Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you offer?
As a counseling practice, we offer professional counseling, coaching, and consulting services to clients ready to understand themselves, uncover their motivations, embrace change, and take practical steps toward healthy growth.
What can counseling help me with?
Professional counseling can help with a wide range of issues. It’s useful for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also assist with relationship problems, grief, and self-esteem issues. Additionally, counseling can support personal growth, help with life transitions, and provide coping strategies for various challenges. Essentially, if something is impacting your well-being or daily life, counseling can offer guidance and support.
Do you accept insurance?
We currently DO NOT take insurance
As a private pay counseling practice there are several benefits. It allows for more flexibility in scheduling and treatment approaches since you don’t have to adhere to insurance companies’ restrictions or requirements. It also means we can set our own rates and avoid the administrative work involved with insurance claims. Additionally, we have the freedom to work with clients without the constraints of insurance policies, which can sometimes limit the number of sessions or types of treatments covered.
Why do you not take insurance?
Deciding whether to use your insurance benefits for therapy is a personal decision influenced by various factors. While insurance can make therapy more affordable after your deductible is met, it only covers services for diagnosed conditions. Insurance companies also have the right to access session notes, which could compromise privacy. Any diagnosis made will become part of your permanent medical record, and despite legal protections, electronic records are vulnerable to breaches. While privacy issues may never arise, if you’re concerned, the only way to fully ensure your health information stays private is by paying for services out-of-pocket.
Do you offer in-person & virtual sessions?
We are only seeing clients via tele-health using ZOOM. To have the best experience, it is recommended that users connect via a strong Wi-Fi or 5G connection on a phone, tablet, or desktop computer. Many clients have expressed that they enjoy the convenience of meeting through telehealth as it allows them to log on in a private area of their choosing and not having to go to a physical office. Using Zoom for counseling services offers convenience, flexibility, and accessibility. It allows clients to attend sessions from the comfort of their own homes or any location with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for travel, saving time and reducing stress. ZOOM’s secure, HIPAA-compliant platform ensures that all conversations remain private and confidential. Additionally, virtual sessions can be easily scheduled to fit into busy lifestyles, providing a seamless way to prioritize mental health without disrupting daily commitments.
Is counseling right for me?
Counseling can be helpful if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about how to manage certain emotions or situations. It’s a time and space to explore your thoughts and feelings with a professional who can guide you in finding clarity and solutions. If you’re curious about self-growth or want to improve your relationships, it’s worth considering. By purchasing a package of even four sessions, it will allow you to work on a single specific issue and see how you like it. If it works, you an purchase more based on your budget and time comitment.
How long is a typical intake session?
A typical intake session usually lasts about sixty to ninety minutes. This extended time helps to thoroughly understand the client’s background, concerns, and goals, setting a solid foundation for future sessions. During the intake session, you can expect to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and your goals for the sessions. The counselor will likely ask questions about your background, current challenges, and any relevant history. This helps them understand your situation and begin to build a plan for your treatment. It’s also a time for you to ask questions about the counseling process and what to expect moving forward. The focus is on getting to know each other and setting the stage for future treatment.
How long is a typical counseling session?
A typical counseling, coaching or family session usually lasts about fifty minutes to an hour. It’s long enough to work through issues while still being manageable for most people’s schedules.
How confidential is therapy?
Counselors are required by law and ethics to protect your privacy, so therapy sessions are very confidential.
What is discussed during session stays between the therapist and the client. Your conversations are not shared without your consent, except in specific situations.
A counselor in Texas can break confidentiality in a few specific circumstances; these include:
1. Risk of Harm: If there’s an imminent risk of serious harm to the client or others, such as suicidal or homicidal threats.
2. Abuse or Neglect: Counselors are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, elder abuse, or abuse of vulnerable adults.
3. Legal Requirements: If ordered by a court or if there’s a legal subpoena for records, confidentiality may be compromised.
4. Professional Supervision: When discussing cases with a supervisor, confidentiality is maintained within the supervisory relationship.
Counselors must also inform clients about these limits to confidentiality at the beginning of therapy. This will be discussed during the intake session.
Are you trauma informed?
Yes, New Leaf Services is trauma-informed. In our practice, being trauma-informed means recognizing and understanding the impact of trauma on a person’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being. We approach therapy with sensitivity to the experiences that may have shaped a client’s life and behavior, whether those experiences are recent or from the past. Being trauma-informed involves creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories at their own pace. It also means recognizing that trauma can affect the way someone responds to stress, relationships, and even therapy itself. Our approach prioritizes trust, collaboration, and empowerment, aiming to help clients regain control over their lives and support their journey toward healing.
What kinds of therapy are offered
You can read about my approach and the different evidenced based techniques I use by going to the My Counseling Approach page.
What if I have more questions?
You are always welcome to reach out by calling or emailing. We also offer a FREE 30 minute consultation call where you can see if our services are a good fit for you.