Counseling is a proven intervention for many problems ranging from mild to severe. It can also help by improving what's already good. In today's world, many people regularly attend counseling in order to live their best life.
"Living with fear stops us from taking risks, and if you don't go out on the branch, you're never going to get the best fruit." - Sarah Parish
A typical first session looks like getting to know each other, you sharing your story and clarifying what it is that you hope to get out of counseling. Throughout therapy, you can expect a collaborative relationship and respect. You can expect to be in the "driver's seat", deciding what direction sessions should take, how fast to move forward and when to slow down. You can expect me to believe in you, because I have yet to meet a client beyond hope.
A couch (there is no couch)
Your counselor to "fix" you (you'll need to come ready to do the work)
Your counselor to analyze you (I empathize, not analyze)
Your counselor to tell you what to do (I'm not your mom)
It doesn't have to be about your childhood (but it often starts there)
One big "aha" moment (it's usually a series of small victories)
The beauty of counseling is that no topic is off limits. If it matters to you, it matters to me. Your concerns do not have to be related to being uprooted. Many diverse problems "stem" from the same basic "roots" of pain, trauma, shame, and broken relationships; and those are topics that I strive to understand deeply.
I work with adolescents and adults around the world with a variety of concerns. My specialty is individuals who have experienced trauma and those who can relate to the feeling of being "uprooted". Because laws governing counselors are constantly changing, before we begin sessions I will need to verify that my license allows me to offer services in your location, as I am licensed in Texas, USA.
A typical session lasts 45-55 minutes.
It is common for counselors and clients to meet weekly or bi-weekly, but I will leave this up to you. You can adjust the frequency of sessions as you see fit and as my schedule allows.
There are no obligations or commitments. Some individuals find that they can meet their objectives within just a few sessions. Others come to counseling with more complex concerns that take time to address. Still others schedule regular check-ins to help them stay on track with their goals. I encourage you to invest the time and effort needed to live well.
Most sessions are currently offered online via a secure, user-friendly teletherapy platform (like Zoom). Sessions by phone may also be considered, depending on the circumstances. Online counseling has been found to be just as effective as in-person counseling and includes the benefits of access for clients in remote areas, convenient scheduling, and increased anonymity.
I also offer in-person sessions at my office in Temple, Texas, USA.
I am not a medical doctor and therefore do not prescribe or make recommendations about medication.
Please see my Services page for information on pricing. Group fees vary by group. Partial scholarships may be available.
Yes, I am in-network with United/UBH and Scott & White. If you plan to use insurance, please call my office in advance at +(1) 254-228-5830 to verify your insurance benefits and to be alerted regarding any co-pay.
Payments can be made by credit card or by cash (in-person clients only). For international clients for whom credit cards are not a feasible option, other HIPAA (U.S. privacy law) compliant means of payment will be discussed.
If you need to cancel an appointment, I require 24 hours notice. Occasional exceptions due to emergencies may be considered.
While I speak English, Azerbaijani, Farsi/Dari, Turkish, and Russian (all at varying levels), the only languages I am competent to provide services in are English and Azerbaijani.
While it is ideal to attend counseling in your heart language, this is not always possible. As an English teacher, I can easily offer counseling in simple English for those who are not fluent in English.
Having completed a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, earned a Master's degree in Counseling from Sam Houston State University, passed all relevant exams and completed 2+ years of working under approved supervision, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (license #82101).
Should you have any questions regarding my licensure, you may contact the Board by calling +1 (512) 305-7700.
You can schedule a session or a free consultation here. Or you can reach out to me by email, a phone call, a text, or the contact form on this webpage. Let me know where you are currently located and briefly share why you are reaching out. We'll then set up a time to meet and I'll send you the link to a secure online platform (like Zoom).
I am comfortable working with both men and women, but for those who prefer a male therapist I recommend the following (all located in Texas, USA):
Joel Looney, M.A., LPC
joel@joellooney.com
Specialty: stress, relationship problems and men's issues
Kurt Bannert, M.A., LPC
kurt@tcktherapy.com
Specialty: Third Culture Kids, youth and adolescents