Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not see the answer to your question here, or elsewhere on the site, please feel free to contact me via the Contact Form or by phone (817-888-8322).

Services

What services do you offer?

• Individual (adults and children), Family, Couples, and Group therapy. In addition, I am a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance and utilize yoga techniques when appropriate/requested.

What problems/issues do you work with?

• I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and am therefore trained to work with a wide range of mental health, relationship, and family issues. Some of the areas of practice I have extensive experience with include, but are not limited to: anxiety and panic, depression, grief, PTSD, trauma, childhood and adolescent issues, family and relationship issues.  

Where are sessions held?

• Sessions are held at local parks and trails where you will "Walk and Talk" with your therapist.  Is there a park or trail near your home, office, or school? The beauty of Walk and Talk therapy is that your therapist can come to you! This alleviates the stress of navigating traffic as well as attempting to work around family, spouse's, children's, and your own schedules.  For those truly bad weather days where being outdoors is not possible or if you prefer to simply be indoors, office space is available.  
• Common trails/parks utilized: Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, Trinity Park, Gateway Park, the Trinity Trail System, Parks along Lake Worth.

How do I get started? Are there forms/paperwork I need to complete?

• Please contact me through either the Contact Form or by phone to complete a free 15-30 minute phone consultation. During this time we will discuss your therapy needs as well as how I might assist you in achieving your goals. Once an initial session is scheduled, you will receive an email with a link to my patient portal through Simple Practice. When logged in, you will be able to view and complete my privacy practices, a consent for treatment, and, if agreeable to walk & talk therapy, a consent for this as well. If the client is a minor child, the parent/guardian must complete a consent to treat a minor. All paperwork will be completed online prior to your first session so that we may focus on your therapeutic needs throughout our initial time together.  

Walk & Talk Therapy

Is this approach for me? Who benefits from Walk & Talk Therapy?

• Most people can benefit from Walk & Talk Therapy as it utilizes the natural environment to enhance the therapeutic process. I will pull from multiple therapeutic modalities in order to provide the most appropriate care for your needs and goals while walking leisurely through trails and parks. Clients who are open to a new and creative approach to therapy as well as those who have tried traditional therapy in an office setting and felt it was not working for them. Those who are willing to engage in therapy in an outdoor setting and are not afraid to potentially be seen walking with their therapist. Walk & Talk can be especially effective for those with issues of depression and/or anxiety. Exercise is one of the most prescribed treatments for both of these issues. Combining exercise with therapy creates an even more powerful combination. 

Do I need to be in great physical shape?

• Generally no, you will set the pace and all efforts will be made to accommodate any special considerations or needs that you may have. If you are under the care of a doctor for any mobility issues or any medical condition which effects your ability to be outdoors, please first consult with and obtain the permission of your doctor to engage in Walk & Talk Therapy. Indoor office space is available for those not wishing to engage in Walk & Talk Therapy.

What happens if I see someone I know?

• As sessions are held in public parks and along public trails, it is possible that we could come into contact with someone you know. We will discuss this potentiality at the beginning of the initial session. In general, I will follow your lead in how you choose to handle this situation. Some people are comfortable introducing me as their therapist, others prefer to say "this is my friend..", others prefer to avoid introductions at all. It is entirely up to you as the client to determine what you are comfortable saying and how to handle the situation.

What about confidentiality?

• Since sessions are held in public spaces, your complete confidentiality cannot be ensured. However, every effort will be made to ensure as much confidentiality as possible. When necessary, we can change direction, change our pace, find a more secluded spot by a river or under a tree, or any other options that may present in order to ensure our safety and that you remain comfortable throughout session. If you are in need of discussing an issue that is of a more sensitive nature, an indoor session may be necessary to ensure complete confidentiality.  

What if there is inclement weather?

• This will be determined by you and your therapist depending on your comfort level. It may be possible to grab rain gear and head out on the trail or determine an alternate meeting location. Flexibility will be important in these situations but every effort will be made to find a way to meet for your session.

What should I wear to our session?

• It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing in which you can move easily and that you don't mind getting a little dirty! This could be workout apparel, jeans, or other clothing appropriate for the weather that day. Comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers are also recommended; again, keeping in mind that they may also get a little dirty depending on where our walk takes us that day.

Payment

How much does a session cost?

• The initial telephone consultation is complimentary and allows you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have, as well as determine if we will be a good fit.  Individual, Couple, and Family sessions are 60 minutes and cost $125 for each session.  There is no extra fee for walk and talk, eco-therapy, or yoga incorporated into therapy sessions.

What forms of payment do you accept?

• Cash, personal checks, or major credit cards are accepted.  Checks can be made out to Tree of Life Counseling.  Fees are due at the time of service.
• Therapy services are typically covered services through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing you to use your pre-tax money to pay for co-pays or for therapy services if I am not credentialed with your insurance provider.

What types of insurance do you accept?

• I am currently credentialed with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Magellan, Cigna, and Tricare/ValueOptions.  
• I am also an out-of-network provider with most other insurance policies.  I can provide you with a detailed session receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
• I am continually working to be credentialed with additional insurance companies.  If your insurance is not listed, please feel free to contact me to determine if it is a company I am in process with.

Do you offer a reduced fee or sliding scale fee?

• A limited amount of reduced fee slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  These slots are based solely on availability and the honor system.  If you are unable to afford the full fee, we can work together to determine an appropriate fee without it being an undue burden to you.