• Are you a Christian?
  This question is not meant to imply that non-Christian professionals have an "agenda" to harm Christian clients.  Most healthcare professionals, Christian or not, are in the profession  because they want to be of service to others.   Nevertheless, counseling is not a value-less service.  The identification of the therapist's belief system and its match with  the client's belief system is a practical approach to building a good client-therapist relationship.

Rob:  I was drawn to faith in Jesus Christ when I was eight years old. Through the years I've come to appreciate my redemption all the more, as I've become more aware of my sin nature which is at odds with God.   I believe His grace was given to me freely, but at great cost considering all that Jesus suffered on my behalf.   

• If yes, how does being a Christian, impact your counseling? Do you pray with clients? Do you reference Scripture?
  Christian therapists who pray with clients and reference Scripture as a part of their ministry, should nevertheless, respect the client's values, opinions and requests. Clients have the right to refuse any type of therapeutic intervention offered. 

Rob:  From my earliest days in college, I believed if I attained professional credentialing as a therapist, that my witness for Christ should be foundational with every client and in every session.  I am careful to ask permission to pray with my clients, and I honor their preference, but I purposefully begin a new therapeutic relationship in prayer.  At other times, prayer is offered, and Scriptures are referenced conversationally as they are brought to mind.  More than praying aloud with a client, I find that praying privately within the session and at other times when God brings the client to mind, is of great value. Because I know the pain of religious abuse in my own life, I remain cautious and sensitive to my client's expectations. 

• What are your degrees and major fields of study?

The credentialing of mental health professionals can be confusing to those who are new to therapy.  Basically there are three levels of assistance:

Psychiatrist.  These individuals have M.D. after their name, and are medical doctors or physicians.  In addition to psychotherapy, they are trained and licensed to prescribe medicine.   In most states, psychiatrists are the only mental health professional who may prescribe medicine.

Psychologist.  These individuals may have one of several credentials, including, Ph.D. (doctorate of philosophy), Psy.D. (doctorate of psychology) or Ed.D. (doctorate of education). 

Counselor.  These individuals most often have master degrees in various disciplines including psychology, counseling and social work.  Some of the credentials include L.P.C. (state licensed professional counselor), N.C.C. (national certified counselor), and L.C.S.W. (state licensed clinical social worker).

Rob: I have a master of science (M.S.) in clinical psychology from Mississippi State University, and a bachelor of arts in psychology and music from Union University of Jackson, TN.

• Are you licensed or certified? If yes, by whom?
  In most cases, a license is necessary for the independent practice of a mental health professional.  Certification may not be a requirement, but often demonstrates that a professional has volitionally remained active in continuing education.

Rob:  I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Colorado and Mississippi, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington, and certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors.  I am also a member of the American Association for Christian Counselors.

• Are you trained or specialized in any particular areas?
  Specialization may not be an advantage if you don't need highly specialized treatment.  Consider your needs, and if necessary, ask your therapist if your issues requires a specialist.

Rob:  I have specialized in the treatment of intimacy disorders including anxiety, spiritual conflicts, depression, sex addiction, coaddiction, and abuse.

• How many clients have you treated with my type of issues?
  Therapists should be able to give prospective clients a good idea of how familiar they are with particular issues.  Ethical therapists are well aware of their limitations, and should offer referrals to other therapists in the event they lack the experience required by the client.

• How do you define successful treatment?
  Successful treatment may be difficult to define, and no therapist can guarantee improvement.  However, it will be helpful for both the therapist and the client to set goals or targets. As you complete goals by developing new behaviors and responses, and as symptoms begin to decrease, you may have a growing sense of success or satisfaction with your therapy.

Rob:  In my opinion, successful treatment is measured by many variables, including the following:

• Has your practical faith in Jesus Christ grown to offset personal distress and clinical symptoms?

• Has measurable progress been made in every goal initiated during the therapeutic process?

• Are you symptom free, or has your coping with the symptoms improved?
  

• What theoretical approaches do you follow in therapy?
  There are numerous theoretical approaches adopted and adapted by mental health professionals. 

Rob:  My approach is first and foremost, grounded in a Biblical world view.  My theoretical approach might best be described as cognitive-behavioral.  I believe what we think, to a large extent, determines what we do or how we behave.  From a biblical model, we are taught that "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

• What is your hourly rate?
  Hourly rates vary based on academic training, licensure, specialty, experience and locale.  

Rob:  My rates are available by fax-on-demand. Please call 888.891.HOPE.

• Are your services typically reimbursed by insurance companies?
  Outpatient services do not typically require pre-certification.  However, to be on the safe side, you should call your insurance company to explore your benefits for services under the "mental and nervous disorders" category. 

Rob:  Specific to the state laws of Colorado, Washington, and Mississippi, my services are generally reimbursed by insurance companies according to specific policy guidelines.