Frequently Asked Questions

Updated August 30, 2026

Therapy and Coaching - General

  • People choose therapy for many different reasons. At the root of these reasons is often the desire to become more self-aware and gain strategies to better navigate life’s challenges. Therapy is a good fit for anyone ready to commit to routine engagement for insight and support on their journey.

  • Your consultation will be a 15-minute phone call or virtual meeting that offers you the opportunity to confidentially share your reasons for seeking therapy and learn more about how Sweetbay may be able to support you. There is no charge for this consultation.

    If Sweetbay is not the right fit for you, we will gladly provide you with referrals to other providers.

  • The initial session will last about 75 minutes. Your therapist will spend time getting to know you and learning more about why you are seeking therapy. Your therapist will also ask you questions about what’s happening presently in your life and some questions about your personal history, including your health, mental health, and relationships. Additionally, your therapist will answer any questions you might have about the intake process, future sessions, scheduling and payment.

  • What you and your therapist speak about in your sessions will be kept confidential. If you want your therapist to speak with other health professionals or family members, you will provide verbal or written consent/ permission before your therapist can do so.

    Please understand, there are some exceptions to therapist-client confidentiality:

    • If your therapist deems you to be of danger to yourself or others and must share information in order to keep you safe;

    • If your therapist learns of child or elder abuse or neglect and reports this information to state social service agencies as required by law; or

    • If your therapist is court ordered to disclose information.

    Therapist-client confidentiality and exceptions will be discussed at the beginning of a therapeutic relationship and can be reviewed at any time. For child and adolescent clients, confidentiality is discussed with both the client and their parent/legal guardian.

  • A therapeutic group intensive is a focused, two-hour experience led by a licensed therapist that combines evidence-based education, guided self-reflection, experiential activities, and practical skill-building in a supportive group setting. Unlike a traditional weekly therapy group, an intensive provides participants with dedicated time to explore a specific area of personal growth while learning strategies they can begin using immediately in their daily lives.

    Each intensive is designed to deepen self-awareness, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and equip participants with tools to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience. Whether exploring thought patterns, supporting nervous system regulation, or developing executive functioning skills, participants leave with increased insight, practical techniques, and a personalized plan for continued growth.

    Benefits of a Therapeutic Group Intensive

    • Gain practical, evidence-informed tools in a single, focused session.

    • Learn from a licensed therapist in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.

    • Increase self-awareness through guided reflection and experiential exercises.

    • Practice new coping and wellness skills during the session.

    • Connect with others who share similar experiences, reducing isolation and fostering community.

    • Leave with personalized strategies and resources to continue your progress beyond the intensive.

    Therapeutic group intensives are ideal for individuals seeking meaningful personal growth, skill development, and emotional support without the commitment of an ongoing weekly therapy group.

  • With group coaching, our trained coaches work with small groups of people at the same time to help them accomplish their goals. Sweetbay groups are established based on interest.

    Group coaching may be a good support option if you are comfortable (or willing to work towards comfort) reflecting and sharing with others. It is also a more affordable option than 1:1 coaching. And, group coaching leverages the collective experience and knowledge of the full group.

    While group coaching feels supportive, it is not a clinical (or therapeutic) intervention and is not a replacement for clinical care. Please speak with the coach to understand if coaching or therapy is recommended for your care.

Therapy and Coaching - Payment & Insurance

  • We accept some insurances for payment for therapy services through our partnership with SonderMind. SonderMind therapy can be through tele-health (video) sessions or in person at our Gaithersburg office.

    For those with insurance we do not accept, we partner with Thrizer to help clients understand their Out of Network benefits and get reimbursed post-deductible. Visit our services page for more information.

  • Sweetbay does not accept insurance and typically, health insurance companies do not pay for coaching services. In some situations, mental health coaching prescribed by a doctor may be paid for using Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts. You will need to confirm with your insurance provider prior to beginning coaching.

  • Full payment is due at the time of session. Clients may remit payment via the client portal or in cash at the start of session.

    Thank you for respecting and valuing the time that has been set aside for you.

  • Consistency is an essential part of the therapeutic process and when you schedule an appointment, that time has been specifically reserved for you.

