COMMON QUESTIONS

Read more about my services, policies, holistic approach to therapy, what it’s like to work with me and more.

MY APPROACH TO THERAPY

  • I offer holistic therapy that weaves together Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic practices, and polyvagal theory.

    This means we don’t just talk about your experiences—we listen to your nervous system, your body’s signals, and the deeper emotional patterns beneath the surface. Our work honors the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected parts of your healing.

  • Somatic therapy is a body-based approach that recognizes how our experiences (especially overwhelming or unresolved ones) can live in the body as tension, numbness, or dysregulation.

    Through mindful awareness, breath, and gentle tracking of sensation, we begin to release what’s stuck and reestablish safety in the nervous system. It’s less about fixing, and more about listening inward with compassion.

  • While talking can be helpful, I’ve found that insight alone often isn’t enough for lasting change.

    Instead of staying in the mind, we include the body, the nervous system, and the protective parts of you that have been working hard behind the scenes. Using IFS and somatic work, we explore your system with curiosity and compassion—supporting not just relief, but deep inner relationship.

  • I often work with people who feel disconnected from themselves—whether through perfectionism, people-pleasing, emotional burnout, or self-doubt. Many of my clients are intuitive, heart-led, and seeking more than surface-level solutions.

    While my early work focused on supporting women, I now work with anyone drawn to this kind of soulful, body-centered approach. If this resonates with you, you’re welcome here.

  • Not at all. I don’t require (or assume) any particular belief system. Whether you identify as spiritual, secular, religious, or somewhere in between—what matters most is that this work feels grounding and supportive to you.

    You get to shape the container—we’ll always move in a way that honors your values.

  • You can expect a warm, grounded space where every part of you is welcome. Even the ones that feel stuck, scared, or shut down.

    We’ll move at your pace, integrating somatic awareness, IFS parts work, and intuitive presence. Some days we’ll be in conversation; other days, we’ll be tracking sensation or connecting with a younger part of you that needs care.

    My role is to walk beside you, not as an expert on your life, but as a guide to help you reconnect with the wisdom and wholeness that’s already within you.

MY SERVICES & POLICIES

  • Because I’m licensed in New York and North Carolina, my therapy services are limited to those states. However, you’re always welcome to reach out to see if we can discuss referrals or resources in your area.

  • Yes, I offer virtual sessions for clients in North Carolina and New York State. Telehealth can be a great option for those who prefer to work from the comfort of their own home or have busy schedules that make in-person sessions challenging.

  • I’m currently in network with Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Optum in both New York and North Carolina. I also accept out-of-network clients and can provide a Superbill for potential reimbursement. If you have another insurance carrier, it’s worth checking if your plan offers out-of-network coverage.

  • If I’m not in network with your insurance company, I can still provide you with a Superbill, a detailed receipt of our sessions. You can submit this directly to your insurance provider for potential partial reimbursement. Coverage varies, so it’s always best to check with your plan about out-of-network benefits.

    1. Pay for the session upfront.

    2. Request a Superbill from me.

    3. Submit the Superbill to your insurance provider (online portal, email, or mail).

    4. Your insurance will review your claim and potentially reimburse you according to your out-of-network benefits.

  • Individual therapy sessions are 55 minutes long and cost $175. If you’re using in-network insurance, your copay or coinsurance depends on your specific plan. Out-of-network clients pay the session fee, then pursue any reimbursement directly with their insurance.

  • I kindly request at least 24 hours’ notice for any cancellations. If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled session, a cancellation fee will be charged. This policy helps ensure fairness to everyone seeking appointments and respects both our schedules.

  • This really depends on your goals and personal circumstances. Some people experience significant shifts within a few months, while others find ongoing therapy beneficial for deeper exploration and support. We’ll collaborate to determine the pace and duration that feels right for you.

  • You can reach out to me by phone at 704-750-5976 or by email at therapy@jessica-bruno.com. Once we connect, we’ll schedule a brief consultation to ensure we’re a good fit, and then we’ll find a regular appointment time that works for you.

Breaking Free from Internalized Patriarchy

  • Internalized patriarchy refers to the unconscious beliefs and patterns we’ve absorbed from a society centered on male dominance. It can show up as perfectionism, people-pleasing, self-doubt, or disconnection from our bodies and intuition. Recognizing this “silent virus” is the first step toward releasing it, paving the way for deeper self-trust and empowerment.

  • These internalized patterns, especially when paired with early life experiences, can keep the nervous system in a chronic state of vigilance or collapse.

    Over time, this stress can lead to physical and emotional symptoms: muscle tension, burnout, fatigue, digestive issues, anxiety, and even disconnection from pleasure or joy.

    By working with the nervous system through somatic therapy and Internal Family Systems, we begin to release the embodied imprints of patriarchy and restore a sense of inner balance.

  • Together, we meet the over-functioning, over-responsible, or disconnected parts of you with care, not to force them into change, but to build trust, understanding, and eventually, release.

    This work is relational, not performative. Empowerment comes from restoring relationship with the Self.

Have another question?

Reach out to me directly to learn more about me, my services, and whether we’re a good fit. I can’t wait to hear from you.