Most Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Counseling
Starting counseling is a big decision, and it is normal to have questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about counseling, fees, insurance, and what you can expect when beginning therapy with Jaeger Counseling.
How do I know if counseling is right for me?
Many people wonder if their struggles are “serious enough” to seek counseling. They may think they should be able to handle things on their own or worry that asking for help means they are failing.
The truth is, counseling is not only for times of crisis. Many people begin counseling because they want to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, manage stress, or make changes before problems become bigger.
Counseling may be helpful if you find yourself:
You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out. Sometimes the first step toward healing is simply having a conversation with someone who can help.
My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and equipped with practical tools to move forward.
Many people wonder if their struggles are “serious enough” to seek counseling. They may think they should be able to handle things on their own or worry that asking for help means they are failing.
The truth is, counseling is not only for times of crisis. Many people begin counseling because they want to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, manage stress, or make changes before problems become bigger.
Counseling may be helpful if you find yourself:
- Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck
- Repeating patterns you want to change
- Struggling in your marriage or relationships
- Having difficulty communicating or feeling understood
- Carrying past hurts that continue to affect your life
- Feeling disconnected from yourself or the people you love
- Wanting practical tools to handle life's challenges in a healthier way
You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out. Sometimes the first step toward healing is simply having a conversation with someone who can help.
My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and equipped with practical tools to move forward.
What happens in the first counseling session?
Making the decision to begin counseling is a significant step toward improving your emotional, mental, and relational health. It is completely normal to feel uncertain or even a little intimidated if you are not sure what to expect.
Please know that I will do all I can to help you feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the therapy process and within our therapeutic relationship. If you ever have questions, please feel free to ask.
Once your first appointment is scheduled, you will receive a link to access the client portal. Through the portal, you will be able to:
At your scheduled appointment time, I will greet you and invite you into my office. During our first session, you will have the opportunity to share your story and discuss what has brought you to counseling. Together, we will begin identifying your goals for therapy and discuss how often we should meet moving forward.
Therapy is not typically a quick fix, but rather a meaningful process that takes time, commitment, and a trusting therapeutic relationship. My goal is to walk alongside you as you work toward healing, growth, and lasting change.
Making the decision to begin counseling is a significant step toward improving your emotional, mental, and relational health. It is completely normal to feel uncertain or even a little intimidated if you are not sure what to expect.
Please know that I will do all I can to help you feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the therapy process and within our therapeutic relationship. If you ever have questions, please feel free to ask.
Once your first appointment is scheduled, you will receive a link to access the client portal. Through the portal, you will be able to:
- Complete consent forms
- Answer intake questions
- Schedule future appointments
At your scheduled appointment time, I will greet you and invite you into my office. During our first session, you will have the opportunity to share your story and discuss what has brought you to counseling. Together, we will begin identifying your goals for therapy and discuss how often we should meet moving forward.
Therapy is not typically a quick fix, but rather a meaningful process that takes time, commitment, and a trusting therapeutic relationship. My goal is to walk alongside you as you work toward healing, growth, and lasting change.
How often should I attend counseling?
The frequency of counseling sessions depends on your goals, needs, and the challenges you are facing. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and we will discuss what approach makes the most sense for you during your first session.
Many clients begin with weekly sessions because meeting consistently helps build momentum, create positive changes, and address concerns before they become overwhelming. For some people, sessions may become less frequent as they gain new skills, feel more confident, and continue making progress.
For couples experiencing significant conflict, trust issues, or major life transitions, meeting more consistently at the beginning can often provide the support needed to begin rebuilding connection and communication.
My goal is not to keep you in counseling longer than necessary, but to provide the support, understanding, and practical tools you need to create lasting change.
The frequency of counseling sessions depends on your goals, needs, and the challenges you are facing. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and we will discuss what approach makes the most sense for you during your first session.
Many clients begin with weekly sessions because meeting consistently helps build momentum, create positive changes, and address concerns before they become overwhelming. For some people, sessions may become less frequent as they gain new skills, feel more confident, and continue making progress.
For couples experiencing significant conflict, trust issues, or major life transitions, meeting more consistently at the beginning can often provide the support needed to begin rebuilding connection and communication.
My goal is not to keep you in counseling longer than necessary, but to provide the support, understanding, and practical tools you need to create lasting change.
Do I need to know what to talk about at the first session?
No. You do not need to have everything figured out before your first counseling session.
Many people come to counseling knowing they are struggling but are unsure how to explain what they are feeling or where to begin. That is completely normal.
During your first session, we will take time to talk about what has been happening in your life, what brought you to counseling, and what you hope will be different moving forward. I will help guide the conversation by asking questions and learning more about your experiences, concerns, and goals.
You do not need to prepare a perfect explanation or have all the answers. Simply being willing to start the conversation is enough.
No. You do not need to have everything figured out before your first counseling session.
Many people come to counseling knowing they are struggling but are unsure how to explain what they are feeling or where to begin. That is completely normal.
During your first session, we will take time to talk about what has been happening in your life, what brought you to counseling, and what you hope will be different moving forward. I will help guide the conversation by asking questions and learning more about your experiences, concerns, and goals.
You do not need to prepare a perfect explanation or have all the answers. Simply being willing to start the conversation is enough.
Do you provide christian counseling?
Yes. Christian counseling is available for individuals and couples who would like their faith and spiritual beliefs to be incorporated into the counseling process.
At the same time, Jaeger Counseling welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Not everyone who seeks counseling wants a faith-based approach, and I respect each person's values, beliefs, and personal journey.
