Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Charlie and the Solutions he provides!Questions I am frequently asked:
What does therapy look like with you?
Therapy (or counseling) lasts for 50-minutes, and identifies the problems that you struggle with most. We will seek out and start to create solutions that have long-lasting effects. We’ll also define what success will look like and design our course of action together. Typical sessions will include feedback from me and homework assignments. I encourage clients to take some risks in session and generally be open to self-exploration.
I’ve been diagnosed with depression. Do you work with conditions of anxiety and depression?
Yes I do. I conceptualize problems as being more holistic than just as a diagnosis (e.g. anxiety or depression). The symptoms of those diagnoses are part of a bigger whole, and, although I address those symptoms, I strive to work with you as a person. Depression and Anxiety work in specific ways. It is important to learn about this in order to address the behaviors, feelings and thoughts needed to overcome. I can help you to become aware of and change that dynamic inside of you.
What are the risks to working with you?
One risk is exposing your emotions and feelings in counseling sessions with me. Exposing your emotions and feelings can sometimes lead to feeling worse initially, but have long lasting benefits. These adverse feelings are temporary, and, if processed properly in counseling, will lead to greater happiness. You won’t have to be burdened with them in the same way in the future.
How often do I need to come?
My clients generally visit me once a week or every other week. This way, the counseling stays continuous, and you can get better sooner.
I’m a woman. Will you work with me?
Of course. Ultimately, I work with human beings and have for over 30 years. I work with women individually on their relationship issues, anger, career transitions, depression and/or anxiety.
I think that the problem is my partner, but they don’t want to come in. What should I do?
That may be true, and ultimately, if the problem is theirs, they may want to seek counseling when they are ready. For now, if you’re interested in helping your relationship, you are probably struggling with the effects of your partners problems, which we can work on in counseling together.
Motivation for change must come from within. In the counseling process, we can inspire, but motivation must come from within.
My relationship is ending. Can you save it?
Although I can help, I cannot guarantee that working with me will save your relationship. Sometimes, clients contact me when it is too late for a relationship to survive, let alone thrive. If we cannot save your relationship, we can work together to help improve the exit strategy and prepare for success relationships in the future.
How long will it take to see results from counseling with you?
This is hard to say, because it is based on how strong your commitment is to change, and how open you are to making some changes. Often times, clients who work with me report improvements in a few sessions. More difficult issues take longer, as there is deeper work to be done. This can sometimes take weeks, or months.
Do you accept insurance for your counseling sessions?
I don’t take insurance, but I will provide you with a Superbill (receipt with insurance codes), that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.
It is wise to check with your provider and see what your out-of-network benefits are before entering into counseling.
Clients pay me directly, and then I give them a Superbill for the reimbursement on their own.
Do you accept insurance for your counseling sessions?
I don’t take insurance, but I will provide you with a Superbill (receipt with insurance codes), that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.
It is wise to check with your provider and see what your out-of-network benefits are before entering into counseling.
Clients pay me directly, and then I give them a Superbill for the reimbursement on their own.
Questions you should be asking me:
What are your credentials and training?
I have a Master’s degree in Psychology and four years doctoral studies in Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I am licensed through the State of Georgia Composite Board of Behavioral Health (LPC 003435). I have over 30 years experience in developing and working in Behavioral Health settings. My orientation is both Adlerian and Solution Focused.
I’m on medication for depression.. Will being on medication interfere with our work together?
No, it won’t. Taking an antidepressant and doing therapy are both recommended in the treatment of depression. There is no conflict in doing both, and is encouraged. Continue to communicate with your doctor or psychiatrist about your antidepressant or anti anxiety medication.
How do I pick the right counselor for me?
This is a difficult question to answer. In researching, it’s important to make sure that your therapist is licensed through their state. It’s also important to know what their “style” or “orientation” is to therapy, as approaches to counseling are varied and effective for different people.
It’s important to ask that professional how they are able to help you, and if they specialize in working with your unique problem.
It’s really important to have the right “goodness of fit” with the counselor you choose, because you will be opening yourself up and developing a relationship built on trust and confidentiality. Sometimes, like in life, relationships work because they “just fit” for you. When it feels like too much work, or that your counselor doesn’t understand you, maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.
How will I know if the counseling is working?
You should start to see marked improvements in your mental well-being, and may not experience the same types of problems that you had previously been dealing with, or to a lesser degree. Your friends or loved ones may comment to you that you seem improved. Maybe you’re having less struggle or conflict with your wife or girlfriend. You’ll might an inner sense that something is different, and better, and have greater awareness from your counseling sessions.
Free Help
Uprooting Anger is a guide to help you manage anger and work toward uprooting it and its related destructive emotions. Learn more here. You may also purchase Uprooting Anger online.