I’m interested in working with you, what’s my next step?

Thank you for your interest in working with me.  The best next step is to call me and if you get my voicemail, leave as detailed a message as you are comfortable leaving.  We will then connect over the phone for a free 15-20 consultation where I will gather general information related to your counseling needs and desires, as well as provide you with some information about me and my practice.  If it appears to be a good fit, and you are interested, we will schedule an initial 80-minute intake appointment.  Otherwise, I will provide you with other potential therapist referrals in our community that may suit your needs more appropriately.

What can I expect in the first session?

The initial intake will last about 80 minutes and will require that you complete paperwork prior to the visit that I will send you through my secure client portal.  This first session is most importantly about introducing ourselves to each other and ideally establishing a connection.  It will also entail reviewing required paperwork, gathering information about your life and what brought you to counseling, and your desires for seeking services.  At the end of the session, I will check in with you about the session and provide treatment recommendations based on the information obtained.

What are some reasons people come to therapy?

From @nedratawwab (with some additions)

  • To evolve
  • To cry without being prompted to stop or cheer up
  • To speak from the heart
  • To talk without fear of being judged openly
  • To learn more about/challenge themselves
  • To have someone sit with during difficulty times
  • To process life events
  • To share things that other people can’t understand
  • To talk about people who need therapy, but won’t go
  • To hear themselves talk without having to listen to another person talking about themselves
  • Talk about the things we should be talking about and aren’t

What is the difference between a clinical social worker (LCSW) and a counselor (LPC)?

As an LCSW, I obviously know more about what that means because I have not been trained as an LPC, however, as a broad generalization, LPC’s have a graduate degree by an accredited program in counseling or similarly related field and generally focus on the client as an individual. An LCSW has a graduate degree in social work and will generally focus not only on the client as an individual, but view the individual through a holistic systems lens with a focus on resources (both inherent and external). Both however may enter in to private practice and provide various psychotherapy and counseling services. The core values of the social work profession are; service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.

How do I find the right therapist?

Finding the “right” therapist is like trying on clothes.  Sometimes you find the right fit immediately and sometimes you need to shop around.  I encourage people to get recommendations from friends and other professionals in the community, read therapist’s websites, speak with therapists on the phone, and ultimately schedule an appointment to see if you have a fit.  I typically encourage people to meet with a therapist at least 2-3 times prior to making a determination of fit, although there are times you get a feel for the “right fit” in the first session.

How often will I need to come to therapy?

All treatment recommendations are based on the individual, the circumstances, and the presenting concern.  How often you present to therapy will be based on your desires as well as my recommendations, however I typically encourage people to engage weekly for at least 4-6 sessions.  Following that we will discuss the most appropriate timeframe which will vary from continued weekly to every other week to once a month to “as needed”.  I work with each of you individually to create a schedule that works best for you and your situation.

Do you accept insurance?

Four Corners Counseling is an out of network provider for all insurance companies.  Upon request, however, I am happy to provide you with receipts of service and/or a “Superbill” to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement, which will require a mental health diagnosis.  I can not guarantee reimbursement as it is based on your insurance company and individual insurance plan.

How much is a counseling session?

My rate for the initial 80 minute intake is $225 and for a traditional  50 minute session is $150. If we are working together through extended session lengths or therapy immersions & healing retreats, time will be billed at my rate of $150/50 minutes.  Payment is required at the start of each session.  Cash or check are accepted. 

Click here for more information about my services and fees.

What can I expect in a typical counseling session?

A traditional counseling session lasts roughly 50 minutes (sometimes a bit shorter, sometimes a bit longer) and allows time for a brief check in as well as time to “do the work”.  The work will vary based on presenting need and goals, though will often include some psycho-education and skill building, as well as verbal processing, supportive reflection and feedback, and experiential practice.  The session will often end with a plan for at home practice prior to the following session.

Click here for more information about my treatment approach.

What can I expect in the Initial phone call?

