Frequently Asked Questions
I conduct a virtual consulting practice utilizing Skype, Google hangout, and/or FaceTime to provide face-to-face session. I also speak with clients via phone and Skype. All appointments are 45 minutes in length unless previously arranged for a different length of time. During the session, I may gain a better understanding of the problems that led to the need to seek support. I may also help with finding solutions.
Most clients attend counseling sessions weekly, but the frequency and duration is ultimately up to the client. After weekly sessions initially, clients eventually decrease the frequency of meetings, either to every other week or once a month. Most clients improve within a few months, but a few require longer periods to experience improvements.
I am a Christian, coach and counselor who uses scientifically proven methods to help people with mood, anxiety, relationship, and other challenges. I believe in holistic health principles, so I advocate care of the body, mind, and spirit. Client centered, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral and other scientifically validated and biblically sound kinds of counseling also play a part in my practice.
Success in coaching and counseling is a combination of my skills plus your effort to create something of great value to you. Some clients make great strides through coaching or counseling, usually because they fully engage, do their homework, and come to sessions on time. It’s important to remember that although I provide guidance and suggestions, most of the work to achieve your desired result is accomplished by you, outside our coaching or counseling session.
During our first consultation, we will assess what forms of technology would be best for communication and determine whether it is appropriate for your needs. My main concern will always be what is beneficial to your safety and well-being. I will also use this time to assess the best services for your particular need.
I approach the coaching and counseling process holistically by encouraging clients to consider how physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social health impact their psychological way of being. I assist clients in gaining insight, developing good health and self-care habits and correcting irrational thoughts and faulty relational patterns.
The goal of the coaching and counseling process is to foster greater insight and self-awareness about the issues that are challenging. This is done in a supportive and safe environment. I endeavor to foster a partnership that produces greater insight and skill development. This will eventually produce greater health and individuation. It is essential that we both maintain the professional nature of the coaching and counseling relationship and limit social contact outside of the relationship. This is necessary in order to preserve the quality of the therapeutic relationship.
Communication
All communication becomes part of a clinical record, which is accessible to each client upon request. All records are kept confidential. Everything shared between client and counselor is kept confidential, except in following situations:
- You direct me to tell someone else
- I determine that you are a danger to yourself or others
- I am ordered by a judge to disclose information
- I suspect child abuse
By engaging me as your counselor you are also consenting to have me discuss your case from time to time with a licensed clinical colleague within the practice who may also have access to your file.
Legal Issues
It is in your best interest to inform me of any litigation, dispute with employer, or separation or divorce issues you may have, including custody cases. If any of these issues arise, I will carefully evaluate on a case-by-case basis what and to whom information will be disclosed in order to uphold the ethical and legal requirements to which I am bound. Remember that medical and mental health records are frequently subpoenaed when litigation is involved.
Technology
Use of communication technologies including email and Skype always bear a level of risk for confidentiality breaches should these systems/accounts ever be “hacked” or accessed without appropriate permissions. These breaches would be beyond my control and responsibility. I will have a disclosure on my email messages reminding you that the messages are not encrypted, therefore, it is your choice to disclose personal information via email or not. If Skype is not available to you or you do not feel comfortable with the security level of Skype, you may choose to limit sessions to telephone use only.
Emergency
The nature of my counseling services is strictly outpatient. It is your responsibility to discuss expectations for care beyond a typical outpatient (once per week) frequency with me so that appropriate referrals may be made if needed. If you fear harm to yourself or another, you should contact your nearest “Crisis Response Center” (CRC) or dial 911 for information about the closest CRC or ER to seek urgent care. You may certainly contact me, however, I cannot guarantee I will be available at that time, so please contact 911 in a crisis or for urgent support.
To communicate with me online, you will need a computer or multimedia device with a webcam / video camera, microphone, access to the Internet, and a two-way communication program, such as Skype. You may use a tablet, phone, Mac, PC or any device that meets these requirements.
It is also important to have a quiet place where you can communicate with me undisturbed for the duration of our session. You may also find a notepad and pen or a note-taking app helpful in documenting our sessions.
My services are available online. In-person services are offered for workshops, seminars and presentations only.
I offer three tiers of service. A one time consultation is $99, but you can also buy five or 10 session packages and save money in the process. Please view this link for more information about fees.