Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get started?
Schedule a FREE Phone Consultation. You have a chance to ask all your questions and learn about how therapy works. If you want Couples Therapy, you and your spouse can attend together, or one can learn all about it. If it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule an appointment while you’re on the phone. In most cases, you can get an initial therapy appointment in a week or two, depending on your schedule.
When are sessions held?
Where are sessions held?
The Couples Counseling Center is an all online therapy practice. All sessions are held on a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform that uses both video and sound.
You will need to find a quiet place without interruptions to meet with your therapist. This can be at or away from home, or in the car. Find a place where you have good internet service.
Can I use my insurance?
Look for details about costs and insurance on the How Much Does Therapy Cost page.
What should I expect in my first appointment?
After your free phone consultation, you will receive an email with instructions to review the initial paperwork. Please sign the consents and upload your photo ID before your first appointment so we won’t use precious session time getting set up.
All appointments last 50-55 minutes.
After logging onto the session, your therapist will start by reviewing the most important details of counseling. You are encouraged to ask about anything that concerns you. Then, you will be invited to talk about the reasons that you are seeking therapy. At the end of the session, you will schedule your next appointment and set up a credit card to pay your fees/copays.
What problems do you refer to other therapists?
As a licensed professional counselor, I am licensed to treat all mental health disorders with my training and experience. This includes, but is not limited to, counseling adults, children, and couples relating to mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and relational issues.
What I am really good at is helping you deal with problems affecting your relationships. I am likely to refer you to other excellent therapists for issues related to kids, adolescents, addictions, eating disorders, and complex trauma.
I have a security clearance. Will therapy affect my ability to get it renewed?
No. Details about your therapy services will not be released unless you give written permission to do so. Attending counseling to deal with stress, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, anger, and daily struggles will not affect your security clearance. In fact, managing these issues may make you more effective in your job.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we go to individual or couples therapy?
The best course for you depends on your goals. If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, or how to leave the relationship, Individual Relationship Counseling may provide the best outcomes. If your partner is willing to work with you to solve a problem (any problem), Couples Therapy will be more effective.
If your partner is willing to participate in a Couples Relationship Checkup, your therapist will evaluate what kinds of services are mostly likely to provide the best outcomes. They can make recommendations during the Couples Relationship Checkup Wrap-up.
How can I contact my therapist between sessions?
The most secure way to ask questions, send messages, or upload personal documents is through the client portal. Your therapist may also use text messaging. Please keep in mind that texting is not a secure method of communicating.
Will I have homework between sessions?
You will get the best outcomes in therapy if you take the insights and skills that you learn during a therapy session and practice them in real life between sessions. You and your therapist will decide together what you want to work on between sessions.
How much can I be myself during sessions?
As long as you are not being unkind to the therapist (or your partner if they are in attendance), you are invited to bring your true self to therapy. Please use the language that you feel comfortable with and talk about what is important to you.
I don't live in West Virginia, Ohio, or South Carolina. Can I still work with you?
The way licensing laws work, you currently need to be in the States of West Virginia, Ohio, or South Carolina during your therapy sessions in order to work with me. There are some changes expected in 2024 that will expand that area to much of the United States. If you want to know how those changes might affect you, schedule a free phone consultation and we will figure out your individual situation. If I can’t work with you, I’ll help you find an appropriate referral.