FAQ for Clearer Thoughts
Where is your office located?
My office is virtual, as my sessions are either online or by phone.
This way you do not have to go anywhere, and you can speak with me wherever you feel comfortable with a WiFi signal.
Plus, online counseling is pretty cool!
What are your hours?
My hours are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Sometimes, I take Arbor Day off… I’m joking. 🙂
How long are sessions?
Each session is 50 minutes long.
How much do you charge?
An hourly session is $100.
I do have pricing bundles to offer. Payment is made per session, usually at the end.
Bundled sessions – Bundled session payments are prepaid sessions of varying amounts for a lower cost overall. There are two categories of bundled sessions.
- 4-session prepayments are $360 up front ($90 per session)
- 8-session prepayments are $640 up front ($80 per session)
How do I set up an appointment?
If you would like schedule an appointment, call Clearer Thoughts at (704) 458-6298 or email me at jeffhelms@clearerthoughtspllc.com to set up an online or phone appointment.
How does the whole process of doing online therapy work?
Either you will get in touch with me by entering your contact information on the website or you will call. Either way we are going to have a phone conversation. What I need from you the most is your email address. I will send you a handful of forms such as an Intake Questionnaire, Consent for Telehealth and Informed Consent. Next, what is very important is that I will send you a link to our web meeting at the arranged time that we set up.
Do you accept insurance? Why or why not?
I am considered out-of-network and therefore do not accept insurance.
This way I can focus on providing you the best level of service. Insurance companies will strongly imply to give the client a diagnosis when that is not needed.
Plus, insurance companies will only pay for a limited amount of sessions.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Call (704) 458-6298 or email me at jeffhelms@clearerthoughtspllc.com to cancel.
You must give me at least a 24-hour notice. Otherwise, a full fee will be charged.
Do you have a “no show” policy?
I understand that unexpected events can occur, causing you to miss an appointment you had every intention of keeping.
So, the first time you miss an appointment, I will waive it.
For any missed appointment after that, you will be charged the full fee for the session.
Will sessions be confidential?
Absolutely! I use a service called Simple Practice that provides HIPPA-compliant online sessions.
HIPPA stands for Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability, which is a drawn-out way of saying a client’s medical information and records must be kept confidential.
With what age ranges do you work?
My experience has been working with people in their early 20s to their 70s. I have worked with adolescents and children but only a few times each.
Do you work with women? Men? Couples? Same-sex couples?
Yes, I work with women, men, and couples.
I would even work with cats, but they are so shy talking about their feelings.
What do you do in sessions with clients?
I work with each client in a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space to empower the client to get everything out that has been weighing them down.
We will then begin to deconstruct how they are feeling and why.
A goal or set of goals both small and large are set to motivate the client to regain their confidence.
Do your clients receive assignments to work on between sessions?
Sometimes. It is not like I am going to ask you to write a 3,000-word essay or anything… unless you are really into that.
Some examples of assignments I give are to start keeping and maintaining a journal and to start the process of self-care to rejuvenate and refresh.
What modalities do you use in your client work?
Modalities are evidenced-based treatments that have great results.
Having said this, some of the treatment approaches I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Reality Therapy.
What is your professional training and experience?
My undergraduate degree is from Appalachian State University located in the Arctic… I mean Boone, North Carolina, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Applied Communications.
My graduate degree is from Palm Beach Atlantic University in Orlando, FL, where I received a Master of Science in Psychology.
Additionally, I have a certificate in Person Centered Counseling and Motivational Interviewing.
Another noteworthy tidbit is that my science fair project in 7th grade went to regionals but not any further.
What else does the client need to know about working with you?
I am probably going to be the easiest person there is to talk to, as I am a very good listener and have been told I have a calming presence.
Plus, I tower at the staggering height of 5’4.” You could beat me up in a staring contest.
Do you speak other languages than English?
No, just English.
What should I expect from counseling?
Expect to feel hopeful about whatever you bring into the session. Feel the freedom to fully express yourself whether its overwhelming sadness or intense anger.
Bring it all in!
Do you incorporate faith into sessions?
I do. I am a Christian myself, and this guides much of my thought process.
However, if you are Atheist, Agnostic, or even renounced your faith, everyone is welcome!
How many fingers am I holding up?
Four?
What is the square root of 25?
Five because 5×5 is 25.