Key Things to Do Before Your First Session
Text 678-978-8880 for an appointment or with any questions.
1. Sessions will be held using telehealth -- either a video conference or a phone session. I use Google Meet for video sessions. Make sure you know how to use Google Meet before your session.
2. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER BEFORE YOUR FIRST SESSION. Be sure to enter your payment information. You will also briefly list what you want to work on in therapy. Try to think in terms of solutions: What do you hope will be better or different after therapy?
3. Read over the telehealth information on my website.
4. If time allows, read the Blog Post called CBT 101 before your first session.
Our First Meeting
What to Expect
We will spend some time getting to know each other. You will have plenty of time to share and process your thoughts and feelings. Then, we will create a list of problems and work together on a treatment plan to help solve the problems.
In later sessions, all clients will learn new skills, including:
· How to monitor your thoughts and self-talk. This includes reading and journaling.
· How to identify and replace negative, unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
· How to improve negative self-talk.
· New coping skills.
· How to manage difficult emotions.
· How to improve relationships with loved ones.
· Healthy communication skills.
Couples Counseling
What to Expect
I primarily use the Gottman Method as the basis for couples therapy, including research-based interventions and the Sound Relationship House Theory. This method also includes assessments to determine which areas of your relationship need strengthening.
Issues that may be addressed in couples therapy include:
- Frequent conflict and arguments
- Poor communication
- Emotionally distanced couples on the verge of separation
- Sexual difficulties, infidelity, money, and parenting
Therapy aims to strengthen three primary areas of your relationship:
- Friendship
- Conflict management
- Creating shared meaning
You will be given exercises to:
- Increase closeness and intimacy
- Improve friendship
- Deepen emotional connection
- Create changes to enhance your shared goals
Learn More
The Gottmans have researched couples issues for more than 40 years. You can learn more about their method on their website.
Contacting Me Outside of Sessions
My Availability
If you reach out to me outside of your scheduled session, I may not be available. I may be with another client or otherwise engaged. If you have an emergency between sessions, please use one of the resources below.
In Case of Emergency
If you are in crisis, call 911 and go to the emergency room. The ER will be staffed with mental health professionals who are trained to assist you during a crisis. Please call me AFTER you have gotten help with the crisis to set up a follow-up appointment if needed.
If you are thinking about suicide, call 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
More resources are available here.
Texting, Email and Social Media Policies
Texting: Please use texting only to set appointments. I don't conduct therapy over texts.
Email: Your email may not be secure. I have a confidential portal that helps reduce the risk of hacking. You may choose to email me using Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc., but please note that there is some risk involved.
Facebook, BlueSky, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn: I won’t connect with you on social media because doing so might violate your privacy.
Confidentiality
Your Privacy
Your privacy is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
I'm also required to follow professional ethics and state and federal laws regarding your privacy.
In most cases, what we discuss in our sessions is confidential unless you threaten to harm yourself or others. In those cases, I have a duty to warn and to get help.
I have a duty to report child abuse and elder abuse.
I may have to disclose information if I'm ordered to do so by a court.
Your treatment notes are stored on a server maintained by Counsol.com, a HIPPA-compliant company.