Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling
What is counseling like? Do I have to lie on a couch?
Counseling sessions and the counseling process look different for each person depending on his/her goals and personality. Counseling also looks different from counselor to counselor as each counselor has his or her own unique counseling style and approach. The counselor’s personality also influences the nature of counseling sessions. I am flexible and do a variety of things during sessions. There are times when I have plans for sessions and there are also times when you might direct the conversation. It just depends!
We will generally start each session with a brief check-in where I will ask you to share about your week and any highlights and/or challenges you may have faced. We will also go over any homework from your last session, if any was suggested. After that, I may ask if you have anything in particular you would like to discuss. Again, your goals for counseling, and your progress toward meeting those goals, will determine what is done in each session.
Counseling is a bit different than it was in the old days. While you may certainly lie on my couch (it is quite comfy) if you wish, this is not a requirement and most, if not all, of my clients sit!
How do I get started?
If you are ready to get started, you can contact me by phone at (251) 272-9073 or email me at rachel@innerharmonycounselingal.com.
You can also contact me through my website by clicking here.
How do I schedule an appointment?
There are a few ways you can schedule an appointment.
You can schedule your appointment online, without even having to pick up the phone, by clicking here. You will have the option to choose whether you want to schedule an in-person session or an online session.
You can give me a call at (251) 272-9073.
You can shoot me an email at rachel@innerharmonycounselingal.com
How often will I come to counseling and how long do appointments last?
When first beginning counseling, I suggest you come on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Doing so will help us to get to know each other and will help you gain more momentum toward meeting your counseling goals. If too much time passes between sessions, your progress may begin to stall out. After this momentum has been gained, we can discuss spacing your sessions out to once a month. Appointments are 50 minutes in length.
How long will I be in counseling?
The length of time you attend counseling will vary depending on your needs, goals, and desires. Some individuals may attend counseling for a few months, while other individuals may attend counseling for several months or years. It is my goal to give you the help that you need so that you can feel better, meet your goals, and eventually terminate counseling. Once you have gotten to the point where you have met your goals, you may like to have occasional “check-up” sessions just as you might do with your doctor.
How does online counseling work? Do we meet on Facetime or Skype?
Isn’t technology amazing? You can now enjoy the benefits of counseling from the comfort of your own home. Online counseling is actually quite simple. I use SimplePractice, which is a HIPAA-compliant and secure video platform, for all online counseling sessions. I would simply send you a link where you can access the video platform for the session. You can do this from your smartphone or your computer. If you use your smartphone, you will be required to download the free app (Telehealth). Though you might be in your home environment, it is important for you to be somewhere private with no distractions so that you can get the most from the session.
How much do sessions cost?
The session rate is $100/50-minute session.
Do you accept health insurance?
No, I do not accept health insurance. However, I can provide you a receipt that you can provide to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please note that this would require me to give you a mental health diagnosis. Any diagnoses you receive will become part of your permanent health record.
Why would someone pay out-of-pocket for counseling if they could use their insurance?
There are several reasons. Some individuals opt to pay out-of-pocket because they would rather not receive a diagnosis for various reasons. Insurance companies also often determine what type of help you can receive including frequency of sessions, number of sessions, and type of counseling. Some individuals do not want to be limited in these ways, so they pay out-of-pocket.