FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is holistic counseling?
Holistic counseling is based on the principle that the mental, physical, relational, and spiritual aspects of each individual are inextricably interconnected, and function together to create a sense of wholeness. If one area is struggling, chances are the others will be affected in some way. Holistic counselors feel that mental health shouldn’t always be treated in isolation from these other domains. In our work together, we will discuss your thoughts, beliefs, values, and emotions, but we may also discuss your physical wellbeing, nutrition, lifestyle choices, work/life balance, and what gives your life meaning. I am not a doctor or medical professional - I cannot diagnose or treat physical medical conditions. Nor can I prescribe psychiatric medication. But we can discuss healthy changes and lifestyle choices that facilitate physical wellness. In addition, we may incorporate healing modalities such as expressive arts, mindfulness, food diaries, and your specific spiritual beliefs into our work together, as appropriate.
What is an LPC-Associate?
An LPC-Associate stands for “Licensed Professional Counselor Associate”. This means I am licensed by the state of Texas to provide counseling services under the supervision of a board-approved Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S). LPC-Associates have earned a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, from an approved graduate program at a college or university; these programs require completion of a graduate-level clinical internship, where students train by working face-to-face with real clients. LPC-Associates must also have passed the National Counselor Examination, as well as the Texas Jurisprudence Exam. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors requires LPC-Associates to accrue 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience before becoming independently licensed. During this process, LPC-Associates regularly meet with their supervisors and are guided in their professional development, until all requirements for independent licensure have been met. I am trained and qualified to provide a variety of counseling services, and I now practice under the supervision of Sarah Arnold, MA, LPC-S. Please see my “About” page for more information about my background.
What will our first session be like?
Once your appointment has been scheduled, I’ll send you some paperwork to fill out and review in preparation for your first visit - including cancellation policies, confidentiality, fees, contact information, etc. I may also include a comprehensive holistic intake form that assesses current mood and physical symptoms as well as health history, trauma history, lifestyle factors, family history, dietary habits, supplements and medications, pain levels, and past/present conditions. Don’t worry - we will go through this information together during your first appointment. In addition, I understand that it can feel overwhelming to disclose all of this information at once - please fill out this form to the extent that you feel comfortable. We may also treat it as a living document, one that grows and develops along with the therapeutic relationship. Our first couple of meetings will involve working together to gather information, in order to better understand the experiences that have influenced your unique world perception, needs, concerns, and goals. We will continue defining goals and creating a plan to achieve these goals. The key to success is commitment to the process, as well as the relationship between the individual and the counselor.
Are your sessions in-person or virtual?
I am currently offering sessions both in-person and via telehealth. In-person sessions are limited to Friday-Saturday-Sunday.
What is your availability?
I currently have in-person availability on Friday-Sunday. For virtual appointments, I have availability Tuesday through Thursday. Please contact me regarding available times.
Where are you located?
The office is located at:
2525 Wallingwood Drive
Building 8
Austin, TX 78746
What is your rate?
My fee is $100. Individual sessions are 50 minutes long.
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, I do not accept insurance.
Do you offer a sliding scale fee?
At this time, my sliding scale slots are currently full. I will update this section of the website when I have more sliding scale availability.
Still have questions?
Contact me, and we’ll set up a free 20-minute consultation. I look forward to talking to you!