Question 1

What can I expect during my first counseling session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session is a warm, unhurried conversation. We'll talk about what's bringing you in, your history, what you've already tried, and what you're hoping for. Together we'll begin shaping a collaborative plan for your work — there's no pressure to have it all figured out before you arrive.

Question 2

What does a typical counseling session look like?

Accepted Answer

Every session is individualized to your goals and what feels supportive in the moment. Sessions may include conversation, mindfulness, grounding, breathwork, guided imagery, somatic awareness, and other experiential practices. Depending on your goals and preferences, complementary energy healing practices may also be incorporated into therapy.

Question 3

How is this different from traditional talk therapy?

Accepted Answer

Traditional talk therapy often focuses primarily on insight and conversation. My approach combines evidence-based psychotherapy — Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) — with mindfulness and experiential practices that help insight become something you experience, not just something you understand.

Question 4

Why combine psychotherapy with energy healing?

Accepted Answer

Healing happens through insight — but insight alone doesn't always create change. Many people understand why they feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected, yet still struggle to experience something different. My approach integrates evidence-based psychotherapy with mindfulness and complementary energy healing to support both understanding and experience. Together, these approaches can help you slow down, regulate your nervous system, reconnect with yourself, and begin embodying the changes you're working toward.

Question 5

Is counseling right for me?

Accepted Answer

Counseling here is a strong fit if you're navigating anxiety, burnout, chronic stress, life transitions, grief, self-criticism, or questions about meaning, spirituality, and self-trust. It's especially supportive for people who want more than insight alone and are open to mindfulness, body awareness, and experiential practices alongside conversation.

Question 6

Can I request a session that focuses more on mindfulness?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Sessions are individualized. If you prefer to focus on mindfulness, grounding, somatic awareness, or traditional talk therapy without energy healing, that is welcome and fully supported.

Question 7

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I accept insurance through Headway, which handles verification and claims on your behalf. I am currently in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia, and Kaiser Permanente of the Mid Atlantic. I am in the process of getting set up as a certified out-of-network provider with Tricare. This works with Tricare Select; it does not work with Tricare Prime unless you have a referral from your primary care doctor. I am also on a waitlist to add Oxford (Optum), United Healthcare (Optum), and Oscar (Optum). You can view my Headway profile to verify coverage and check your copay and deductible. A private pay rate is also available.

Question 8

Is this appropriate if I'm new to mindfulness?

Accepted Answer

Yes. No prior experience with mindfulness, meditation, or experiential practices is needed. We'll start where you are and build slowly, at a pace that feels safe and supportive.

Question 9

What is Reiki?

Accepted Answer

Reiki is a gentle, hands-on (or hands-near) practice that supports deep relaxation and a felt sense of calm. Many people describe it as restful and grounding. It is offered here as a complementary wellness practice — not as a medical or psychotherapy treatment.

Question 10

What is energy healing?

Accepted Answer

Energy healing is an umbrella term for a range of complementary practices that support relaxation, nervous system regulation, and a felt sense of connection. Reiki is one form of energy healing. Depending on your goals and my training, sessions may draw thoughtfully from several complementary practices.

Question 11

Do I have to believe in Reiki for it to help?

Accepted Answer

No. Many people simply experience Reiki as deeply relaxing and calming. You don't need any particular spiritual or religious beliefs to benefit.

Question 12

Will I be touched during a session?

Accepted Answer

Your comfort and choice always come first. Reiki can be offered hands-on with light, resting touch over the clothes, or hands-off with my hands just above the body — whichever you prefer. Touch only happens with your explicit permission, and you can change or pause anything at any time.

Question 13

Is Reiki required during counseling?

Accepted Answer

No. Every counseling session is individualized. Energy healing is never required and is only incorporated when it aligns with your treatment goals and comfort level.

Question 14

Can I request Reiki as part of counseling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you're interested in integrating Reiki or other energy healing practices into your therapy, let me know and we'll shape your sessions accordingly.

Question 15

Can I schedule a Reiki-only session?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Standalone Reiki and energy healing sessions are available for clients seeking a purely relaxation-focused experience separate from psychotherapy. Reiki-only sessions are $75 and are offered as a complementary wellness practice — not as psychotherapy or medical treatment.

Question 16

Is Reiki evidence-based?

Accepted Answer

Reiki is considered a complementary wellness practice. While many people report feeling deeply relaxed and more connected after a session, research is still evolving. In my counseling practice, Reiki is never presented as a replacement for psychotherapy or medical care. Instead, it may be integrated thoughtfully alongside evidence-based psychotherapy for clients who are interested in this holistic approach.

Mindfulness-Based Counseling in Virginia Beach

What I help with

Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky

Questions, Answered

Counseling Questions

Reiki & Energy Healing Questions

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