How long is a typical session? One hour. Sometimes sessions are shorter and often they are longer depending on what is going with you as an individual or couple. However please note that there is an additional charge for every 15 minutes over 1 hour.
Will my information remain confidential? I am morally and legally bound to keep all information obtained in counseling strictly confidential. What goes on in the session room stays in the session room.
How many times a week should I/We come to counseling? This depends highly upon each clients situation and the urgency of the current concern. Except for crisis situations most people only attend counseling once a week or bi-weekly.
How long should we expect to be in counseling? The average length of individual counseling is 12 weeks. The average length couples counseling including premarital, marriage and couples considering engagement is 8 weeks.
Do you offer phone counseling? I prefer not to as there are numerous confidentiality concerns associated with this method of counseling. However, I evaluate this on an individual basis.
Do you offer free consultations? Most of your questions can be answered somewhere on this site. However there are times when people have concerns specific to their situation. In those times I suggest you read the site thoroughly and if you still have questions you may submit them via the “Ask Jackie” form on the website. It is difficult for me to get to the phone throughout the average work day. If filling out the form is not convenient for you then I have a block of time carved out on Tuesdays to answer ALL questions as they pertains to service.
May I interview you to decide if we are a good fit? The initial session is the time for us to decide if we work well together. While I am open to answer a few questions as I understand making the decision to seek counseling is a difficult one. I find that people who are in need of extensively interviewing counselors before choosing one are not really ready for the counseling process.
Do you provide Christian Counseling? I am a Christian and I am a counselor. I think it is important for everyone to stay in their lane and walk according to his or her own calling. I am not a pastor, preacher, or minister and will not assume a role that I have not been called to do. I will however encourage, support your walk if you need me to as a part of your treatment.
Will you correspond with me via email? Yes, I often email homework or if something significant enters my mind that I need you to address in between sessions I will probably email you.
What is the first session like? The first session is a chance for us to become acquainted. Together we determine the specific goal of counseling, decide on number of sessions needed to achieve that goal, and determine if we are a good fit to proceed forward.
Do you ever meet with each individual in the couple separately? Yes I do. There are times when one mate is struggling more with the relationship than their partner and may need a chance to vent or get clarity before meeting as a couple.
Do you work on a sliding scale? Rarely. However, after the first two sessions once I have determined that we are a good fit and am sure of a clients commitment to counseling I am open to negotiate a rate that is reasonable for me and affordable to the client.
