Why don’t you offer in-person appointments?
There are three reasons.
First, maintaining an in-person office is expensive and time-consuming. Meeting virtually lowers fees and saves time, thus making life easier for everyone.
Second, meeting virtually is more convenient for everyone. Many clients live and work far from my office, and traveling simply isn’t viable. Also, for clients who have to meet during their lunch hour, before going to work, or while traveling, it’s the only practical way to meet.
Third, I’ve found that it makes for a better therapy experience. Meeting from the comfort of your home allows you to relax and be yourself, and it will enable me, as a therapist, to get a better sense of “the real you.”
How long is a typical session?
A typical session is about 50 minutes long (a “therapeutic hour”).
What do I do to get started?
It’s a good idea to start with a free 15-minute consultation. This will allow you to understand what it might be like to work with me and whether we’re a good fit for each other. No one wants to work with a therapist they don’t like.
Why are you so expensive?
Simply put, it’s a necessary step toward providing you with the best service possible. Clients who invest more tend to get more out of each session. Also, maintaining a waiting list saves a lot of time and effort. Frankly, therapists spend much time and effort, usually wasted, trying to motivate clients who are only looking for “a better deal.” Don’t worry – I’ll do everything possible to ensure you get your money’s worth.
Why don’t you accept insurance?
There are lots of reasons. Several clients appeared on my Facebook feed years ago as “friend suggestions.” How did Facebook get their names? The insurance company’s “secure” data storage wasn’t that secure. They were compromising client confidentiality.
Also, insurance companies frequently impose burdensome paperwork requirements that decrease efficiency and quality of care and insist on specific treatment requirements or limits that are not in the best interests of each client.
More importantly, once insurance companies become involved, your diagnosis and treatment notes become a part of your permanent record. This could mean that your future job opportunities, legal status, or financial status could be compromised because of something in your file. Who wants to be penalized because of something that happened years ago?
However, I can provide a Superbill if you need to submit your treatment to an insurance company. Most, but not all, insurance companies will reimburse you at least part of the cost of treatment with a Superbill.
How do I make an appointment?
If you’re a new client, your best bet is to go to the “Get in Touch” form at the bottom of this page and request one. You can request appointments through the client portal on the same website if you’re an existing client.
Can I cancel an appointment? Do you have a cancellation policy?
I prefer 24-hour notice if you need to cancel. However, there’s always a chance that something will come up suddenly; in that case, a phone call would be helpful. Please understand, however, that you will be charged if you don’t show up for your appointment and don’t call to let me know.
What is a free initial phone consultation?
The initial consultation lasts about 15 minutes and lets you decide if I’m the right therapist for you. If you feel comfortable, we can schedule your first appointment.
Do you work with children?
No. Working with children generally requires specialization and in-person care since children typically have shorter attention spans and have difficulty making it through a virtual appointment. If your child needs help, please find a specialized therapist in your local area who can provide proper care.
Do you work with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions?
Of course. Specialized Christian-based therapy is available but not required if you believe otherwise.
What can I expect in the first session?
Your first session will be diagnostic. Essentially, you’ll have a chance to explain your situation and treatment goals. I’ll usually ask many questions to clarify your needs and wants, and we’ll move on from there in subsequent sessions.
What is therapy like with you?
Expect homework. Achieving optimal mental and emotional health requires learning “what to do” and not just “what to think.” Almost every session will involve something specific for you to work on between sessions. In-session, you’ll learn the whys and hows of what’s going on in your brain, and we’ll focus specifically on what you can do to make any necessary changes.
How long will I be in therapy?
We therapists have a dirty little secret – we only get paid when we’re in front of a client, which motivates us to keep you in care for as long as possible. I despise that idea. You have things to do, places to go, and so do I. Instead, I prefer to teach you what you need to know and let you get to work rather than waste our time talking about things that aren’t important. Your therapy will last only as long as it truly needs to, which we’ll discuss in your first session or initial consultation. If you want more care after that, we’ll discuss it when the time comes.
Will you make me cry in therapy?
Never on purpose. But if you’re in pain and trust me enough to cry in front of me, I’ll do my best to be there for you. You’ll never need to be embarrassed with me.
Do I have to tell you everything?
No, but it helps. The quality of care you receive depends largely on your ability to be open and honest with yourself. Of course, I’ll always do my part, but I can’t help you with things you don’t tell me about.
Is there anyone you won’t see as a client?
Frankly, yes. In my early career, I spent much time treating people who were “mandated” to seek treatment. None of them wanted to be there; many ensured I knew it. I hated every minute of it. On the other hand, if you want to grow and change for the better, I’ll be happy to work with you. If you don’t, I’m sure plenty of other therapists will be glad to take your money.
Are you a Christian counselor?
I am a Christian who works as a counselor. However, the scientific principles and practices of psychology are universal. I can provide specialized Christ-focused therapy if you prefer, but I’ll never force my beliefs on anyone who does not share my religion.
Is our work confidential?
Absolutely, yes. Every effort will be made to ensure your information remains confidential. However, state and federal laws require that abuse must be reported to the relevant authorities if it is disclosed during therapy. For more information, please consult our privacy and practice policies on our website.
Why do you do this kind of work?
Years ago, in college, one of my professors advised me that I shouldn’t try to “cure” my clients. He went on to say that mental health problems cannot be “healed.” They can only be “coped with.” I’ve learned better and experienced real healing in my own life.
As a former homeless person and addict, I’ve seen suffering on a wholesale scale. As a counselor and minister, I’ve watched countless clients cry as they recount the pain they’ve been through, and I’ve felt incredible rage as they described the poor care they received from others. Mental health care is more than a job to me – it’s a crusade.
Have you been in therapy yourself?
Absolutely. I’ve seen and experienced the best and worst in the mental health care field. I see a counselor and coach regularly to ensure I stay at the top of my game.
Why do you always have fur on your shirt?
I share my office with three “therapy cats.” They’re not particularly helpful, but they seem to like me. Also, they all seem to think my beard is their mother, and they spend a lot of time “cuddling” with it. What can I say? It’s a living.
Am I allowed to ask personal questions?
Why not? After all, I can’t help you if you don’t trust me, and how can you trust me if you don’t know me?
