Common Counseling Questions Answered

The first counseling or coaching session is often daunting, and I try to make the experience easy and comfortable for everyone. I am happy to have a short phone consult before scheduling or, once scheduled, to answer any questions you may have or alleviate fears or anxieties about this process.

Before we get started, I ask all of my clients to complete a few forms, your intake packet. These forms can be emailed to you, or if needed, I will send them to you by snail mail. For confidentiality, forms should not be emailed back but brought to your first meeting.

My office setup includes a small waiting area and a separate, private space for us to work together. I organize the space to be as comfortable as possible; I want you to feel at home with me.

For clients using insurance, it is important to contact your insurance company prior to the day of your first meeting to ensure you have the needed information to bill insurance. Please see the Payment Insurance Agreement form.

Lolo is a standard-sized poodle and loves people. He helps with our meetings by being a calm and sometimes less calm but joyful presence.

Lolo is great at offering puppy hugs, assistance with grounding, or just a warm, fuzzy presence to help you feel safe. He gladly accepts pets and belly rubs and enjoys walking with clients for walking meetings.

Lolo’s reactions to clients are also very informative to me, your therapist/facilitator. He and I try to work together for optimal outcomes.

For an in-depth explanation, please see the Important Information Page.

The focus in psychotherapy is more on healing from the past, while the focus in coaching is more focused on productively being in the present with a view to getting you to where you wish to be next.

Coaching is typically not covered by health insurance because the focus of coaching is not on treating an illness.

Psychotherapists must have a graduate degree, in most states, and must have a state license to practice. Coaching is not self-policed and not governed by an entity. Some coaches seek extensive training; however, this can inform the decision to choose a coach that also has a license or history as a psychotherapist.