What shapes your beliefs or what is your worldview? Or some ask more specifically - Are you a Christian?

Many psychologists or counselors may be uncomfortable answering such a question, as it is quite personal. Clients are left wondering what motivates their counselor, what they believe, and through what grid or worldview the counselor is viewing the issues. I believe it is important to discuss this up front. My approach to counseling is shaped by my Christian worldview and I refer to myself as a Christian psychologist. I have no expectation that you share my beliefs, but I respect a client's desire to be informed. Christianity teaches that although we are created to be in relationship with God and one another, brokenness entered the world and problems continue as a result. It is my belief that psychological problems--like all problems in our world--ultimately come from this brokenness. While simple sounding, it is not simplistic, and matters greatly from my perspective. To further the point, many aspects of our fallen world contribute to psychological problems, including historical, cultural, biological, experiential, personal, relational, and emotional factors. From that Christian worldview, my style involves exploring your personal history and current circumstances to identify feelings, thoughts, behaviors, assumptions, and relational patterns that contribute to your desire for counseling. Of note, my Christian worldview also teaches that you have dignity and worth simply because you were born, and despite the brokenness we all experience. Said another way, you matter. Both your personal values and mine will affect the process of counseling. You are free to ask for clarification about my beliefs and assumptions at any point in counseling.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. I’m an in-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan PPO plans. If you have BCBS PPO, I bill your insurance directly, and you’re responsible for any copay, coinsurance, or deductible under your plan. I’m not in-network with other insurance companies. If you have a different plan, you can pay privately ($185 per session) and, if your plan has out-of-network benefits, request a superbill to submit for possible reimbursement. Couples therapy is often not covered by insurance. If you’re self-paying, you’re entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of your costs under the No Surprises Act. You can also often pay for counseling with a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) through your employer.

How many sessions are needed?

One way of answering this question is to say that counseling will last as long as you find the process useful and no more than that. It depends if you are looking for a brief consultation on a specific issue or are dealing with issues that are more long-term. While feeling better (symptom reduction) is important, many people (individuals and couples) find that counseling becomes more than that for them. They end up enjoying the process and exploring things beyond why they initially came in. Answering this question specifically would just be a guess, but do know that overall well-being tends to improve the longer you are in counseling. Finally, it is a collaborative process, we discuss this early and as often as necessary to fit your needs. With all of the above said I have many clients who come see me for an issue or season of their life and then counseling is over, returning in the future if they need to or want to. I also have many clients who come for an initial reason and they continue to see me, often every week, every other or monthly, as I am an ongoing part of their life.