Frequently Asked Questions

Counseling offers a place where you can be known, understand more clearly the challenges in your life, and begin to take steps of growth. Research shows the most important and impactful part of counseling is the relationship between the client and the counselor. In the context of this relationship, evidence based interventions can be utilized to help the client reach the goals they set for counseling.

It can be scary to share about your inner life with someone you do not know. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and able to share at your own pace. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation that can help you clarify if working with me is your best next step.

One of the most important aspects of a counseling relationship is trustworthiness. It’s important that you feel comfortable with your counselor and have a sense that they are wholly dedicated to your well-being. That doesn’t mean it will always be easy because gaining mental health requires time, introspection and personal responsibility – yet, you should have confidence that your counselor has your best interests at heart through his or her work with you. Some clients prefer a counselor who has had similar life experiences or is of a certain age and/or gender. While these preferences are important to acknowledge and exist for a number of very good reasons, research has shown that – above all else – a counselor’s unconditional positive regard towards the client is the most important agent for healing. I gives great weight to my relationship with clients and prioritize my client’s needs, to ensureI am a good fit for them. To know if I will be a good fit, schedule a free consultation phone call, and I will be happy to answer your specific questions. I am also happy to refer clients to other counselors when I believe they will experience greater healing with someone else. It’s important to be honest with your counselor about any concerns and questions you have about them. Much like every relationship, building trust is a process that takes time and open communication. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation that can help you clarify if working with me is your best next step.

I believe faith and spirituality play an important role in how we navigate our lives (regardless of our faith tradition). They are certainly integral to how I counsel. However, as a professional counselor I am committed to never imposing my worldview on a client. I am dedicated to helping offer such insight and guidance at their level of comfort and initiation. As such, if a client asks to discuss matters of faith in counseling, I am both happy and competent to do so. If, on the other hand, a client does not want to discuss matters of faith then we will of course focus on other things.

No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the counselee. However, we take a few exceptions to this rule, which are:

• Suspected child, dependent adult, or elder abuse. The counselor is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a counselee is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
• If a counselee intends to harm himself or herself, the counselor will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure his or her safety.

A standard counseling session is about 50 minutes.

During an intake session we discuss the specifics of the counseling relationship, talk about confidentiality and informed consent, and then we simply get to know each other and talk through what brings you to counseling.

For current counseling fees and information, visit our services page.

I offer reduced rate counseling on a limited basis and at my own discretion. You are more than welcome to ask whether there is an opening for such a rate. 

At this time, I do not work with third-party insurers. However, many insurance plans do provide reimbursement for mental health counseling at the request of the customer. Consult your individual provider to find out if this could apply to you. 

I can see clients located in Florida via Telehealth or in person in north Tallahassee (near Kerry Forest Parkway).