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or in gathering more information about the therapeutic process, please call (9790-946-8004) for a free 15 minute consultation. In this call I will gather general information related to what is prompting you to seek counseling, as well as provide some information about me and my services.  If there appears to be a good fit and you are interested, we will schedule an initial intake appointment.  Otherwise, I am happy to provide you with other potential therapist referrals in our community that may suit your needs more appropriately.

How do I book an appointment?

To schedule an appointment, please contact me at 970-946-8004.  Appointments are booked on a first come, first serve basis, however I am happy to accommodate securing recurring weekly appointments as desired.  Established clients may contact me or use the online portal to schedule an appointment, however new clients are encouraged to call so initial information may be obtained.

Books I Love

in no particular order

Personal Growth

  • Reimagining Success (Fallon-Cyr)
  • Truth (Fallon-Cyr)
  • My Grandmother’s Hands (Menakem)
  • The Wise Heart (Kornfield)
  • The Untethered Soul (Singer)
  • True Refuge (Brach)
  • Becoming (Obama)
  • The Light We Carry (Obama)
  • Radical Acceptance (Brach)
  • Atlas of the Heart (Brown)
  • I Thought It Was Just Me, But It Isn’t (Brown)
  • The Gifts of Imperfection (Brown)
  • Daring Greatly (Brown)
  • Rising Strong (Brown)
  • The Four Agreements (Ruiz)
  • The Alchemist (Coehlo)
  • I Hope I Screw This Up (Cease)
  • Untamed (Doyle)
  • Wolfpack (Wambach)
  • The Wise Heart (Kornfield)

Depression/Anxiety/Trauma

  • The Illustrated Happiness Trap (Harris)
  • No Bad Parts (R. Schwartz)
  • The Post Traumatic Growth Guidebook (A. Schwartz)
  • 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery (Rothschild)
  • The Body Keeps the Score (Van der Kolk)
  • Getting Past your Past (Shapiro)

Couples/Relationships

  • The 5 Love Languages (Chapman)
  • 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work (Gottman)
  • ACT with Love (Harris)
  • The Human Magnet Syndrome (Rosenberg)
  • CoDependent No More (Beatty)
  • ACT on Life, Not on Anger (Eifert, McKay, Forsyth, Hayes)

Parenting

  • The Parent’s Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for Modern Parents (Martin)
  • Listen (Wipfler)
  • Brainstorm (Siegel)
  • Understanding the Borderline Mother (Lawson)
  • Surviving a Borderline Parent (Roth & Friedman)
  • The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting (Brown)
  • The Conscious Parent (Tsabary)

Supervision/Leadership

  • Dare to Lead (Brown)
  • Radical Candor (Scott)
  • Leadership & the New Science (Wheatley)
  • Reimagining Success (Fallon-Cyr)
  • Trauma Stewardship (van Dernoot Lipsky)
  • The Gift of Therapy (Yalom)

Apps

  • Breathe
  • Stop, Breathe & Think
  • Headspace
  • Calm
  • Dharmaseed
  • ACTcompanion
  • Wellness Tracker

Organizations

SW Colorado Care Line                                            970.247.5245

Colorado Statewide Crisis Line                                  844-493-8255

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline                          800-273-8255

National Domestic Violence Helpline                         800-799-7233

Alternative Horizons (local help/domestic violence)  970-247-9619

Trevor Project (LGBTQ youth suicide prevention)     866-488-7386

Sexual Assault Services Organization (local)            970-247-5400

RAINN (support for sexual violence survivors)          800-656-4673

Drug Abuse Helpline                                                  800-662-4357

NEDA (Eating Disorder Helpline)                               800-931-2237

Trans Lifeline                                                              877-565-8860

Planned Parenthood                                                   970-247-3002

How do I find a quality supervisor?

