Frequently Asked Questions

Counseling offers a space for reflection, growth, and support. People seek counseling for many reasons, including navigating life transitions, processing emotions, or gaining clarity in their relationships and personal goals. If you're unsure whether counseling is the right step, we can explore what you're looking for and discuss how this process may support you.

To get started, fill out the contact form, and I will reach out to schedule an initial call. During this call, we will discuss your needs, answer any questions, and determine if we are a good fit. If we decide to move forward, we will schedule your first session.

Your first session focuses on building a foundation for our work together. We will review informed consent, discuss what you hope to gain from counseling and explore how we can best structure our time to support you. This session allows you to settle into the process at your own pace.

I provide both in-person and virtual sessions. If you choose virtual sessions, you must be physically located in Tennessee at the time of the session.

We will meet weekly to create consistency and build momentum in your growth. Regular sessions provide the space to deepen self-awareness, process experiences, and make meaningful changes. This rhythm helps insights feel more natural and more effortless to apply daily. If weekly sessions aren't possible, we can explore options that still support your progress.

Each session is 50 minutes. We can discuss options based on availability and need if you want a more extended session.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, notify me at least 48 hours in advance to avoid being charged for the session. Late cancellations and no-shows result in the full session fee.

If you arrive late, we will use the remaining time for your session, but we will still end at the scheduled time. Arriving on time helps you get the full benefit of our work together.

I provide session fees upon request. If you have any questions about rates, please ask before scheduling.

You may email me for scheduling and administrative purposes only. I do not provide counseling through email or text and do not monitor messages outside business hours. If you need immediate support, contact emergency services (911), a crisis hotline (988), or the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).

Yes, counseling sessions are confidential. As your therapist, I will not disclose what we discuss. These exceptions align with Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-22-114, which places therapist-client communications on the same confidentiality level as attorney-client privilege, with specific exceptions where I am legally and ethically required to break confidentiality, such as:

1. Immediate Danger: If you threaten serious bodily harm or death against a reasonably identifiable victim, including yourself, I must report it to local law enforcement. Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-3-210 outlines this requirement.

2. Suspected Abuse or Neglect: If I suspect that someone has subjected a child, elderly, or vulnerable adult to brutality, abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse, I must report it to the appropriate authorities. Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-403 & Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-6-103, mandates these obligation.

3. Court Orders: If a court subpoenas or orders records, I must release them. Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-3-105(3) addresses this legal requirement.

We will review confidentiality in detail during your first session. If you have any concerns, we can discuss them further.

If we see each other outside of sessions, I will not acknowledge you unless you choose to acknowledge me first. This approach protects your privacy and allows you to control your personal information. If you say hello, I will gladly return the greeting and follow your lead regarding further conversation.

People decide to end counseling when they gain insight, meet their goals, or feel confident navigating challenges independently. Others sense a natural shift where they need less support. If you feel unsure, we can explore your progress and discuss what feels right for you.

A closing session provides an opportunity to reflect on your progress, acknowledge your growth, and explore ways to maintain it moving forward. Ending counseling without a final session can leave things unfinished, making integrating what you've gained harder. This session allows us to address concerns, reinforce your strengths, and ensure you feel confident in your next steps. Even if therapy comes to a natural close, taking the time for a closing session offers clarity, closure, and a sense of completion.

You can always return to counseling in the future. Growth continues beyond our sessions, and new challenges may arise. Whether you want to revisit past work or explore something new, we can continue where we left off or take a fresh approach based on your current needs.