FAQs : Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I begin?
COVID-19 RESPONSE: Currently distance video and phone call sessions are being utilized upon request & as needed. In the office there will always be a safe distance between client and therapist. Clients will limit their touching to only the leather couch or wooden chair seated on, which will be disinfected between sessions. Clients are expected to utilize distance counseling & inform therapist if they’ve experienced any virus symptoms or knowingly been exposed to the virus. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this time! Regardless of individual personal opinions on the Covid-19 crisis, we will be following the guidelines as suggested by the Governor of Tennessee, and for peace of mind of all clients, these guidelines will be strictly followed. Thank you for your understanding.
A: Call my office number (615) 812-4134 and leave your phone number and a good time to call you back. You may also indicate what days/times of the week are good for you to come in. I am in the office Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. I typically schedule distance sessions on Tuesdays. At times, I'll schedule on a Friday, if I've traveled earlier in the week. Please leave a number where it is safe to leave a return message, where your privacy is ensured. You will receive a call back within 24-48 business hours to schedule the initial session. NOTE: I DO NOT SET MEETINGS, DISCUSS COUNSELING ISSUES, OR MAKE SCHEDULE CHANGES BY E-MAIL. I do utilize secure texting to change or set appointments, but counseling issues are discussed in person.
Q: How long does counseling last?
A: Growth in counseling is about momentum. The more frequently you come, the more progress you will make. I almost always encourage clients to commit to 6 months at least, and 18 months on average, depending on how frequently and consistently counseling is attended. I strongly encourage clients if possible to commit to once a week for the initial 4-6 weeks. Afterwards, if a lesser frequency is desired, I prefer to discuss it at that time. Many people begin their intense work on a weekly basis, then move to bi-weekly, and then monthly until termination. Often clients return periodically for "check-ups" or to check-in for maintenance. Some issues may require a shorter period of time, however these issues are generally circumstantial and not considered issues from your past or from an ongoing or chronic conflict in a relationship.
Q: How does counseling work?
A: I’ll email you a set of forms and an initial personal history assignment. We then schedule an initial 90 minute evaluation and you'll commit to come at least once a week for a 45-60 minute session for 4-6 weeks, allowing both of us to form an idea of what is at the root of your issues and begin to develop a bond and a base for a good, working therapeutic relationship. After those initial weeks, we can discuss any changes to the way our meetings are going and we both give input on whether or not our match continues to be a good fit. This also provides an opportunity for the therapist to determine if an additional referral is indicated outside of these counseling sessions.
COVID-19 RESPONSE: Currently distance video and phone call sessions are being utilized upon request & as needed. In the office there will always be a safe distance between client and therapist. Clients will limit their touching to only the leather couch or wooden chair seated on, which will be disinfected between sessions. Clients are expected to utilize distance counseling & inform therapist if they’ve experienced any virus symptoms or knowingly been exposed to the virus. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this time! Regardless of individual personal opinions on the Covid-19 crisis, we will be following the guidelines as suggested by the Governor of Tennessee, and for peace of mind of all clients, these guidelines will be strictly followed. Thank you for your understanding.
A: Call my office number (615) 812-4134 and leave your phone number and a good time to call you back. You may also indicate what days/times of the week are good for you to come in. I am in the office Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. I typically schedule distance sessions on Tuesdays. At times, I'll schedule on a Friday, if I've traveled earlier in the week. Please leave a number where it is safe to leave a return message, where your privacy is ensured. You will receive a call back within 24-48 business hours to schedule the initial session. NOTE: I DO NOT SET MEETINGS, DISCUSS COUNSELING ISSUES, OR MAKE SCHEDULE CHANGES BY E-MAIL. I do utilize secure texting to change or set appointments, but counseling issues are discussed in person.
Q: How long does counseling last?
A: Growth in counseling is about momentum. The more frequently you come, the more progress you will make. I almost always encourage clients to commit to 6 months at least, and 18 months on average, depending on how frequently and consistently counseling is attended. I strongly encourage clients if possible to commit to once a week for the initial 4-6 weeks. Afterwards, if a lesser frequency is desired, I prefer to discuss it at that time. Many people begin their intense work on a weekly basis, then move to bi-weekly, and then monthly until termination. Often clients return periodically for "check-ups" or to check-in for maintenance. Some issues may require a shorter period of time, however these issues are generally circumstantial and not considered issues from your past or from an ongoing or chronic conflict in a relationship.
Q: How does counseling work?
A: I’ll email you a set of forms and an initial personal history assignment. We then schedule an initial 90 minute evaluation and you'll commit to come at least once a week for a 45-60 minute session for 4-6 weeks, allowing both of us to form an idea of what is at the root of your issues and begin to develop a bond and a base for a good, working therapeutic relationship. After those initial weeks, we can discuss any changes to the way our meetings are going and we both give input on whether or not our match continues to be a good fit. This also provides an opportunity for the therapist to determine if an additional referral is indicated outside of these counseling sessions.