Questions we hear often

If you have been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like something is off and you cannot quite name it, therapy can help. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit. Many people start therapy simply to have a consistent, safe space to process life and build better tools for managing stress, relationships, and emotions.

That's completely okay. Most people feel nervous before their first session. You don't need to have everything figured out before you come in. The first session is simply a conversation: you share what brought you here, ask any questions you have, and together we decide if we're a good fit. There's no pressure, no judgment, and no requirement to share more than you're ready to.

Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We will talk about what brought you in, what you are hoping to work on, and what your day-to-day life looks like. There is no pressure to share anything you are not ready for. By the end, we will start forming a plan that is tailored to you.

Yes, all sessions are conducted via telehealth, which means you meet with Shartazia from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Sessions are held through SimplePractice, a HIPAA-compliant video platform. You'll receive a link before each session and can join from any device with a camera and internet connection. Telehealth is available to clients located anywhere in Texas.

Yes. Changing Lives Therapy PLLC currently accepts Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Oxford, and Oscar. If you are unsure whether your plan is in-network, you can call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. We are happy to help you understand your benefits.

Changing Lives Therapy currently accepts Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Oxford, Oscar, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. If you have a different plan, we recommend calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card to ask about out-of-network benefits. Many plans will reimburse a portion of the session cost. We can provide a superbill upon request.

Standard telehealth sessions are $145 per session. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) sessions are $200 per session. If cost is a barrier, please reach out — we want to find a way to make care accessible.

Standard telehealth sessions are $145 per 50-minute session. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) sessions are $200 due to the specialized training required. Payment is collected at the time of service through SimplePractice. We also provide a Good Faith Estimate before services begin, as required by law.

ART is a research-supported therapy that uses eye movements and imagery techniques to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories. Many clients experience significant relief in just one to five sessions. It does not require you to talk through every detail of what happened — instead, it works directly with how your nervous system stores the memory.

ART is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain reprocess distressing memories and experiences, often producing relief in just 1 to 5 sessions. It works well for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias. ART does not require you to talk in detail about the painful experience. Instead, the focus is on how you feel about it now and shifting that experience. Shartazia is trained in ART.

Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person care for most concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Telehealth also removes transportation barriers and allows you to attend sessions from wherever you feel safest — your home, your car, or wherever works for you.

The easiest way is through the SimplePractice client portal. You can request an appointment, complete intake paperwork, and communicate securely all in one place. You can also reach out via the contact form on this site and Shartazia will follow up within 1–2 business days to get you scheduled.

It depends on your goals and what you are working through. Some people reach their goals in 8–12 sessions. Others find value in ongoing support over a longer period. We will regularly check in on your progress and adjust our approach together — you are always in the driver's seat.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your goals, what you're working through, and how you respond to the approach. Some clients find meaningful relief in a few sessions, especially with ART. Others prefer ongoing support over months or years. Shartazia checks in regularly about your progress so that therapy always feels purposeful and aligned with what you actually need.

Yes. What you share in therapy is protected by law. There are a small number of legal exceptions — for example, if there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or if a court orders your records. We will go over the full confidentiality policy in our first session so you know exactly where the boundaries are.

Yes. What you share in session stays between you and Shartazia. There are a few narrow legal exceptions, such as if there is risk of harm to yourself or others, or if a court orders records - but these are rare situations that Shartazia will always discuss with you openly. You'll review the full confidentiality policy during intake so there are no surprises.