FAQ

I work with individual adults – mostly women but a few men, as well.

Especially because of my background, I’m comfortable working with people of various races, religions, and cultures.

Many of my clients are particularly interested in working with me because of my experience in Christian ministry; others are not concerned about that and it’s fine.

I’m a provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield and most Aetna plans.

It’s best for you to call your member number and ask about your benefits for “counseling in an office setting” and what your payment responsibility will be for sessions.

If you have other insurance and are hoping to use it, you’ll want to check with your company about “out of network” benefits.

If your insurance is with Blue Cross Blue Shield or Aetna, I will file the claim. If we are working on an out-of-network basis, I will give you a receipt that includes all the information needed for you to file.

Yes, there is a $30 fee for cancellations less than 24 hours before your appointment.

Please understand the time is reserved for you, and I cannot bill the insurance company if we did not actually meet.

This is a conversation we can have to learn (a) whether I’m a good fit for your needs, (b) whether we will be comfortable working together, and (c) whether the logistics of payment and schedule are do-able.

The first session is usually 90 minutes long. After the first session, sessions are nearly an hour, right about 55 minutes.

This is a time of learning your story and narrowing down what you hope to accomplish in therapy.

Clients often say they don’t know where to begin and apologize for “jumping around” from one topic to another.

This is normal. There isn’t a right or wrong way to tell your story.

I am available for phone sessions. I prefer the initial session be face-to-face.

That’s not always possible, though, and I think many people are surprised at how well phone sessions can work.

Currently, I’m not set up to provide secure video sessions.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Later and before serving overseas, I earned a Master of Divinity (with Biblical languages) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

I also earned a Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology and Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

All my academic training is from accredited institutions. After transitioning to life and work in the states, I completed my Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credentials.

That depends. Most people are in therapy on a weekly basis for 3-6 months. Some people continue longer because they discover other things upon which they want to work.

For some, the nature of their trauma is such that they find it helpful to be in a supportive counseling relationship on a long-term basis.

A willingness to read or listen to books is helpful in making progress, and I generally give homework assignments like reading, journaling, or “noticing.”

Tears are welcomed here. It’s not that I’m happy you’re sad; but I’m not afraid of tears, and I’m convinced they are part of the healing process.

I keep a lot of high quality tissue in my office, so you don’t need to bring your own.

Yes, I have. Therapy was one of the most important and helpful experiences of my life. I am truly thankful for the life-giving relationship I had with my counselor.

And, I continue working on my “stuff” all the time.

I prefer chocolate, for sure. It’s like vanilla is not really a flavor to me.

I recently had my 23andme done, and my DNA results verified that I would prefer chocolate over vanilla. Interesting.