Finding the right clinical supervisor is essential for your growth.When looking for a quality supervisor, it’s important to ensure they meet the qualifications and standards outlined in the NASW Best Practice Standards for Clinical Supervision. Key factors to consider include:

  • License and Experience: The supervisor must hold a current license at or above the level in which they will provide supervision, and they should have a minimum of three years (or as required by jurisdiction) of post-licensure practice experience.
  • Accredited Education: The supervisor should have a degree from an accredited school of social work, ensuring a solid foundation in social work principles and practices.
  • Supervision Training: Look for supervisors who have completed specified coursework in supervision, along with a minimum number of continuing education hours in supervisory practice as required by your jurisdiction.  If you are being supervised by an LPC, that professional MUST have specific training in clinical supervision.
  • No Licensing Sanctions: A quality supervisor will be in good standing with their licensing board and free from any sanctions for violations of practice standards.

The NASW Best Practice Standards also recommend seeking a supervisor who aligns with your specific practice needs and values, and who fosters a safe, supportive environment for professional growth. When selecting a supervisor, be sure to inquire about their experience, qualifications, and approach to supervision to ensure they are the right fit for your goals.

What does it mean to be an Approved Clinical Supervisor?

To become an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), applicants must meet the following criteria:

    1. Experience as Clinical Supervisor
      • Submit a Supervision Provision Endorsement form documenting a minimum of 100 hours of qualified clinical supervision, which can include individual and/or group supervision (max 12 members in a group).
    2. Clinical Experience
      • A minimum of five years of post-master’s experience in mental health services, including at least 4,000 hours of direct client service. The master’s degree must be in a mental health field.
    3. Training in Clinical Supervision
      • Complete 45 clock hours of clinical supervision training, covering: 
        • Roles and functions of clinical supervisors
        • Theoretical frameworks and models
        • Supervisory relationship issues
        • Methods and techniques
        • Group supervision
        • Evaluation, remediation, and gatekeeping
        • Technology in supervision
        • Administrative procedures and responsibilities
        • Legal and ethical issues
        • Culturally responsive supervision
    4. The ACS Credential
      • The ACS credential recognizes mental health professionals who meet national supervision standards. It promotes professional identity, visibility, accountability, and growth. As of 2016, 15 states recognize ACS as the preferred supervision credential.

Clinical Supervision vs. Clinical Consultation

Clinical Supervision:
Clinical supervision involves direct oversight of a supervisee’s clinical competencies. It’s provided by an independently licensed mental health professional to someone who cannot practice independently without supervision. The supervisee is technically practicing under the supervisor’s license. This differs from administrative supervision.

Clinical Consultation:
Consultation is a discussion between colleagues with similar licensure, where the consultee operates under their own license. The consultant provides guidance, but is not responsible for the consultee’s clinical decisions.

From Social Work Rules & Regulations:

  • Supervision: The supervisor ensures all aspects of service delivery, including client contact and treatment plans, are monitored and approved. Supervisors collaborate on decisions that require specialized skills and knowledge.
  • Consultation: A voluntary relationship where professionals of similar expertise provide advice or information on a case for the consultee to use as they deem appropriate.

Who can supervise me?

Who can supervise you depends on your specific discipline.  In Colorado:

  • Social Work Candidates (SWC) and Licensed Social Workers (LSW) may only be supervised by LCSW’s.
  • Professional Counseling Candidates (LPCC) may be supervised by LPC’s and/or LCSW’s, Licensed Psychologists, and LMFT’s who have experience equivalent to those within the scope of a licensed professional counselor.
  • Psychologists may be supervised by a Licensed Psychologist
  • Marriage and Family Therapists may be supervised by LMFT’s and/or Psychologist, LCSW’s, and LPC’s who have substantially equivalent education and experience in the field of marriage and family therapy

Do I need consultation?

Consultation is not a requirement like supervision, but it can be incredibly beneficial for your professional growth. The NASW recommends that clinicians engage in consultation 3-5 years post-licensure to continue refining skills and navigating the complexities of clinical work. You may benefit from consultation if:

  • You seek guidance or feedback on challenging cases or therapeutic approaches.
  • You encounter ethical dilemmas or complex clinical situations that require additional perspectives.
  • You want to expand your professional skills and deepen your understanding of therapeutic techniques.
  • You wish to manage personal or professional challenges arising in your clinical practice.

Consultation is an opportunity to gain insight, support, and fresh perspectives, helping you grow in your practice and continue offering the best care for your clients.