Counseling
Some common questions and details about my counseling practice.
COSTS, FEES, AND INSURANCE
Although we no longer accept or file insurance, upon request we provide a counseling reimbursement voucher for clients to give to their insurance company. Speak with me about how to handle your insurance reimbursement (817) 897-4691. The counseling fee is paid online before the session unless other arrangements have been made in advance. Call me if you have a problem in your budget with the fee or other concerns. After the COVID period, my counseling fees have been adjusted to better meet with your budget and mine as well. Counseling fees are $70 per 50-60 minute session. Premarital counseling fees will be paid up front for the entire package and negotiated with each couple, depending on the number of sessions agreed upon. We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover cards.
WHAT IS COUNSELING LIKE?
Sessions will be designed to meet your specific needs. You will have an opportunity to discuss your personal issues in a safe, professional and comfortable environment. All sessions are confidential, so you can have the freedom to talk with an understanding professional, set goals for change, and create a plan for moving forward.
My counseling goals are to help you better understand and address your issues, strengthen your relationships with family and others; and find deeper meaning and satisfaction in your life.
Counseling is a very personal process and every individual is unique. I will help you set realistic goals, increase your self-understanding, and gain skills for accomplishing your goals.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN COUNSELING IS REALLY NECESSARY?
People are anxious, stressed, and uncertain about the future. Some of the issues clients face are: family or work problems, grief and loss, drug and alcohol problems, depression and anxiety, self-esteem issues, control or abuse in prior relationships, emotional problems, and sexual issues. If a problem or relationship is affecting your sleep or daily routines or if it is weighing heavily on your mind, then talking with a skilled counselor could be the help you need.
HOW LONG AND HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET?
Sessions are usually weekly or every other week for 50 minutes. See the appointments page for more information on scheduling a video counseling session. The number of counseling sessions needed depends on your readiness to make changes and upon the goals that you set in your work. We will discuss and decide together about your sessions.
POSSIBLE SIGNS OF A TEEN PROBLEM
Listed below are some signs of a possible teen problem that might indicate a need for professional counseling:
- Gender identity problems
- Obsession with electronic devices (over an hour a day needs to be addressed)
- Sexual activity
- Spiritual issues
- Undesirable or hurtful dating
- Drop in grades, school absences
- Drastic change in friends
- Mood swings
- Irritable, aggressive, confrontational
- Withdrawn, loner behavior
- Use of drugs or drinking
- Accident prone
- Loss of interest in school, sports, activities
- Sudden or drastic weight changes
- A family with drug/alcohol or abusive issues
- Dropout from school
While some of these could be normal behaviors, a pattern of the above behaviors may indicate a serious need for professional help. It is better to get help to prevent a crisis, than waiting too long and suffering the consequences.