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Where are you located?
Fireproof Counseling
182 Private Road 411
Itasca, TX 76055
What are your qualifications for providing therapy and counseling?
I have a B.S. degree in Family Relations, an M.S. degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and I am nearly finished with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. I am licensed in Texas and in Idaho to practice Marriage and Family Therapy, and I have over 35 years of experience working with adults and children in a variety of professional settings.
What is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and how is that different from a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)?
Both “therapists” and “counselors” require similar training and follow similar procedures to be licensed. They both typically offer therapy and counseling. LMFTs approach things from a systems point of view, whereas LPCs usually focus on cognitive and behavioral solutions.
Therapy means the evaluation and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Further, marriage and family therapy includes the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families.
The systems approach used by LMFTs helps a couple or family understand each member’s role. Using Systems Theory, a therapist can identify specific behavior patterns and how each member of the couple or family responds to them. This allows the individual participants to understand and change their behaviors to more productive ones.
Counseling means the application of mental health, psychological, and human development principles.
Social work is is defined as the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, families, and communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to this goal.
Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) work as counselors who have a social work point of view. They typically help clients to use their internal skills and resources or connect clients with community resources that will help them.
None of these counseling philosophies are “better” than the others. They’re just different. Only you can decide which of these approaches to therapy is best for you.
Why should I consider therapy?
When events in your life begin to cause distress and interfere with your normal activities, it may be time to seek therapy. I can help you make lifestyle changes, serve as a listening ear, and help you identify underlying causes of symptoms. From there, I can show you specific strategies or techniques for changing unwanted thoughts, behaviors, or emotions.
How does therapy help?
Individual therapy can help you feel emotional and mental well-being, and experience an increase in positive feelings such as compassion, self-esteem, love, courage, and peace.
The focus of couples therapy is on you as a couple. It can improve your problem solving, build your communication skills, and identify your life goals and relationship responsibilities. We also work on common obstacles to a good relationship, such as infidelity, financial problems, anger, illness, and other life changes.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes! I can only divulge what you tell me if you have signed a release that allows me to discuss your progress with a specific person, or if you pose a danger to yourself or others.
It is often more effective if I can coordinate your professional treatment with your church leader’s spiritual counseling. Although you are not required to allow this, clients typically sign a release for their church leader if that leader is paying for their therapy.
How long will I be in therapy?
The frequency and duration of your therapy will depend largely on your needs, treatment goals, and progress. Many concerns are readily resolved with short-term therapy, while chronic or more complex concerns require a long-term commitment before you will see results.
How much will it cost?
Cash Rate for Office Visit or TeleHealth:
Only $150 for a 55-minute session.
Cash Rate for Eagala Equine Assisted Counseling:
Only $180 for a 55-minute individual or family session.
Only $100 each for a 55-minute group session.
Cop & Clergy Discounts:
A 40% cash discount ($90 for a 55-minute session) is available for law enforcement and other first responders without insurance.
A 40% cash discount ($90 for a 55-minute session) is also available when services are paid for with a check issued by your church.
Accepted Insurance Plans:
(1) Most BlueCross BlueShield of Texas plans (except Medicare and HMO plans such as Blue Advantage, MyBlue Health, and ActiveCare).
(2) United Health Care (Optum).
(3) Aetna
(4) DMBA
I will provide an itemized bill for you to submit and get reimbursed if I am an “out-of-network” provider for your insurance plan. (HMO plans do not generally reimburse for out-of-network services.)
Do you make presentations to church and civic groups?
Yes, and they are FREE! I spend about an hour explaining principles of Gottman Method Couple Therapy and how they can improve a couple’s relationship. Call or text me at 208-206-3860 to schedule a presentation for your group.