update - December 2024
I will return your call as soon as possible so we can decide how online counseling via TherapyNotes will work for you.
Need crisis counseling? Go to the Managing Depression page where there are plenty of resources and suggestions on using them.
I look forward to speaking with you.
we are remarkable and resilient
We are always growing and changing.
A crisis is an opportunity for growth when we encourage our internal creative resources.
Moving into acceptance of what is happening begins the creative process. Good counseling is about responding well to a current crisis - good therapy is inviting all the growth and wisdom possible.
The future is your canvas - your life is yours to create. I offer my ability and experience in combining the arts and science that are essential to therapy, architecture and life.
Thriving through all life’s challenges is my approach to therapy.
James Thurber
“Look back not in anger, nor forward in fear, but around you in awareness.”
“We cannot put off living until we are ready. The most salient characteristic of life is its coersiveness, it’s always urgent, here and now without any possibility for postponement. Life is fired at us point blank."
Jose Ortega y Gassett
Specialties
Individual Counseling
Change & Crisis Management
Sleep Disorders
Depression & Anxiety
OCD & Phobias
Stress & Pain Management
"Coming Out" & Sexual Identity Issues
Loss & Grief
Irritable Bowel Syndrome &
Gastric Distress
Relationship Challenges
Blending Families
Improving Communication
Rediscovering Love
Improving Sexual Intimacy
Managing Finances
Negotiating Healthy Separation
Career Development
Goal & Priority Setting
Career Transition
Retirement / Return to Work Issues
If you are curious about the phrase
"Be as determined as a dandelion."
there is a blog post offering an explanation.
Almost 30 Years Experience
I am skilled in treating the wide range of therapeutic concerns listed on the left in Specialties.
Sleep disorders range from late night racing thoughts to recurrent nightmares or difficulty even settling into sleep. Disturbed sleep often complicates or even causes the emotional distress that brings people to my office. Restoring healthy sleep is a frequent first step to becoming healthier. I presented for many years at national professional conferences about my approach to restoring healthier sleep.
Clinical hypnosis is a therapeutic approach that can contribute to clients accomplishing their goals. I have extensive training in clinical hypnosis from the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) and other professional organizations. I have worked as an Approved Consultant for ASCH.
Prior to becoming both a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor, I practiced commercial design for 10 years and have maintained my license. I am now an Emeritus Architect.
For an appointment call
214.824.2009
ethics & insurance & fees
Professional Ethics
I am responsible for maintaining the ethical guidelines of practice as established by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
I hope and believe that you will never need the following number or address. Even so, every therapy client should know that there are people to turn to if you need to lodge a formal complaint.
The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors: 512.305.7700
24 HR 800.821.3205
the address is
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
333 Guadalupe St Tower 3, Room 900
Austin, Texas 78701
Insurance
I am currently participating on the following insurance provider panels:
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Scott & White - Aetna
Insurance reimbursement is often available at the "out of network" level. A statement can be provided that contains all of the information your insurer needs to process a claim. The reimbursement check then goes to you.
If you have an HSA or FlexSpending card with any insurance provider - those cards can be used whether I am a provider for that company or not.
Contact your insurance provider for best information regarding your available benefits.
Private Pay Fees
This is a fee for service practice. Payment is due on the date of the appointment. I have an income-based sliding scale that provides fee-friendly services.
Fees Effective July 3, 2023
Initial session of 80 minutes is $185.
Sliding scale fees are available
after the initial session:
Income over $95K = $150 per session
Between $70K - $95K = $125 per session
Between $45K - $70K = $100 per session
Under $45K = $75 per session
IBS/IBD 80 minute sessions are $185
Forms of payment accepted - credit & debit cards, HSA accounts, & checks by special arrangement. Your HSA card can be used even if I am not a provider in your insurance network.
more ethical guidelines for your wellbeing
National Board of Certified Counselors
The license from the National Board of Certified Counselors is not required to practice in the state of Texas. The NBCC or NCC carry a lot of credibility and official status. Too much to outline here. To hold and keep the license requires an annual attestation to professional behavior, no criminal activity, and 20 hours of continuing education. Just like the American Counseling Association (ACA) there is a long and detailed code of ethics.
American Counseling Association
Membership in the American Counseling Association is not required. Every year to renew I sign that I will continue following the ethical guidelines established for the practice of mental health counseling. The utmost protection for the wellbeing of clients - this is you.
Law & Ethics
A great deal has been written about the relationship of ethics and law. Laws set the rules and regulations with specific enforcement. It could be said that ethics strive for the ideal. An intentional recognition of good and bad, right and wrong, moral values identified. Ethics inform behavior and intention. l nn=--5 kitten on the keyboard typing
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