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CM Counseling and Supervision logo for counseling practice in Charlotte, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • My rate is $175 for 50 minute therapy sessions, and $150 for 60 minute individual supervision sessions. 

    Sliding Scale Rates: I have limited openings available for a reduced rate, based on frequency of sessions and financial need. Please inquire about a reduced rate on our consultation call to review availability and options. 

    I accept credit/debit card payments at the time of service. You are able to use HSA or FSA cards if you have one.

    I am out of network (OON) with insurance and do not take insurance at this time. Here are some things to consider as you evaluate options:

    I provide superbills, a form that you can submit to your insurance company to apply your OON benefits. Out-of-Network benefits vary by insurance carrier and policy. Session costs can be applied toward your OON deductible, or your insurance may send you reimbursement for a portion of the costs. You can learn more about how your insurance company will reimburse your therapy expenses by calling your Insurance Member Services Phone Number and asking the following questions:

    • Does my plan include Out-of-Network benefits?

    • If yes, do I have an Out-of-Network deductible, copay, or coinsurance?

      • What is the deductible amount, or copay/coinsurance amount?

    • Are individual psychotherapy services (CPT code 90791 for intake session and 90837 for follow-up sessions) covered by my Out-of-Network benefits?

    • If yes, what percentage of the Allowed Amount is covered once my deductible is met?

    • Where do I send OON claims for reimbursement?

  • I have found frequencies of weekly and biweekly sessions to be effective for IFS therapy. For those who prefer biweekly sessions, sometimes starting with 4-6 weekly sessions can help build momentum. Weekly sessions will allow for faster progression through the work. 

    The entire duration of therapy can differ significantly from person to person, and can be difficult to predict at the onset. In my work, I have found that significant gains are achieved within 6 to 18 months of consistent sessions (weekly or biweekly). Therapy can take longer for developmental trauma (Complex PTSD), but meaningful progress can be made early on and instill hope.

  • The intake session is a chance for us to begin understanding your story, what is bringing you to therapy, and what you hope will change. We may discuss your background, relationships, important life experiences, and the patterns you notice in your life. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling understood, hopeful, and clear about the direction of therapy. 

    If you are seeking IFS and time allows, we can begin an initial IFS exercise and discuss next steps in that process.

  • You do not need any previous experience with IFS to benefit from this work. Many people initially feel unsure about “parts” language or wonder if they are doing it correctly. It’s challenging to start a new process, and I take the time to introduce IFS in as clear a way as possible. I offer as much explanation and context around the model as is helpful for you. It is completely ok to be flexible on the framing of parts and Self, and adjust to what clicks for you intuitively. Some people connect deeply with the idea of parts right away, while others prefer to think of them as emotions, patterns, or different sides of themselves.

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  • IFS therapy is certainly a unique form of self-exploration. It posits that within a person’s individual identity, there are separate, autonomous parts that operate in relation to each other. Some people describe parts as real, distinct entities inside, and others take a more abstract view, seeing parts as ways to personify a feeling, belief, or behavior pattern. I’ve found both to be effective, and I adjust wording to the interpretation that feels most intuitive for you.

    Common Protective Parts 

    • The inner critic who pushes you to be perfect so you won't face rejection

      • “If I am hard on myself and don’t let anything slide, I’ll catch any flaw before someone else can.”

    • The people-pleaser who prioritizes others' needs to avoid conflict or abandonment

      • “If I keep everyone happy, I can avoid that feeling of being useless or a burden.”

    • The anxious planner who tries to control every outcome to prevent disaster.

      • “If I stay hypervigilant about anything that could possibly go wrong, I’ll be prepared and can avoid feeling blindsided.”

    • The numb part that shuts down emotions when things feel too overwhelming

      • “I need to check out right now, or else something unbearable is going to take over.”

    • The angry defender who lashes out to create distance when you feel vulnerable

      • “I have to be angry so no one can tell that there’s hurt under the surface.”

    • The workaholic achiever who stays constantly busy to avoid painful feelings

      • “If I can be productive here, I don’t have to look at things that feel overwhelming to navigate."

         

    Common Exiled Parts:

    • The shame from childhood criticism

    • The belief that you're fundamentally unlovable

    • Grief that was never fully processed

    • Feelings of loneliness or rejection

    • Fear and worries that were never soothed

    • Anger that wasn’t allowed to be expressed

    These parts are sensitive because the original wound has never truly been resolved, but rather has been compartmentalized in order to prevent overwhelm. 

    The emotional pain is distressing enough on its own—but it's the beliefs that form around it, and the ways those beliefs shape our sense of possibility and self-worth, that tend to do the most lasting damage. They are vulnerable because the likelihood of re-injury is high (if anything similar to the original wound takes place in the present). 

    This is why protective parts work so hard to keep you from re-experiencing exiled pain. While well-intentioned, this system can keep you stuck in patterns that limit your growth.

    The emotional pain is distressing enough on its own—but it's the beliefs that form around it, and the ways those beliefs shape our sense of possibility and self-worth, that tend to do the most lasting damage. They are vulnerable because the likelihood of re-injury is high (if anything similar to the original wound takes place in the present). 

    This is why protective parts work so hard to keep you from re-experiencing exiled pain. While well-intentioned, this system can keep you stuck in patterns that limit your growth.

  • I view Self as a compassionate and curious state that you can access, which is transformative for parts that are longing to be heard, understood, and accepted. I often refer to it as your “Adult Self”—the state you can access when you are fully present, without influence from past experiences and conditioning. This foundation serves as the springboard for parts to not only believe in change, but be open to adopting new roles and strategies.

  • Although symptom relief might be your initial goal, the most priceless benefit I witness is the ability to strengthen the relationship with oneself–one built on self-trust, compassion, and respect. This happens as clients report feeling less at war with themselves and access what IFS calls Self-energy—a sense of calm, clarity, and compassion even in difficult moments. They trust themselves to process their emotions and make decisions in line with their values.

    Common Outcomes:

    • Insight translates to real-time behavior change (not just understanding, but actually shifting patterns)

    • Capacity to handle stress and triggers without being hijacked by intense reactions

    • Breakthroughs after navigating challenging phases (therapy isn't linear, but it is transformative)

    • Reduction in perfectionism, self-criticism, and shame

    • Sustainable foundation for continued growth beyond therapy

    • More clarity and excitement about their path in life

Therapy that isn't about temporary fixes or better coping—but creating fundamental shifts to help you live differently.

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