FAQs
How do I schedule my first appointment?
To schedule your first appointment, please use the contact form on the website. Once I receive your message, I will check with you about what
you are looking for in a counselor to determine if I am the right fit to work
with you. If so, I will send you paperwork to complete and sign. Once that paperwork has been completed, we will schedule our first session.
What can I expect at my first session?
The first session is where we have a chance to get to know one another.
My main goals during a first session are to make you feel comfortable,
safe, seen, and heard, as well as to learn about you. You can expect me
to ask you questions about what brings you to counseling, what your goals are for therapy, and to tell me about your background. You are always welcome to ask me any questions you might have about the counseling process.
Is it 'normal' to be nervous before starting counseling?
Absolutely! In fact, most of my clients report feeling nervous at their first
session, even if they have been in counseling before. Starting anything
new can feel scary and overwhelming. As I share with clients during a first session, we are simply getting to know one another and having a
conversation. That’s it! I will never force you to talk about anything that
you are not ready to discuss or that makes you feel uncomfortable.
How long do sessions typically last?
Most sessions will last approximately 55-60 minutes. I also offer 45-
minute sessions if that fits your schedule and budget better.
How often do I have to come to counseling?
This answer looks a little different for each person. To begin the therapy
process, I usually ask new clients to attend sessions weekly for the first 4-
6 weeks. This allows us to get to know one another and build a strong
foundation from which to work. After these initial sessions, some clients
wish to gradually reduce the frequency of sessions after discussing your
personal progress, remaining symptoms, and continued goals.
Regardless of the frequency of your sessions, consistency is important.
Active clients should be seen at least once per month.
How long will I have to be in counseling?
Again, this looks different for each person, and depends on the presenting issue, severity of symptoms, and many other factors. Many clients enjoy coming to therapy and prefer to continue this process for many months or even years. Others who come to counseling to work on a specific issue may feel that a shorter time is appropriate for their needs.
What if I don't want to talk about something yet?
At times, it can feel much easier to avoid topics that make us feel
uncomfortable or scared. However, these are usually the issues that need to be processed and for which we need the most healing. I may encourage you to talk more about these topics, but you are always in control of what you decide to share with me and when. I will never force you to talk about anything that you are not ready to discuss or that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Is everything we talk about really confidential?
For the most part, yes. I am required by law to keep your Protected Health Information completely confidential. However, there are some limitations to this confidentiality. You will receive a document that outlines all instances in which I would have to break confidentiality, but the most common examples are if you are a danger to yourself or to others; by court order; and in instances of neglect or abuse of children or of elderly or disabled persons who are unable to advocate for themselves.
Do you offer teletherapy?
Yes! I am happy to provide teletherapy services through a very easy to use, secure and HIPAA compliant service. You will receive a link to click on for your session, and teletherapy sessions last the same amount of time (typically about 55 minutes) as in-person sessions. Please note that state law requires you to be physically be located within the Commonwealth of Virginia at the time of your session.
Will I have to take medication?
Both therapy and medications have been independently proven to minimize the severity and frequency of symptoms. When used together, in many cases, they are proven to be even more effective. With certain clients, I may suggest meeting with your doctor to see if he/she believes trying a medication, in conjunction with therapy, would be beneficial for you. As a counselor, I am not able to prescribe medication, and you would need to discuss this further with your primary care physician or psychiatrist.
Are there any clients or issues you don’t work with?
I am only licensed to work with clients in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I do not work with clients under the age of 11 or provide custody evaluations. I do not provide psychological evaluations, but can provide referrals as needed. I also do not appear in court for any reason. Additionally, as a part of our ethical code, counselors do not work with populations or issues for which we do not have adequate training or experience. In such cases, I will provide appropriate referrals as needed.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept Anthem, Anthem HealthKeepers, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance. If your insurance offers Out-of-Network benefits, I can also provide you with a SuperBill to submit to your insurance company for partial reimbursement. All copays are due at the time of service.
Can I pay cash/out-of-pocket for sessions with you?
Yes. Initial sessions are $150. Continuing sessions lasting 45-minutes
are $125 and sessions lasting 60 minutes are $145.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
Sliding scale payments are accepted on a very limited basis and are based on a demonstrated financial need.
Are you a Christian counselor?
I am a Christian and I am a counselor. I have worked with many clients of the Christian faith as well as other faith backgrounds. I am happy to incorporate Christian tenets in our sessions if you feel that would be helpful to you, but also respect and understand that you might not want these conversations in your sessions. I will never try to influence you with my own personal beliefs and opinions.