Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know if you are a good fit for me as a counselor?
The most important aspect of a counseling relationship is how comfortable you are with the professional with whom you are working. We can spend a few minutes together on the phone discussing what you would like to work on, and I can answer any of your questions. If you are comfortable to make an appointment, we can meet and if after your first session you determine I'm not a good fit for you, I'm happy to refer you to others who may better suit your needs. Not every counselor will be a good fit for every client!
The most important aspect of a counseling relationship is how comfortable you are with the professional with whom you are working. We can spend a few minutes together on the phone discussing what you would like to work on, and I can answer any of your questions. If you are comfortable to make an appointment, we can meet and if after your first session you determine I'm not a good fit for you, I'm happy to refer you to others who may better suit your needs. Not every counselor will be a good fit for every client!
What if I don't have the same views on faith or spirituality that you do?
My job as a counselor is to help you with the concerns you present and to use my very best clinical judgment as together, we determine a course of action. Because I work with clients who have varied beliefs, it is important that each client advise me how they choose to incorporate their faith/spirituality (if at all) into the counseling relationship. In matters regarding specific practices or beliefs within a faith system, I refer a client to their pastor, rabbi, priest, bishop or other leader. If after we meet you are not comfortable with this approach, I am happy to help you find someone who might be a better fit.
My job as a counselor is to help you with the concerns you present and to use my very best clinical judgment as together, we determine a course of action. Because I work with clients who have varied beliefs, it is important that each client advise me how they choose to incorporate their faith/spirituality (if at all) into the counseling relationship. In matters regarding specific practices or beliefs within a faith system, I refer a client to their pastor, rabbi, priest, bishop or other leader. If after we meet you are not comfortable with this approach, I am happy to help you find someone who might be a better fit.
I thought you were a Christian counselor? That's what the person said when they referred me to you.
I am a counselor and a follower of Jesus, and I want to be of service to all, within my skill and experience level. I am very happy to include your faith life in counseling sessions; in our first session we can discuss what will be best for you. I strive to follow Jesus' teachings, words, actions, and examples as He lived in obedience to, and always pointed towards, His Father. I worship Jesus in a community with others who strive to follow Him (my church home), I have conversations with Jesus (prayer), and read and study the Bible, which tells me about Him.
I am a counselor and a follower of Jesus, and I want to be of service to all, within my skill and experience level. I am very happy to include your faith life in counseling sessions; in our first session we can discuss what will be best for you. I strive to follow Jesus' teachings, words, actions, and examples as He lived in obedience to, and always pointed towards, His Father. I worship Jesus in a community with others who strive to follow Him (my church home), I have conversations with Jesus (prayer), and read and study the Bible, which tells me about Him.
Do you offer a sliding fee?
I do not offer a sliding fee. My fees are consistent with other professionals in the St. Louis metropolitan area who have nineteen or more years of experience as master's level nationally certified professional counselors. In addition I am trained in Exposure and Response/Ritual Prevention therapy and continue my education through the International OCD Foundation; am certified in EMDR therapy; have five years experience as a clinical supervisor and thirteen years of prior business and leadership experience. Larger counseling organizations or non-profit agencies rely on interns or provisionally licensed staff, grants, outside funding resources or other means to allow them to reduce their fees/offer a sliding scale. As a sole practitioner in a small business, I do not have access to those types of resources.
I do not offer a sliding fee. My fees are consistent with other professionals in the St. Louis metropolitan area who have nineteen or more years of experience as master's level nationally certified professional counselors. In addition I am trained in Exposure and Response/Ritual Prevention therapy and continue my education through the International OCD Foundation; am certified in EMDR therapy; have five years experience as a clinical supervisor and thirteen years of prior business and leadership experience. Larger counseling organizations or non-profit agencies rely on interns or provisionally licensed staff, grants, outside funding resources or other means to allow them to reduce their fees/offer a sliding scale. As a sole practitioner in a small business, I do not have access to those types of resources.
Besides meeting with a client, what else goes into a counseling session?
Outside of a session, I complete the clinical notes, billing (if using insurance), accounting entries, document phone calls and/or emails, develop treatment plans, make sure I am providing a proper diagnosis (if warranted), conduct research if needed, consult with a client's doctor or psychiatrist (if needed and the client gives permission) etc. There is also managing overhead (rent, phone, utilities, etc), taxes, continuing education, advertising/marketing, time contacting insurance companies about coverage for clients or reimbursement problems and other tasks of running a small business. I do my own billing and accounting to protect your privacy.
Outside of a session, I complete the clinical notes, billing (if using insurance), accounting entries, document phone calls and/or emails, develop treatment plans, make sure I am providing a proper diagnosis (if warranted), conduct research if needed, consult with a client's doctor or psychiatrist (if needed and the client gives permission) etc. There is also managing overhead (rent, phone, utilities, etc), taxes, continuing education, advertising/marketing, time contacting insurance companies about coverage for clients or reimbursement problems and other tasks of running a small business. I do my own billing and accounting to protect your privacy.
What if I have to cancel an appointment?
Emergencies happen! If you are able to cancel 24-hours in advance, it allows me to schedule others in your reserved appointment time, and there is no cancellation fee. The sooner you can tell me, the better. If you have to cancel with less than a 24-hour notice, a $50.00 cancellation fee applies. If I have an open appointment available where we are able to reschedule within the same week, I waive the cancellation fee. If you do not show for a reserved appointment (no-show) or cancel the day of the appointment, the full session fee is due and payable before a next appointment can be scheduled.
Emergencies happen! If you are able to cancel 24-hours in advance, it allows me to schedule others in your reserved appointment time, and there is no cancellation fee. The sooner you can tell me, the better. If you have to cancel with less than a 24-hour notice, a $50.00 cancellation fee applies. If I have an open appointment available where we are able to reschedule within the same week, I waive the cancellation fee. If you do not show for a reserved appointment (no-show) or cancel the day of the appointment, the full session fee is due and payable before a next appointment can be scheduled.
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