FAQs

WHAT DO I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?

The initial session involves processing brief intake paperwork and the opportunity to begin to share your story and your hopes and goals for counseling. It involves beginning to build a counseling relationship, so that counseling can be what it needs to be.

How long are counseling sessions?

Counseling sessions are 50 minutes. Closing out a counseling session may feel a bit abrupt because of the content being shared. It’s important to remember that this is part of the logistics, and that future counseling sessions leave room for the story, conversation, and work to continue!

what is the recommended frequency of counseling?

Weekly sessions are recommended for initial work together due to the importance of the relationship as well as getting traction on goals. Counseling work is enhanced by reflecting and practicing self-awareness between sessions. As you feel better, you can discern if you are ready for more space and time between sessions.

Elizabeth is open to scheduling bi-monthly sessions and then ongoing monthly “check in” sessions if more support is desired. To be an active client, monthly is typically the longest duration between scheduling sessions, so that there is some continuity to the conversation and work together.

What techniques are used in counseling?

Elizabeth works from an integrative perspective drawing from a person centered approach that values attunement to the whole person—emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Elizabeth recognizes the power of stories in our lives as supported by narrative therapy as well as the power of reframing thoughts and pressing into a more true narrative. Elizabeth is grounded in attachment theory recognizing the significance of feeling safe and connected to self and others. Elizabeth is inspired by basic neuroscience principles in regards to emotional regulation and our window of tolerance. Elizabeth values expressive arts including sandtray as a medium for expression, and this is available for in person counseling as expression through images and metaphor can be a powerful support to therapeutic work in addition to verbal expression.

what is online counseling?

Online counseling is often referred to as “telehealth” or “distance counseling.” Online counseling with Elizabeth is just like regular counseling, yet the counseling session takes place virtually through a video meeting. In this way, you will still be able to have a face to face meeting, but it will take place using technology.

COULD ONLINE COUNSELING WITH ELIZABETH BE FOR ME?

For online counseling with Elizabeth, you need to be physically located in Tennessee, Mississippi, or Georgia and have access to the internet. Online counseling is especially appealing if you could benefit from greater flexibility in fitting a counseling session into your schedule.

For a parent who stays at home or works from home, this could allow you to meet during your child’s rest time without even leaving your home. For a professional working outside the home, this may allow you to to meet efficiently during your lunch hour with no commute to my counseling office involved. In addition, online counseling may also appeal to individuals living in a rural area without counselors near by. For others it may just feel easier and more comfortable to be able to access counseling from the comfort of their own home.

when is online counseling not a good fit?

If you are struggling with mental health in a way that leaves you feeling hopeless and suicidal, online counseling may not be the optimal support. While it is very similar to in person counseling, it may involve barriers evoked by virtual distance that are not ideal to support someone at such a critical time when optimal support and stabilization are paramount.

what is the technology involved?

Elizabeth uses Simple Practice to provide video counseling sessions. Simple Practice is a confidential forum that allows for face to face sessions through video in way that is HiPAA compliant.

What else do i need to know about online counseling?

It is important that you be in a private, confidential space during a session; this space must physically be located in the state of Tennessee, Mississippi, or Georgia. This may mean your own home, your office, or your back porch. Online counseling can not take place while you are driving a car due to safety concerns. Elizabeth will ask you to verify your location for each session to ensure that it is ethical for her to meet with you and for emergency planning purposes.

What if I want in person counseling?

Elizabeth offers the opportunity for counseling to be in person if you are located near Chattanooga, TN. If you are located near Chattanooga and working with Elizabeth, it’s possible to combine in person and online counseling sessions based on what is most supportive and convenient. For example, someone might primarily want in person sessions, yet choose to have an online session one week due to not feeling 100% or needing to be at home, etc. This offers the best of both worlds in some ways.

What is Walking Counseling?

Elizabeth’s office is right next door to a walking track allowing for walking counseling sessions. This provides an opportunity for physical movement, which is incredibly linked to feeling better due to releasing endorphins and promoting wellness. This is a tangible opportunity to integrate mental, emotional, and physical health. In case of rain or bad weather, meeting in Elizabeth’s office or online offer contingent back up plans.

For walking counseling to be a good fit, you must be comfortable with being seen with Elizabeth. This involves discerning your comfort level and noting that this is not as private as meeting in an office or online. This may also be a good fit if you find yourself so busy that it’s hard to fit in movement into your days. Additionally, for parents of babies, it’s possible to consider bringing a stroller and walking your baby during counseling. There is an additional consent form for walking sessions. To take part in walking counseling, it does not mean that you are tied to always walking, it just means that it is one modality and option for meeting.

what is the cost?

Fees are the same for counseling sessions, whether in person or online. Elizabeth is not in network with any insurance companies, yet Elizabeth can provide a superbill which allows you to submit it to your insurance company for a possible out of network reimbursement. In order to provide a super bill for insurance, a diagnosis is required.

50 minute counseling sessions are $145/session. Elizabeth can talk with you about sliding scale options if a reduced fee would make counseling more possible.

To meet with Elizabeth, therapy services are paid for out of pocket. Payment is due each session and may be paid by credit card or check if preferred. Elizabeth uses Ivy Pay, which allows you to enter your credit card information; it then stores the information in a confidential way that makes it easy to process payments for each additional session.

*Elizabeth is an independent contractor with Lyra Health, so if you work for a business that partners with Lyra for mental health support, and you are located in TN, MS, or GA where she is licensed, it may be that counseling services are available through your employee benefits.*

what is A Good Faith Estimate?

The Good Faith Estimate provision of the No Surprises Act federally mandates that healthcare providers must give clients an estimate of non-emergency, anticipated services and fees associated with services. A Good Faith Estimate is not a contract, and the estimate will often be a range which allows for the unfolding of the therapeutic process and movement towards goals.

What about faith and counseling?

Every counselor brings who they are to the table. Elizabeth’s Christian faith does inspire who she is and values she holds, yet Elizabeth works with people with different perspectives on faith. Elizabeth practices from an integrative perspective, so all aspects of being a person—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual are connected and valuable to give attention to in counseling.

Where is elizabeth’s office located?

317 Ault Rd., Suite 217

Signal Mountain, TN. 37377

If you are driving to Elizabeth’s office, consider that there are two main ways to access her office from Chattanooga. One is the main highway with a normal amount of mountain curves, and the other is the W road which has a few significant hairpin curves. Please use your discernment in regards to which mode of travel feels best for you.

when Are counseling sessionS?

Typically counseling sessions take place Monday through Friday mornings into the early afternoon EST. Elizabeth is not available for late afternoon and evening sessions on an ongoing basis.

how do I schedule a session?