Q: How do I book my first appointment?

A: Start by scheduling a free 15-minute discovery call through our Biblicare platform (click “Book Appointment” button). This brief conversation helps us determine if we’re a good fit and answer any initial questions. If we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your first full session and send intake paperwork.

Q: What should I expect in the first session?

A: The first session is primarily assessment, getting to know your story, current challenges, goals for counseling, and relevant background (spiritual, relational, mental health history). We’ll also clarify expectations, discuss confidentiality, and begin developing a counseling plan. Many people feel both nervous and relieved in the first session, just know both are normal!

Q: How do I prepare for my first session?

A:

• Complete intake paperwork sent via Biblicare
• Think about what you hope to accomplish through counseling
• Bring a list of current medications (if any) for our records
• Prepare to be honest—you don’t have to have it all together
• Come with an open heart and willingness to engage the process

Q: What if I’m not sure which service I need?

A: That’s what the free 15-minute discovery call is for! We’ll discuss your situation and help you discern whether individual counseling, marital counseling, spiritual direction, or something else is the best fit. You’re not locked into one service—we can adjust as we go.

Q: Where are sessions held?

A: We offer both in-person and virtual sessions:

In-Person:

• Primary office: 113 Court St Unit C, Pickens, SC 29671 (shared professional space with Top Shelf Media Company)
• Neutral locations: Coffee shops, church spaces, or outdoor walks (Swamp Rabbit Trail, Doodle Trail) if you prefer

Virtual:

• Zoom video sessions
• Available to clients anywhere in the United States

Q: Do you offer virtual/telehealth sessions?

A: Yes! Virtual sessions via Zoom are available to anyone in the United States. Virtual sessions provide the same quality care as in-person and are ideal for those who prefer meeting from home, have transportation challenges, or live outside the Upstate SC area.

Q: How long are sessions?

A:

• Individual counseling: 30 or 60 minutes
• Marital counseling: Typically 60 minutes
• Spiritual direction: 60 minutes
• Discovery calls: 15 minutes

Q: What’s your cancellation policy?

A: We require 24-hour notice for cancellations. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice or no-show, you’ll be charged 50% of the session fee. We understand emergencies happen and handle those on a case-by-case basis with grace.

Health Note: If you’re experiencing symptoms of illness (coughing, fever, sore throat, etc.), please cancel in-person sessions and switch to virtual. If you’re unwilling to use virtual sessions, standard cancellation policy applies (handled case-by-case).

Q: How often will we meet?

A: This varies based on your needs and goals:

• Active counseling: Weekly or bi-weekly
• Maintenance/check-ins: Monthly or as-needed
• Spiritual direction: Monthly or quarterly
• Marital/Pre-Marital: Monthly, bi-weekly, or an intensive.

We’ll discuss frequency in your first session and adjust as needed.

Q: What are your rates?

A:

• Individual counseling: $60 (30 min) or $100 (60 min)
• Marital counseling: $120 (30 min) or $200 (60 min) for joint visits.
• Pre-marital package: $1,000 – Save $250! (includes SYMBIS assessment or Prepare/Enrich assessment + 6 sessions for you and your spouse)
• Church and Corporate Consulting: Project-based or monthly retainer, to be discussed
• Cohorts: $250 per person per cohort (8 weeks total, basically $30/week).
• RE:FINED Men’s Group Fee: $50 a month membership, includes 1 monthly in person event/check-in and 3 online check-ins, 30 minute check in weekly.
• RE:LEASE Yearly Event: Prices will vary based on venue, duration, and interest. The ideal price range will be $300 – $500 per person for the event (Mid to Late September).

Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: No, I do not accept insurance as a pastoral counselor (I am not a licensed therapist). However, this means:

• ✅ No insurance paperwork or diagnosis required
• ✅ Flexibility in session length and frequency
• ✅ Lower fees than most licensed therapists

Some clients choose to use HSA/FSA funds for sessions—check with your plan administrator.

Q: Do you offer a sliding scale?

A: Yes! I offer a sliding scale based on income and financial need. During your discovery call, we can discuss what you’re able to pay. I never want finances to be a barrier to care.

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

A: We accept:

• Credit/debit cards (processed through Quickbooks)
• Cash (for in-person sessions)
• Venmo/Zelle (by arrangement)

Payment is due at time of service unless other arrangements have been made.

