email you an invoice at the end of each month with payment due within a week.
Time Zone
I schedule all sessions in Pacific Time, USA. You will need to convert to your time zone. A helpful resource is timeanddate.com.
Cancellation and Rescheduling
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment for any reason, please email me at least 24-hours prior to the session. I charge my full fee for missed or rescheduled sessions without such notification, for any reason. This includes illness or miscalculating the time.
If you are running more than 10 minutes late, please email to let me know.
Phone
You may contact me by leaving a voicemail message or email at any time. I will return your call or email as soon as possible. I return non-urgent calls and emails made on the weekends the following Monday.
If you would like to talk with me between our sessions (other than for scheduling purposes) you may contact me through phone or email, and I will pro-rate our time together and add it to the monthly invoice.
Meeting Over Zoom
On occasion, the internet may be slow or unavailable in which case we will need to use the phone for our session. If at any time you feel there is a problem with seeing each other via Zoom, please let me know in our session together and we will come up with a solution.
Emergency
If you are having a psychological emergency, contact the following crisis service: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (national, 24/7): call or text 988.
Vacation time and sick days
I will email you to let you know my time away from the office. When I need to take sick days, I will message you as soon as I know.
Informed consent
By engaging in services, you affirm that you have read all the information here and agree to the stated conditions.