What kinds of things do people seek help for?
People seek counseling for lots of different reasons, including feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, worried, isolated, or angry. People also seek out counseling to help change behaviors that are getting in their way, including behaviors that are unhealthy or that affect their relationships at home or at work. Some people seek counseling because they have a life goal that has been eluding them and they feel ready to explore their barriers. Other people might want to start counseling because they're going through a big life transition or facing a difficult decision, and they're looking for a safe space to explore their feelings and move forward in their life with intention and clear thinking.  

How does counseling help?
When a counseling relationship is working well, clients can experience new insights into their situations, clearer thinking, increased energy, better understanding of their feelings and needs, release of troubling emotions that have held them back or been confusing, and a greater sense of wholeness and peace within themselves. Counseling is a process where a working partnership develops between client and counselor. Counseling isn't always comfortable or straightforward, because difficult emotions and ways of being often have to be sorted through in order for new energy and change to appear. It's important for you to feel comfortable with your counselor and be able to ask about whatever is on your mind regarding the process. In spite of the uncomfortable emotions experienced, clients I have worked with in the past have told me that the temporary pain of working through the process was worth leaving behind the continual pain of living the way they had previously. 

Is what I say confidential?
In a word: YES. All client-counselor conversations are private and confidential. The fact that a person is meeting with a counselor is also confidential information. As a licensed counselor, I follow the professional ethical standards of the American Counseling Association and Leyline Education, PLLC. Only in rare exceptions when the safety of a client or another person is at risk can disclosure of confidential client-therapist information take place without a written release of information; otherwise, if you're my client, and anybody other than somebody who works in my practice asks me anything about you, this will be my standard, canned answer: "I'm sorry, but unless I have a written release signed by the person you're asking about that authorizes me to give out information, I can neither confirm nor deny that [your name here] is or has ever been associated with Untangled Counseling Services."

What can I expect at the first session?
You can expect to talk about the concern(s) that brought you into counseling, and about your background and personal history. You can share on a level that feels comfortable for you. You'll also have received some paperwork beforehand to read and fill out, and we'll go over it at the beginning of your first session.

How long does a counseling session take, and how often will I need to come to counseling?
Sessions with me are typically scheduled for 60 minutes. I find that when clients make the commitment to attend weekly sessions, they're more likely to get increased benefit from counseling. Regular attendance at weekly appointments helps create a regular routine (which can often be especially helpful for neurodivergent folks) and momentum to start building more stability, resilience and freedom from being snarled up in all the stuff that gets in your way. Once this shift occurs, we can discuss whether it would be beneficial to space out your appointments and meet less frequently. This allows you to build confidence and positivity about your ability to sustain change and find more peace in your life. As you become more comfortable in your ability to navigate the complexities of life with your new tools, we can discuss how to transition you to a maintenance schedule, provided that no new issues arise during our work.   

How much does counseling cost?
A typical counseling session with me costs $170. If you have concerns regarding the cost of counseling, we can talk about these and figure out whether you may be eligible for one of my sliding-scale spots (which are very limited and subject to availability). I work out mutually agreeable payment options with all of my clients so that cost does not hinder them in pursuing counseling. While many clients are initially very concerned about whether or not they can afford counseling, most find that as their life and priorities change, new ways of funding counseling sessions may appear - whether through less need to consume to distract from pain, or through new means of income due to increased energy and investment in life.  

What does LPCC, CGT stand for?
LPCC are the initials to identify a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. This means that I have a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and that I've completed the necessary requirements to be independently licensed in the state of Ohio, so I'm able to work without supervision from another counselor. Licensing requirements include completing two years and 3,000 postgraduate-level work hours under the supervision of an LPCC-S (an LPCC with an extra credential that allows them to supervise) and passing the licensing exam in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. (Whew!) This license is regulated by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board. 

CGT are the initials identifying a Certified Geek Therapist. This means that I've completed all requirements for certification as a Geek Therapist, including 40 hours of subject area-specific education, twelve hours of supervision by Certified Geek Therapists, and passing the certification exam. The Certified Geek Therapist credential is regulated by Geek Therapeutics, and is not specific to the state of Ohio.

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