    If you are unable to keep an appointment, we require 24 hours advance notice or you will be charged for the full fee amount of the canceled or missed appointment.

    We understand that unexpected challenges arise and may be able to reschedule your appointment that same week, at no charge. However, this is dependent on availability and is not guaranteed.

    Thank you for respecting and valuing the time that has been set aside for you.

Studio Classes & Events

  • Studio classes are open to all adults and do not require a therapeutic partnership!

    Studio students may receive benefits from our classes such as relaxation, stress reduction, and mental wellness knowledge and skill. However, participation in a class, workshop, or special event does not establish a therapeutic (or clinical) relationship with a provider.

    If you are a therapy or coaching client, please know your confidentiality will be maintained when you are in studio. It is our hope that all of our clients - confidential services or studio - feel safe and welcomed. Please discuss any concerns with possible studio interactions with your provider.

  • Our fitness and movement classes are designed to be accessible and adaptable. However, you are responsible for knowing your own limits and consulting with your healthcare provider before participating. Please let the instructor know if you need modifications at the beginning or during class.

  • You should always participate as you are emotionally, mentally, and physically able. Personal reflection is encouraged but group sharing is not required. You may participate in meditation while seated/lying on the floor or while seated in a chair.

    Those who are pregnant or live with neurological conditions should consult their medical provider(s) prior to participating in sound meditation.

  • We offer three (3) Class Pass options: 5-Class, 10-Class, or 30 Days Unlimited. After purchase, you will receive an email confirmation that contains your certificate code to enter when you sign up for classes.

    Advanced registration is still required with Class Passes. This helps us prepare for class and allows us to provide timely updates if we need to reschedule or cancel a class or event.

    Please note: online class registration closes one (1) hour before start time!

    Please text us with day-of class concerns: 240-801-7217.

  • Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. Yoga mats and class props will be provided.

    Plan to arrive 5 minutes early to get settled. If possible, plan to give yourself 30 minutes after class for hydration and quiet reflection.

  • Class and workshop registrations are non-refundable. Credit towards a future class or workshop may be granted with a request prior to the start of the class/workshop. Credit is valid for one month.

  • Unless noted in the description, studio classes and workshops are for adults. We welcome interested teens as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    We partner with youth-focused organizations to bring events especially designed to support youth with mindfulness, stress-reduction, organization and leadership. Contact us to discuss your youth-focused event ideas!

  • Sound meditation (also called sound healing or a sound bath) is used to improve health and well-being. It includes the use of relaxation techniques and targeted healing sounds and frequencies. Our practitioners play beautifully tuned crystal quartz singing bowls, chimes, drums, gongs and other instruments to facilitate more relaxed healing states. You can even fall asleep and still soak up the benefits!

Reiki Energy Healing

  • Reiki is a gentle energy healing practice that works to bring balance to your body, mind, and spirit. It’s non-invasive, relaxing, and designed to support your natural ability to heal.

    You may learn more about Reiki on the International Center for Reiki Training’s website.

  • People often come to Reiki for stress relief, better sleep, emotional balance, pain management, or simply to feel more grounded. Many leave a session feeling lighter, calmer, and more at ease.

  • You’ll remain fully clothed and either lie on a massage table or sit in a chair. I’ll lightly place my hands on or just above your body, moving through different areas to encourage energy flow. Most clients experience warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation.

  • Wear something comfortable and come with an open mind. Drinking water before and after can be helpful.

  • Most people feel relaxed, peaceful, and recharged. Some may feel emotional releases or physical shifts as their body adjusts, but overall, clients leave with a sense of balance and clarity.

  • Yes, Reiki is completely safe and non-invasive. It works well alongside medical treatment or therapy but isn’t a replacement for medical care.

  • Reiki doesn’t diagnose or cure, but it can ease stress, reduce discomfort, and support your overall well-being while your body does its own healing work.

  • Some people feel a shift after just one session, while others choose regular sessions to maintain balance or work through deeper concerns. It really depends on what you’re looking for.

  • Yes! Reiki can be given in person or from a distance. Many people find distance sessions just as effective, and they’re a great option if you can’t make it in person.