Do you offer telehealth sessions?

Yes, you have a choice to either do in person sessions at my Springfield, MO. office or via telehealth from a location of your choosing(or you can do either one depending on your schedule. It is important though that if you do telehealth that you pick a place that is confidential and where you wont be disturbed.

Do you offer Christian Counseling?

Yes, I give the choice to my clients whether doing counseling from a Christian perspective is something they want. Some people are Christian and want counseling that supports that, others are not and don’t want that perspective. Some have gone through spiritual trauma’s and want to work through it from a Christian lens, some do not. If Christian Counseling is requested it is done from a neutral perspective in that no certain church, denomination or sect is favored.

How long are sessions and how often do we meet?

Research suggests that the more consistently you meet with your therapist at the beginning of treatment, the better your outcome is. Sessions last 45-50 minutes and we request a commitment to weekly therapy for the first 6 weeks of treatment. Depending on your progress and needs, we may increase the frequency of sessions, or reduce it to biweekly or monthly.

How long does therapy last?

The short answer is: It depends.
Some clients get what they need in 3-6 months. Others want to focus on new goals upon reaching their initial ones. Some people choose to stay in therapy long-term as a place to process week-to-week events.
Therapy is an incredibly individual process. Whenever you feel like you’ve gotten all you need, we’ll discuss wrapping up.

Will you just listen or will you actually give me tools?

My therapeutic style is generally more active and goals-oriented. I aim to strike a balance between actively listening and holding space for you when you need to process your thoughts, while also equipping you with personalized, evidence-based tools to help you navigate your challenges. My approach is always tailored to meet your unique needs.

What is your cancellation policy?

We request 24 hours notice for non-emergency cancellations. Non-emergency cancellations within 24 hours are subject to the full session rate. The short-notice cancellation fee will be waived in the event of an emergency or illness, and everyone gets “one free pass.” You may call, text or email your therapist to cancel or let them know you will miss your appt. Missed appointments or frequent rescheduling may result in termination of counseling. In this case, the counselor will make a referral to another mental health professional. Focused Counseling Services uses a text message reminder service that will send a reminder 24 hours before your appt. This service is a courtesy and may not always be reliable, therefore you are still responsible for your appointments.

Will I be diagnosed with a mental illness?

A diagnosis might be part of the process, but it depends on the individual and the counselor's approach. It also depends on what you are coming to therapy for. For some there are mental health issues bringing them in, for others its self-improvement they are seeking. It's important to ask the counselor about their approach to diagnosis.

What types of issues are OK to bring to counseling?

Any type of problem, from life transitions and relationship issues to mental health concerns and past trauma, is appropriate for counseling

Is counseling confidential?

Yes, counseling is confidential, though there are legal and ethical limits to this confidentiality, such as if there is a risk of harm to self or others. 

How do I know the therapist is the “right” fit for me?

You should feel comfortable, safe, respected, and able to be open with your therapist. It is important to find a good "fit" to make progress.

How long should I give a new therapist a chance?

It's often recommended to give it a few sessions to determine if there's a connection, unless you have an immediate sense it's not the right fit

What if I have questions about my sessions, progress or other concerns?

Ask! Your therapist is there for you and if there it something not right you are not going to get what you need from therapy.