Rocky shores Counseling

counseling FAQ

Getting Started

How do I schedule an appointment?

• You can request an appointment by completing the contact form, calling, or emailing my office. I’ll respond as soon as possible to discuss availability and determine whether we’re a good fit for your needs.

Do you offer a free consultation?

• Yes. I offer a 15 minute free consultation. Click the “Get Started” button to schedule.

What can I expect during my first session?

• Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We’ll discuss what brings you to counseling, your goals, relevant history, and any questions you may have. Together, we’ll begin developing a plan that feels supportive and individualized to your needs.

How do I know if counseling is right for me?

• You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from counseling. Many people seek therapy because they feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or simply want support navigating a difficult season of life. Others come to improve relationships, process past experiences, build coping skills, or better understand themselves. If something is impacting your well-being or preventing you from living the life you want, counseling may be a helpful next step.

What if I’ve never been to therapy before?

• That’s completely okay! Many of my clients are new to counseling. During our first session, we’ll talk about what brings you in, discuss your goals, and answer any questions you have about the process. There is no expectation that you know what to say or have everything figured out. My goal is to create a welcoming, supportive environment where you can move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

What if I’m nervous?

• Feeling nervous before your first appointment is incredibly common. Meeting someone new and talking about personal experiences can feel vulnerable. You don’t have to know exactly what to say or where to begin—that’s my job to help guide the conversation. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, respected, and supported.

Counseling services

Who do you work with?

What concerns do you help with?

What types of therapy do you use?

• I take an integrative, trauma-informed approach to counseling, which means I draw from a variety of evidence-based therapies based on your unique goals, strengths, and experiences rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

• Some of the approaches I commonly incorporate include:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to emotional distress.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-Informed Skills: Focuses on practical skills such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and healthy communication.
  • Trauma-Informed Therapy: Recognizes the impact trauma can have on the brain, body, and relationships while emphasizing safety, collaboration, and empowerment throughout the counseling process
  • .Motivational Interviewing (MI): A collaborative approach that helps individuals explore ambivalence, strengthen motivation, and make meaningful, lasting changes.
  • Person-Centered Therapy: Creates a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can openly explore your experiences, build self-awareness, and move toward your personal goals.

• Above all, I believe that therapy should be collaborative. We’ll work together to identify what is most helpful for you, adjusting our approach as your needs and goals evolve. Treatment is always tailored to your individual needs.

Do you work with military members and families?

• Yes. During my counseling internship, I had the opportunity to provide services on an Army installation in Louisiana, where I gained valuable insight into military culture and the unique challenges military members and their families may face. That experience, along with close personal relationships within the military community, has given me an appreciation for the resilience, adaptability, and sacrifices that often accompany military life.

• I enjoy working with active duty service members, veterans, reservists, military spouses, and military families as they navigate deployments, relocations, career transitions, relationship challenges, parenting, and other life stressors. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space that acknowledges both the unique demands of military life and the strengths individuals and families bring to the counseling process.

Can parents participate in sessions?

• Yes, when appropriate. Parent involvement can be an important part of the counseling process, particularly when working with adolescents. The level of participation depends on your child’s age, developmental needs, and treatment goals. My goal is to help parents feel informed and supported while also providing adolescents with an age-appropriate level of privacy so they can build trust and engage openly in therapy. We’ll discuss what that balance looks like together.

Can counseling be short-term?

• Yes. The length of counseling depends on your goals, the concerns you’re addressing, and your personal preferences. Some clients benefit from a handful of sessions focused on a specific challenge, while others choose to continue therapy for ongoing support or deeper personal growth. We’ll regularly check in about your progress and adjust our plan as your needs change.

Appointments

Do you offer telehealth?

• Yes. Telehealth is available for clients located in:
  • Texas
  • Alaska
  • Washington
  • Virginia
  • Ohio
• Clients must be physically located in one of these states at the time of each appointment.

Where is your office located?

• I offer in person sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays
• The space I use in located in iChange Counseling at
  • 1400 N. Corinth Street, Suite 109, Corinth, TX 76208

How long are sessions?

• Typically 53–60 minutes unless another agreement is made

How often will we meet?

• Most clients begin with weekly or biweekly appointments, though recommendations are individualized based on your goals and needs.

Why are you licensed in multiple states?

• One of the things I value most as a therapist is the relationship we build together. Healing happens through trust, consistency, and connection, and I know how difficult it can be to start over with a new provider just when you’ve begun to feel comfortable.

• Early in my graduate counseling career, I completed part of my internship on an Army installation in Louisiana. That experience introduced me to military culture and highlighted the unique challenges that frequent moves can create for service members and their families. While relocating is often part of military life, it can also mean leaving behind trusted healthcare providers and support systems.

