How long is each session?
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Sessions are typically 50 minutes, but our initial visit may be longer so that we can get to know each other well.
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Your initial appointment:
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During that first meeting we will learn more about each other. We will each get a feeling for each other, seeing how well we might work together. Also we can examine if I can assist, or perhaps refer you to someone who understands your situation better.
Filling out the forms below and bringing them with you to our first meeting is helpful so that we we can spend more time getting to know each other. From there we will schedule a regular meeting time and begin the conversation in earnest. |
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Do you take insurance?
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The main reason I do not accept insurance is because I believe what we discuss should stay between you and me. Your insurance company should not determine what kind of treatment you get and dictate how many sessions are needed. To use insurance I will have to diagnose you will an illness, such as depression. You may only be depressed for a short amount of time and under very specific circumstances but that diagnosis will forever be in your records.
No, I do not accept insurance but I will provide a superbill which you can turn into your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Payment will be due at time of service. |
How often should we meet? |
It depends on the situation and what's going on. I tend to have first time clients with me once a week for the first three-four weeks just so I can get an understanding of their situation. And develop our relationship. After that if the client feels that every other week is better, then I am okay with that. Sometimes I will still recommend once a week, it really depends on the situation.
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Why do you work at the courthouse too? |
With my job at the courthouse when people come in to see me for an ex parte (a temporary restraining order), they have usually just been through a traumatic situation, typically that is ongoing. Having someone in there who is non-judgmental and understands both sides. Often the other person does have some kind of mental issue whether it's bipolar or PTSD. There is a mental illness component to their situation. To have someone there who understand what that is, what they are going through, and is empathetic to both sides, and can just sit there and listen. We can provide resources and just hold their hands if that is what needs to be done. It is almost like a tiny therapy session sometimes.
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Counselor? Psychologist? Psychiatrist? Life coach?
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It depends on your state. In Missouri: a psychologist has a doctorate (PhD), a counselor has a masters degree, and a life coach requires no degree. I am a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Avila University.
Over time, required yearly training for counselors as well as experience gained make the difference between a counselor and psychologist smaller. We can compare this to a psychiatrist, who is a doctor that is able to prescribe medication. In my experience most psychiatrists do not actually do therapy anymore. Often a psychiatrist will stabilize a client with medication, and then have a counselor work with the client on their life issues. |
Why "Trinity Counseling?" |
To me, the trinity represents the past, present and future. The past makes us who we are. Our job is to understand it in the present, so that we can move forward into an amazing future.
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