Counseling FAQ

A: If you are asking the question, there is a good chance it is worth exploring. Therapy is not only for people in crisis. Many of my clients are functioning well in their lives but feel stuck, stressed, disconnected, or like something is off that they cannot quite name. If you are spending a lot of mental energy on a problem and your usual strategies are not resolving it, talking to someone with a different perspective can help.

A: Not all therapy is the same, and not all therapists are the right fit. A bad experience with one therapist does not mean therapy itself is not useful. It usually means the approach, the personality, or the dynamic was not right. I am direct, practical, and I will tell you if I think we are not making progress. If what you experienced before was mostly nodding and silence, this will feel different.

A: A therapist or counselor (like an LPC) provides talk therapy and works with you on emotional, behavioral, and relational issues. A psychologist typically has a doctoral degree and may also provide testing and assessment in addition to therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. Many people benefit from therapy alone. Some benefit from a combination of therapy and medication, in which case I can coordinate with your prescriber.

A: No. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I do not prescribe medication. If we determine that medication might be helpful alongside therapy, I can help you connect with a psychiatrist or your primary care doctor for that evaluation.

A: Yes. What you share in session stays between us. I am bound by HIPAA law and Texas state regulations to protect your privacy. There are a small number of legally mandated exceptions to confidentiality, which I will explain clearly at the start of our work together. These include situations involving imminent danger to yourself or others, suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or a court order.

A: Clinically, the work is the same. The research on virtual therapy outcomes is strong and shows comparable effectiveness to in-person sessions for most concerns. The main differences are practical. You do not have to commute; you can join from a private space where you feel comfortable, and you can access therapy from anywhere in Texas. Most of my clients find that after the first session or two, the screen fades into the background and it feels like a natural conversation.

A: That is completely fine. You are in control of what you share and when you share it. I may ask questions to better understand your situation, but I will never force a topic. Sometimes the things we are most reluctant to talk about are the things that matter most, but there is no timeline for getting there. We work at the pace that feels right for you.

A: Most clients start with weekly sessions. That frequency keeps momentum going and allows us to build on what we discuss from one session to the next. As things improve, many people move to every other week or less frequent sessions. There is no rigid schedule. We adjust based on what you need.

A: Yes. As a Gottman Method couples counselor, the process includes individual sessions with each partner as part of the structured assessment phase. If one partner also wants ongoing individual therapy, we can discuss whether that makes sense to do with me or with a separate therapist, depending on the situation.

A: Yes. I work with teens ages 14 and up, and in some cases mature 12 to 13 year olds. Teenagers often respond well to a more relaxed, conversational style rather than traditional clinical approaches. I work collaboratively with parents while maintaining appropriate confidentiality boundaries with the teen.

A: I require at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice are charged the full session fee. Details are on the Rates and Insurance page.

A: The first step is to reach out. You can call (512) 771-7621, email Jonathan@GateHealing.com, or use the contact form. We will have a brief conversation to see if working together makes sense. If it does, I will have you complete the intake paperwork, and we will schedule your first session.