• Because of that, I’ve chosen to maintain licensure in multiple states whenever possible. While state licensing laws determine where I can legally provide counseling, my goal is to continue working with clients who relocate to a state where I’m licensed when it’s clinically appropriate to do so. Maintaining continuity of care can reduce the stress of starting over and allow us to continue building on the progress we’ve already made.

• Whether you’re part of the military community or simply relocating for work, school, or family, I’ll always do my best to help make your transition as seamless as possible.

Insurance & Payment

Do you accept insurance?

• I partner with multiple platforms to process insurance. Contact me for details.

What if I’m using out-of-network benefits?

• I do not process out-of-network benefits. I can provide you a superbill to submit to your insurance if you pay the full private pay rate.

What forms of payment do you accept?

• I take major credit cards, as well as HSA and FSA
• Private Pay payments are processed through Stripe
• Insurance payments are processed through the platform used to process insurance.

Can I receive a Good Faith Estimate?

policies

Is counseling confidential?

• Confidentiality is one of the foundations of effective counseling. Information shared during therapy will be kept confidential except as permitted or required by law.

• Examples of situations in which confidential information may be disclosed include:
  • You provide written authorization for the release of information.
  • There is reason to believe you present an imminent risk of serious harm to yourself.
  • There is reason to believe you present an imminent risk of serious harm to another person.
  • Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child, older adult, or vulnerable individual must be reported as required by law.
  • A valid court order or other legal requirement compels disclosure.
  • Professional consultation is needed to improve the quality of services while protecting your identity whenever possible.

What if I’m having an emergency?

• This is not an emergency service.
  • Call 911
  • Emergency room
  • 988

About Sarah

Why did you become a therapist?

• There wasn’t just one reason I became a therapist—it was a path shaped by both my family and my own life experiences.

• I grew up seeing the impact that compassionate mental health professionals can have. My grandmother was one of the first female psychologists to serve on the Board of Psychology in North Texas at a time when very few women earned doctoral degrees. She was a trailblazer, a role model, and someone I deeply admired. Years later, while I was in school studying counseling, my dad began his own journey toward becoming a counselor as a second career.

• Beyond my family’s influence, I’ve also experienced the value of counseling firsthand. Throughout different seasons of my life, I’ve had the opportunity to work with counselors who provided a safe, nonjudgmental space to process trauma, navigate life transitions, and continue growing. I know how meaningful it is to have someone who listens without judgment and helps you find your own path forward.

• That combination of personal experience and professional calling is what led me here. It is a privilege to walk alongside people during some of the most difficult and transformative seasons of their lives. My goal is to provide the same sense of safety, compassion, and hope that has made such a difference in my own journey.

What is your counseling style?

• Compassionate. Collaborative. Practical. Evidence-based.

Do I have to know exactly what I want to work on?

• No.
• Many people simply know they don’t feel like themselves.
• We’ll figure it out together.

professional services faq

What types of organizations do you work with?

• I partner with nonprofits, schools, healthcare organizations, community agencies, faith-based organizations, and other professionals seeking trauma-informed training, consultation, or program development. Whether you’re building a new program, strengthening an existing one, or investing in staff development, I tailor services to meet your organization’s goals.

Can you customize a training for our organization?

• Absolutely. While I offer several established training topics, every organization has unique needs. Trainings can be customized based on your audience, goals, time frame, and level of experience.

Do you offer virtual and in-person trainings?

• Yes. Professional trainings, workshops, consultation, and speaking engagements are available both virtually and in person, depending on your organization’s needs and location.

What topics do you speak or train on?

• My areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, substance use, human trafficking and exploitation, high-risk youth, juvenile justice, relationship safety, online safety, and program development. If you’re looking for something more specific, I’d be happy to discuss whether it’s a good fit.

How does consultation work?

• Consultation is collaborative and designed around your organization’s goals. We may focus on clinical case consultation, program development, staff support, policy and workflow review, curriculum development, or other organizational needs. After an initial conversation, I’ll recommend an approach tailored to your project.

How much do professional services cost?

• Because every organization and project is different, pricing varies based on the type of service, audience size, duration, travel requirements, and level of customization. I’d be happy to provide a personalized quote after learning more about your needs.

How far are you willing to travel?

• I provide services throughout Texas and am available to travel nationally for trainings, workshops, and speaking engagements. Virtual services are also available for organizations across the country.

How do we get started?

• The first step is a conversation. Reach out through the contact form or email with a brief description of your organization and what you’re looking for. Together, we’ll determine the best way to meet your goals and develop a plan that fits your needs.

Why do you focus on trauma-informed care?

• Throughout my career, I’ve worked with adolescents, adults, families, and organizations serving individuals who have experienced trauma, addiction, exploitation, and other significant life challenges. I’ve seen firsthand how trauma-informed practices improve outcomes—not only in counseling, but also in schools, nonprofits, healthcare settings, and community programs. My goal is to provide practical, evidence-based strategies that professionals can confidently apply in their everyday work.

Still have questions

I’d be happy to help.