Q: What’s the difference between pastoral counseling and therapy?

A: Great question! Here’s how they differ:

Pastoral Counseling:

• Provided by ordained clergy with theological training
• Explicitly integrates faith, Scripture, prayer, spiritual practices
• Not bound by insurance restrictions or diagnostic requirements
• Focuses on spiritual formation alongside emotional health
• Not licensed by the state (not legally required for clergy)

Licensed Therapy:

• Provided by state-licensed professionals (LPC, LCSW, psychologists)
• May or may not integrate faith (depends on the therapist)
• Required to use diagnostic categories for insurance billing
• Bound by strict scope of practice regulations
• Can prescribe certain treatments or medications (if psychiatrist)

The Good News: You don’t have to choose! At RE:FORGED, we collaborate with licensed therapists when needed. If your situation requires specialized therapy, medication, or specific treatment beyond pastoral scope, we’ll connect you with trusted professionals.

Q: Do I have to be a Christian to work with you?

A: No! While my approach is rooted in Orthodox Christian faith and I integrate Scripture and spiritual practices, I welcome people of all faiths and those exploring faith. I’ve worked with:

• Christians of all denominations (Evangelical, Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox)
• People questioning their faith or deconstructing
• Those curious about Christianity but not yet believers
• People of other faiths seeking a spiritual perspective

I meet you where you are with humility and respect. If you’re not comfortable with faith integration, I can refer you to secular therapists in my network.

Q: What if my issue needs professional therapy beyond pastoral care?

A: I’m trained to recognize when someone needs care beyond my scope as a pastoral counselor. If you need:

• Psychiatric medication management
• Intensive trauma therapy (EMDR, IFS, prolonged exposure)
• Eating disorder treatment
• Substance abuse/addiction treatment
• Acute mental health crisis intervention
• Specialized therapy (OCD, psychosis, etc.)

…I won’t leave you stranded. I’ll:

1. Clearly explain why I believe you need additional or different care
2. Provide referrals to trusted licensed professionals in my network
3. Offer to continue pastoral support alongside their professional treatment (if appropriate)
4. Remain available for spiritual direction even as you work with a therapist

This is one of the benefits of my collaborative approach; you get the right care at the right time.

Q: What does “Orthodox Christian” mean, and how does it affect your counseling?

A: I’m a member of the Eastern Orthodox Church, one of the ancient Christian traditions dating back to the apostles. Being Orthodox means I draw from 2,000 years of Christian spiritual wisdom, including:

• Desert Fathers and Mothers
• Contemplative prayer (like the Jesus Prayer)
• Liturgical rhythms and feast days
• Sacramental understanding of life
• Rich theological tradition

How this affects counseling:

• ✅ I can offer Orthodox-specific spiritual direction for Orthodox Christians
• ✅ I bring ancient Christian practices to all clients (sabbath, contemplative prayer, etc.)
• ✅ I understand and respect different Christian traditions
• ✅ I’m comfortable with other liturgical traditions.

What it doesn’t mean:

• ❌ You don’t have to be Orthodox to work with me
• ❌ I won’t try to convert you to Orthodoxy
• ❌ I respect all Christian denominations and faith journeys
• ❌ I can adapt spiritual practices to your tradition

Think of it like this: My Orthodox faith is my home, but I’m happy to visit you in yours.

Q: Are our conversations confidential?

A: Yes! Pastoral confidentiality is sacred. What you share in our sessions stays between us.

However, there are legal exceptions where I’m required to break confidentiality:

1. Harm to self: If you’re actively suicidal with a plan, I must intervene (call emergency services, notify family)
2. Harm to others: If you’re planning to hurt someone else, I must warn them and notify authorities
3. Child abuse/neglect: If I suspect a child is being abused or neglected, I’m a mandated reporter
4. Court order: If subpoenaed by a court (rare, but possible)

I will always:

• Tell you clearly when I need to break confidentiality
• Only share the minimum necessary information
• Advocate for your wellbeing and dignity

Q: When would you break confidentiality?

A: See above question. The vast majority of pastoral counseling remains completely confidential. The exceptions exist to protect life and vulnerable people.

Q: How do you handle records?

A: All client records are kept in Biblicare, an electronic health record system that meets HIPPA compliance. This means:

• Your information is encrypted and secure
• Only I have access to your records
• Records are never shared without your written consent (except legal exceptions above)
• You have the right to request your records at any time

Q: Do you have to report to my church or denomination?

