LAYLA Z SCOTT
LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST SUPERVISOR
CERTIFIED SEX THERAPIST
CERTIFIED FAMILY LIFE EDUCATOR
Take a peek into Layla's therapy office in Frisco, TX
where she offers individual, couple/marital, and family therapy
to adult and adolescent clients.
Choosing to enter into a therapeutic relationship can be intimidating, so I'd like to answer some commonly asked questions about what to expect.
What can therapy do for me?
From birth, we are on a developmental journey that is filled with expectations, challenges, and innumerable opportunities for growth.
Expectations may be projected onto us by family, significant others, or society, and cause pressure to "be" or live a certain way. Things may happen in life that are not in our control, but we do have the ability to change how we think, feel, act, and cope with life's stressors.
Therapy can provide a safe atmosphere for self-examination and personal accountability. Participating in therapy can help you to become the best version of you by defining your values, learning valuable communication skills, and gaining tools to resolve interpersonal issues. In therapy, you can heal, grow, and transform as an individual and in relationships.
You are always welcome to choose your favorite mug and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea during session!
What is therapy like?
You may be anxious about attending your first therapy session. This is completely normal, especially if you have never previously participated in therapy. This is what to expect while participating in therapy.
Our initial session will provide you the opportunity to share more about yourself and the issues you are hoping to resolve by coming to therapy. I will guide our dialogue while checking in to make sure I am understanding what is causing you or your relationship to be distressed. I will ask questions about when the issue began, how long it has been occurring, and what you have already tried to do to resolve it. Most of all, I want you to feel heard, validated, and hopeful. Together, we will identify what exactly you would like to change, and I will give you some idea about how long it might take to achieve your therapy goals. We will conclude our session with administrative tasks and reviewing of HIPAA forms and consents.
By the end of our first session, we should mutually feel comfortable about our ability to work together. As a client, you should evaluate whether or not you feel that I connect with you and understand you. If you do not feel confident I am the right therapist for you, then I will be happy to refer you to another therapist that might be a better fit for your needs.
There may be times when you are asked to take actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions.
How long will I be in therapy?
I typically recommend that my clients attend therapy once a week at the beginning of their therapeutic journey. If possible, it is helpful for clients find a consistent day and time that they can come to therapy in order for us to have consistency and build momentum in creating change. Generally sessions are 50-60 minutes, though they may be scheduled for 75, 90, or even 120 minutes.
Throughout therapy we will reassess your progress and may work on new goals as you achieve the changes you desire. As clients find resolution, it is not uncommon to decrease the frequency of sessions to a bi-weekly schedule.
I will individualize the frequency of sessions and treatment duration according to your needs and presenting issues. If an issue has been present in your life for a long time, it will most likely take a significant amount of time for you to find resolution and healing. If a problem has occurred in the recent past and is somewhat isolated, it can likely be addressed within a relatively short period of time.