Frequently Asked Questions | Sanela Solak, MA

Do you offer in-person or virtual therapy?

I offer both in-person and virtual therapy.

Where are you located?

My office is located at
345 E Mt. Airy Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119.

Virtual sessions are conducted via a HIPPA-compliant platform and can be done from anywhere in Pennsylvania.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes! Therapy requires a significant investment of time, money, and emotional energy, so finding a good fit between client and therapist is very important.

I offer a 20-minute phone or video consultation before scheduling the first appointment. In this call, we will go over what brings you to therapy at this time, your goals, and prior experience with therapy for you to ask any questions and for us to determine if we would be a good fit to work together. If we both determine it is a good fit, we will schedule our first session. If you or I decide that you could best be helped by a different kind of support, I will provide helpful referrals.

What do I do to get started?

You can email, call, or submit a contact form to set up an initial free 20-minute consultation. If we both feel we are a good fit, we will schedule your first appointment.

Do you take insurance?

I am not paneled with any insurance companies. However, I can provide you with a “Superbill,” which you may be able to submit to your insurance for out-of-network (OON) reimbursement. Ask your insurance company if they provide OON benefits and what your deductible is.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please call, email, or text to reschedule or cancel any appointments. I require a 48-hour notice for free cancellations. For late cancellations or no-shows, I charge a full fee.

What kind of payment do you take?

I accept all major credit, debit, and HSA cards, as well as Venmo and PayPal. Credit or debit card payments are set up through a HIPPA-compliant portal, which stores your card information and charges on the day of the appointment.

How long is a session?

A typical session is one hour. Sometimes, longer sessions, 75 or 90 minutes, are appropriate and discussed ahead of time.

How often will we meet?

Normally, I meet with clients on a weekly basis, though due to scheduling needs and other factors, this can vary. Expecting weekly sessions is a good start, but we can discuss your individual needs and adjust accordingly.

What does it look like to work with you? Is somatic therapy different than “regular” therapy?

From the outside, somatic psychotherapy looks pretty much the same as your regular talk therapy: We sit in chairs across from each other or on the screen, and we use language to communicate. The difference is that we pay mindful attention to the body and may use mindful experiential practices to involve what the body has to communicate in the form of feelings, sensations, felt sense, etc. This way, we tap into the wisdom and power of the body to help us heal. All the work is done at a pace that is comfortable to the client.

With whom do you work?

I work with adults, 18 and older, from different backgrounds. I work well with young adults in their 20s, people who are navigating parenting, and those dealing with mid-life transitions.

When are you available for appointments?

Monday through Thursday 9 am – 4 pm. I have limited evening availability and sporadic Friday spots.

Are you LGBTQA+-affirming?

Yes, I am LGBTQIA+-affirming and have experience working with people from this community.

What are some interesting facts about you?

I have a crazy green thumb! I’m obsessed with growing baby plants and have around 100 house plants in my home.

What is the most influential aspect of your work?

Being a parent has completely changed the way I work for the better. I have an insanely cool 8-year-old kid who keeps me young (sometimes makes me feel very old) and has helped me grow my heart to infinity.

Also, living in partnership has challenged me and continues to inspire me to become a more integrated person and a better therapist.