Frequently Asked Questions

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How much does treatment cost?

Treatment is more affordable than many believe, and it is covered by most insurance companies, as well as Medicare and Tricare. Call for specifics related to your situation. Debbie also serves several EAP contracts. Sometimes there is a co-payment or deductible required at the time of the session.

Is counseling confidential?

With few exceptions, what you say in the consulting room is confidential and cannot be revealed to anyone without your written consent.

What kinds of people are served?

Debbie treats primarily adults, and she often sees people who have medical problems, developmental challenges, vocational difficulties or addictions, as well as mental health problems. She is LGBTQ+-friendly.

How long does a session last?

Debbie’s sessions usually last 45-50 minutes. However, sometimes there could be a short session that might last about 30 minutes. Occasionally a longer session could be planned that might last about 75 minutes.

How many sessions will I need?

That depends upon you, what you want to accomplish, what your time-frame is, how much time you want to devote to the issue, etc. Some goals can be accomplished in the short-term, some take longer. After you meet with Debbie a time or two, she should be able to give you an estimate, if you want one.

Are results guaranteed?

No. In the psychology/mental health business, there are no guarantees.

What goes on in a counseling session?

Every counselor is different. As Debbie puts it, “In my sessions, we have a conversation. We talk, and I listen very hard in order to understand what you say. I might need to ask some questions in order to be certain I understand. We talk about the things you want to talk about, and we consider certain aspects of the situation that trouble you. From time to time we might apply certain techniques or methods to the situation.”

What methods does Debbie use?

Generally speaking, Debbie uses methods that have been proven useful and are considered to be “best practices” for specific problems. Often, she uses Cognitive Behavioral approaches, and other time she uses Motivational Techniques. She has an eclectic approach, using a large variety of methods, depending on the specific issue. These methods include EMDR, Psychoeducation, Supportive Psychotherapy, Validation, Insight, Problem-Solving, NLP, Somatic Experiencing, Hypnotherapy, Reframing, Visualization, Relaxation, Storytelling, and dozens of other techniques. Her favorite practitioner was Dr. Milton Erickson. In the past few years she has also become interested in particular methods related to Energy Psychology, including TAT, EFT, and SE. She likes to combine techniques to help people address specific problems regarding trauma, weight loss, pain management, and addictions. She likes to work directly on problems and help her clients find solutions that satisfy them and meet their needs.

Is counseling painful?

Debbie tries to make it as pain-free as possible. She works from the principle, “First, do no harm.” She is particularly interested in using methods that ease the pain, rather than making it worse. In many cases clients report that they are able to cut down the discomfort and begin to live a meaningful life again.

What is the Mind-Body Connection?

This is the idea that medical issues affect your mental health, and mental health issues affect your physical health. For example, we know that the biochemistry of diabetes causes depression. (That’s an example of physical health impacting mental health.) And getting angry can cause your blood pressure to rise. (That’s an example of mental health impacting physical health.) Debbie believes that every medical problem has mental health implications and every mental health issue has physical health implications. She likes to look at both sides of your concern as she works with you, and she welcomes the opportunity to coordinate care with your medical providers (with your consent, of course).

What is Behavioral Health?

“Behavioral Health” is what we used to call “mental health,” but it’s a term that came into use in the late 1970s. The emphasis is more on personal responsibility and the use of the relationship among body, mind, and spirit in the prevention and treatment of mental and physical illness. We focus and apply behavioral and medical knowledge to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate.

What about medication?

Debbie does not prescribe medication. However, if she thinks you could benefit from psychotropic medication or a change in your medication, she will give you her honest opinion about that. Sometimes you can get the medication from your personal physician. If you need to get it from a psychiatric specialist, she will help you find the right psychiatrist to serve you. If you prefer not to take psychotropic medications, she will work with you on that basis.

How do I get started?

Terry Mason, Admin. Asst.

Call the office and talk with Debbie’s assistant (704-874-2387), or talk with Debbie herself (828-606-6024)/ Either of them can answer your questions and/or schedule you for an initial consultation.

Debbie is in Gastonia on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.