A: No. I’m not employed by your church, and I don’t report to church leadership about your counseling unless:

1. You give written permission for me to communicate with your pastor
2. There’s a legal mandated reporting situation (child abuse, etc.)

Your pastor won’t know you’re seeing me unless you tell them.

Q: Will you tell me what to do?

A: My role isn’t to make decisions for you, but to help you discern God’s leading and develop wisdom for yourself.

I will:

• Offer Biblical guidance and perspective
• Provide practical tools and skills
• Challenge destructive patterns
• Ask hard questions
• Hold you accountable to your stated goals
• Celebrate growth and progress

I won’t:

• Make major life decisions for you (who to marry, whether to divorce, career changes, etc.)
• Tell you what God is saying to you (I can help you discern, but you have direct access to God)
• Enable destructive behavior or avoid hard truths
• Be available 24/7 for crisis calls (see next question)

Q: Can I call or text you between sessions?

A: Brief questions or scheduling changes via email are fine. However, I don’t provide crisis counseling via text/call between sessions.

For mental health emergencies:

• Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• Call 911
• Go to nearest ER
• Contact your primary care physician

For pastoral emergencies (like a death in the family), you can email me and I’ll respond as soon as possible, typically within 48 – 72 hours.

Q: Do you give homework?

A: Often, yes! Transformation happens between sessions, not just during them. Homework might include:

• Scripture reading or meditation
• Journaling prompts
• Communication exercises (for couples)
• Spiritual practices to try
• Books or resources to read
• Behavioral experiments

You’re always free to decline homework or discuss if it’s not helpful.

Q: What are your office hours?

A: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM EST

Q: How quickly will you respond to my inquiry?

A: I respond to all emails and voicemails within 48-72 business hours. If you don’t hear from me within that timeframe, please follow up—emails occasionally get lost!

Q: Do you have a waitlist?

A: Occasionally, yes. If my schedule is full, I’ll add you to a waitlist and contact you when space opens up. I can also provide referrals to trusted colleagues if you need immediate care.

Q: Do you work with couples in crisis/considering divorce?

A: Yes. Some of my most rewarding work has been with couples on the brink who found their way back to each other. However, I need both partners willing to engage the process. If one partner is completely checked out or actively pursuing divorce, individual counseling may be more appropriate initially.

Q: Do you work with LGBTQ+ individuals?

A: I hold to traditional Christian teaching on the family unit, sexuality, and marriage as an Orthodox Christian. I’m happy to provide pastoral care to anyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals, but I want to be transparent about my theological convictions.

If you’re seeking a coach and confidant who affirms same-sex relationships or gender transitions, I can refer you to affirming therapists in my network. There’s no judgment—I just want you to have care that fits your needs.

Q: Can you provide counseling to my child/teenager?

A: I primarily work with adults (18+). For minors, I typically refer children and adolescents to licensed therapists who specialize in that age group.

I’m happy to provide parent coaching and family counseling where the focus is on the parents.

Q: Do you prescribe medication?

A: No. I’m a pastoral counselor, not a psychiatrist or medical doctor. I cannot prescribe medication.

However, if I believe medication could be helpful for your situation (depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc.), I’ll:

1. Recommend you consult with your primary care physician
2. Provide referral to a psychiatrist if needed
3. Continue pastoral counseling alongside you

Many of my previous clients saw both a psychiatrist (for medication) and me (for pastoral counseling), and this is a great collaborative approach.

Q: What’s the difference between individual counseling and a cohort?

A: Individual Counseling:

• One-on-one
• Personalized to your specific situation
• More expensive per session
• Flexible scheduling
• Addresses specific crises or goals

Cohorts:

• Group learning (8-15 people typically)
• Structured curriculum
• Typically more affordable
• Set schedule (weekly for 8 weeks, typically)
• Community and shared learning
• Less individualized, less direct work on individual goals

Q: Are cohorts recorded if I miss a session?

A: This varies by cohort. Sometimes, yes—sessions are recorded for participants who miss, but recordings are only available to registered cohort members. Discipology is recorded and kept within the Mighty Network for NewBreed Training, for example.

Q: Can I join a cohort remotely?

A: Yes! Most of our cohorts offer both in-person and virtual attendance options. Discipology is currently only virtual, but we have a goal to run an in person version soon.