If you are new to virtual therapy or coaching and wonder how our sessions will go, what is expected of you, and what you expect of me, this page should help give you some insight into the process.
Virtual Therapy or Coaching 1. In the first couple of sessions, I will need to complete a brief assessment of what has brought you to seek help as well as some other personal information. (if there is any information you do not want to share, you do not have to.). The first session if you are wanting regular therapy or coaching would be booking the 60-minute session. After the initial assessment, we will work together on developing the goals for the therapy or coaching. Other follow-up sessions can be as long as you want from the available time slots.
2. It is important that you understand that counseling and coaching do take work on your part as well as mine. The truth is many are not actually really ready to make the necessary changes they need to address their issues. It takes courage, humility, and a willing heart to face any consequences and make the hard but righteous choices for change. This method of counseling and coaching requires that I ask multiple questions throughout the sessions. Therapy and or Coaching is not about me just giving you answers or directions; the services are about helping you to discover your own strengths and your own directions. I hope that you are committed to yourself and making positive changes, as I am committed to helping you get to the place you want to be. Therapy or coaching is only as effective with your active participation.
3. Regular Sessions 50 or 30-minute sessions are once a week. Exceptions for more frequent sessions are on a case-by-case basis. For the other shorter time slots, clients can request more than once a week, but no more than 4-50 or 45-minute sessions in a month; 2-30 minute sessions a week. Clients can choose shorter times for mostly check-in up to 5 times a week for the 5, 10, and 15-minute time slots; no more than twice a week for the 20-minute session slot.
4. Clients are expected to show up on time, but if they need to cancel, to do so within 24hrs of the appointment. If the client is a no-call-no-show, the session fee will not be refunded, and the client will need to pay for another appointment.
5. Clients are expected to actively participate, and this includes completing in-between session assignments because, as the common saying goes, "practice makes perfect." The purpose of these assignments is to help clients gain insight and skills to deal with their problems.
6. I am only human, so if clients do not feel like they are getting what they want or dislike something I have said in a session, I do welcome any feedback because my goal is to be of service to my clients.
7. Clients need to be clear on what kind of therapy do you think you want right now. Here are some descriptions of what kind of therapy you like/or what type of communication you want from me: Empathetic- you want to be 'understood', not feel judged, and air out your issues but want gentle affirmations/validations from your therapist but are not really looking for 'advice'. You really just want someone to "listen". Direction/Advice-you especially want actual advice, "what should I do" type of therapy; you are okay with direct advice from your therapist. You are okay with being challenged by the therapist.
If the client is not having any serious mental or emotional problems, then coaching would be what the client needs. (See the page on Christian Life Coaching for more details about coaching).
8.I counsel part-time, so I have limited availability. The following are the time slots I can offer counseling, and the times get taken quickly, so if I cannot accept a preferred time, it is because that time is already booked; all times are for CST: I do not do any counseling on Wednesdays or Saturdays. Mondays between 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm/Tues, Thursdays, and Fridays are between 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; Sundays between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. I stop responding to messages during the week by 8:00 pm CST. I don't do counseling or coaching or usually respond to messages on Saturdays. Live counseling outside of my regular hours is on a case-by-case basis. Clients can message at any time, but this service is not an instant messaging service; I try to respond to messages within 24 hrs. (except on weekends, messages received on a Saturday will be responded to on Sunday or Monday, and during holidays, I will inform clients of my availability). Live sessions are done via Zoom; clients will receive a secure invite for sessions. Lives sessions are by video and appointment only. Clients can call for questions, but if counseling is needed, the session would need to be via Zoom. Clients will need to complete the contact me form to request a session, but there is no guarantee I will be available. I will respond back with my availability within the stated time frame for counseling.
9. Virtual therapy or coaching is okay for many, but if you start to have any thoughts of self-harm or suicide, online counseling or coaching is not appropriate; do not hesitate to call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room, and do not leave me a phone or text, or email message if you in an emergency.