FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How do I know when I need counseling?
A. You may choose to seek professional counseling when you feel stuck in patterns that are not resulting in the love and purpose and connection you desire and if you’re experiencing significant distress and/or impairment to your daily functioning in your relationships, work, school, responsibilities. You may want more understanding of yourself and others but don’t know how to acquire it. You have some awareness that your past has impacted you in the present, but have never addressed the sources nor effects of your past and now desire transformation, healing, relief. You may want more freedom to love and be loved in your closest relationships. You may have questions, thoughts and feelings which you’ve not had the opportunity to pose, process or explore. You just want better relationships and are willing and open to change.
Q. What can I expect during sessions?
A. An opportunity to express and explore your thoughts, perceptions, concerns, hopes and assistance in addressing your therapeutic goals. I usually take notes, to help me track with you and remember the things you're sharing. Different presenting issues warrant different treatments and interventions. My job is to help create a safe environment in which you can understand yourself better and make decisions that help you lead a healthier life. Sessions typically include psychological education and interventions that help you to develop awareness of your needs and to address barriers to them.
Q. What are the frequency of sessions and duration of treatment?
A.Frequency of meeting is determined in part by one’s goals, situation, and availability (both the client and the therapist’s). Ideally, in the beginning of treatment, meeting weekly on the same day and time can provide the consistency and focus to make progress on one’s therapeutic goals. If weekly sessions are not possible, bi-weekly sessions are possible but not anything less frequent in the early stages of therapy. The duration of treatment depends on the client’s evaluation of addressing one’s goals in concert with the therapist’s evaluation. Ultimately therapy is a contractual agreement for which client consent is given and treatment can end at any time.
Q. How do I choose a counselor?
A.You will want to work with someone with whom you feel comfortable and can trust to provide you the services to which you both agree. Choosing a counselor can be a daunting task. I recommend researching a few counselors--look at their websites, talk with them over the phone and even meet with them for an initial session. You are the consumer and you get to choose from whom you receive support. You're looking for someone who you could feel safe and be honest with; your honesty will be important to your experience and progress in counseling.
Q. What’s the difference between a psychologist, a psychiatrist and a marriage and family therapist?
A.All three professions are related and overseen by a state licensing board. A psychologist typically has a doctor of philosophy or doctor of psychology degree with a broad scope of practice. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed a residency in psychiatry and can prescribe medications. Many psychiatrists also provide talk therapy treatment. A marriage and family therapist has a master’s or doctorate degree in the theory and practice of relationship counseling.
Q. Do I have to be a Christian to participate in counseling with you?
A.No. While I identify as a Christian and understand human nature from a perspective that integrates a biblical worldview and science, I am open to working with people of different faiths or no faith.
Q. I’m concerned about a loved one (adult). How do I encourage them to go to counseling?
A. You can express your genuine concern for your loved one, offer to help them find a counselor or recommendations, or even take them to their initial session. But, ultimately, you cannot choose to make changes for another person. You can care for them, support them, listen to and pray for them, but it is their choice whether or not they receive professional help. Make sure that you're caring for yourself as you care for your loved one.
Q. Do you take insurance?
A. I am an out-of-network provider. Depending on your insurance plan and provider, you may receive partial out-of-network reimbursement for my services. If you qualify for out-of-network benefits, I will provide you with a superbill (a detailed receipt) after you have made payment to me. You can submit this superbill to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement is also dependent on diagnosis.
Q. Do you have a sliding fee scale?
A. Yes, I do. For those who do not have insurance or cannot use their insurance for counseling I am open to negotiating their fee for services. Eligibility for sliding fee scale is based on annual income.