My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, understood, and respected. Whether you desire a Christian perspective or prefer a traditional counseling approach, we will work together to address your concerns, strengthen your relationships, and create meaningful change.
Yes. Christian counseling is available for individuals and couples who would like their faith and spiritual beliefs to be incorporated into the counseling process.
At the same time, Jaeger Counseling welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Not everyone who seeks counseling wants a faith-based approach, and I respect each person's values, beliefs, and personal journey.
My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, understood, and respected. Whether you desire a Christian perspective or prefer a traditional counseling approach, we will work together to address your concerns, strengthen your relationships, and create meaningful change.
Can I come to marriage counseling if my spouse won't come?
Yes. Many people begin counseling on their own when their spouse is not ready, unsure, or unwilling to attend.
While couples counseling is designed to involve both partners, individual counseling can still be a valuable first step. We can focus on understanding the patterns in your relationship, improving communication, managing conflict, setting healthy boundaries, and identifying changes that may help create a healthier relationship.
Sometimes one spouse's willingness to seek help can become the first step toward positive change. As you gain new insights and tools, your spouse may become more open to participating in the future.
You do not have to wait until both of you are ready to begin working toward a stronger marriage. Taking the first step on your own can be an important part of caring for yourself and your relationship.
Yes. Many people begin counseling on their own when their spouse is not ready, unsure, or unwilling to attend.
While couples counseling is designed to involve both partners, individual counseling can still be a valuable first step. We can focus on understanding the patterns in your relationship, improving communication, managing conflict, setting healthy boundaries, and identifying changes that may help create a healthier relationship.
Sometimes one spouse's willingness to seek help can become the first step toward positive change. As you gain new insights and tools, your spouse may become more open to participating in the future.
You do not have to wait until both of you are ready to begin working toward a stronger marriage. Taking the first step on your own can be an important part of caring for yourself and your relationship.
What is the cost of counseling?
Counseling sessions are 55 minutes and the fee is $220 per session. A $10 discount is available for sessions paid by cash, check, or Zelle, bringing the fee to $210.
Is counseling covered by insurance?
Jaeger Counseling is an out-of-network provider, which means we do not bill insurance companies directly. However, many insurance plans offer out-of-network mental health benefits that may allow you to receive partial reimbursement for counseling services.
If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, we are happy to provide you with a detailed receipt, called a superbill, that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Because every insurance plan is different, we recommend contacting the member services number on the back of your insurance card and asking:
Why is Jaeger Counseling an out of network practice?
Remaining a private-pay practice allows me to focus entirely on providing high quality personalized care and treatment based on your needs rather than insurance imposed requirements.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that unexpected situations can happen. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact our office at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled session time.
Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged the full session fee, as that time has been reserved specifically for you and cannot typically be offered to another client.
Please note: A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required for all 2-hour appointments.
To cancel or reschedule, you may call, leave a voicemail, or text our office at 561-312-5256.
Do you require a credit card on file?
Yes. To reserve your appointment time, we require a credit card to be securely kept on file. A member of our team will contact you before your appointment is confirmed to collect this information securely.
Your card is only used according to our office policies and is handled with care and confidentiality.
Counseling sessions are 55 minutes and the fee is $220 per session. A $10 discount is available for sessions paid by cash, check, or Zelle, bringing the fee to $210.
Is counseling covered by insurance?
Jaeger Counseling is an out-of-network provider, which means we do not bill insurance companies directly. However, many insurance plans offer out-of-network mental health benefits that may allow you to receive partial reimbursement for counseling services.
If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, we are happy to provide you with a detailed receipt, called a superbill, that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Because every insurance plan is different, we recommend contacting the member services number on the back of your insurance card and asking:
- Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
- What percentage of counseling fees are reimbursed?
- Is there an out-of-network deductible I need to meet?
- Do I need a referral or authorization?
Why is Jaeger Counseling an out of network practice?
Remaining a private-pay practice allows me to focus entirely on providing high quality personalized care and treatment based on your needs rather than insurance imposed requirements.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that unexpected situations can happen. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact our office at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled session time.
Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged the full session fee, as that time has been reserved specifically for you and cannot typically be offered to another client.
Please note: A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required for all 2-hour appointments.
To cancel or reschedule, you may call, leave a voicemail, or text our office at 561-312-5256.
Do you require a credit card on file?
Yes. To reserve your appointment time, we require a credit card to be securely kept on file. A member of our team will contact you before your appointment is confirmed to collect this information securely.
Your card is only used according to our office policies and is handled with care and confidentiality.
Is Counseling Confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is an essential part of the counseling relationship and helps create a safe and supportive environment where you can openly work through personal concerns and challenges.
Your privacy and confidentiality will be carefully protected and will not be disclosed without your written permission. There are, however, a few legal and ethical limitations to confidentiality. These situations may include:
If you have any questions or concerns regarding confidentiality or the counseling process, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to discuss this with you further.
Yes. Confidentiality is an essential part of the counseling relationship and helps create a safe and supportive environment where you can openly work through personal concerns and challenges.
Your privacy and confidentiality will be carefully protected and will not be disclosed without your written permission. There are, however, a few legal and ethical limitations to confidentiality. These situations may include:
- When there is a risk of harm to yourself
- When there is a risk of harm to someone else
- When disclosure is required by law
If you have any questions or concerns regarding confidentiality or the counseling process, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to discuss this with you further.
Disclaimer:
As a member Psychology Today I may not agree with all aspects of their policies or writers.
As a member Psychology Today I may not agree with all aspects of their policies or writers.