What is counseling?
Counseling provides an opportunity to understand and resolve the underlying issues that cause problematic behaviors. It will allow you to discuss your problems with a non-judgmental, objective listener who can assist in viewing your struggles differently. As your therapist, I will not be able to solve your problems, but I will help you develop your own creative solutions. The Italian proverb comes to mind as the ideal description here: Teach them how to fish and you feed them for a lifetime. During the first few sessions, I will obtain information about the various areas of your life to determine the best course of treatment. I am knowledgeable about a wide variety of issues and I will be able to provide services to meet your needs.
What is a clinical assessment?
This is an evidence-based discovery process in which I meet with you and/or your family to collect in-depth information regarding individual needs.
Do you provide therapy overseas?
Yes, under NCBLPC Distance Counseling Policy: Provision of Services via Electronic, Distance Professional Counseling Services, and Supervision. You must be a resident of NC.
Using a HIPAA* privacy-compliant platform, clients can access therapy from the comfort of their homes, anywhere in the world. So if you are traveling take me with you, virtually.
*Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
How do I know if counseling is for me?
You may have had the thought ‘Should I talk about my concerns with a counselor’. Perhaps others who know you well have suggested counseling. To get started, utilize my complimentary discovery session to discuss whether my services would be appropriate for you. Specific indicators that counseling services might be beneficial include but are not limited to:
- Trouble paying attention
- Procrastination
- Emotional difficulties such as sadness, anger, anxiety etc.
- Relationship problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Concerns about substance use
- Suicidal thoughts
- Issues parenting
- Career changes
- Difficulty functioning on a day-to-day basis
- Recent traumatic event or loss
What services do you offer?
Couples or marriage therapy, mental health and substance use counseling, family counseling, groups, clinical supervision, and many more subsets under these topics. Some counseling services are listed above.
Do you have an office?
Yes. As a result of the still-present danger of COVID-19 and its strains, all services will be delivered through tele-counseling until further notice. Clients will receive access information before their appointment.
What is individual counseling?
This is a collaborative process between the client and I. Individual sessions provide support and facilitate growth during challenging moments which can improve the quality of life for the client or family over time.
What is a couple’s counseling?
Marriage counseling helps couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. Through marriage counseling, you can make thoughtful decisions about strengthening your relationship, restoring your loving connection via communication, or going your separate ways.
Do you accept insurance? Not currently. I care about your privacy. I will be happy to provide you with a bill that you can send to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. In addition, you may be able to apply for your employer’s flexible spending plan or claim therapy costs as a tax deduction. Reduced fee services are available on a limited case-by-case basis. Please email garrawaya@aol.com for details.
Are counseling sessions confidential?
Yes! I take confidentiality very seriously, and no information will be exchanged with individuals or agencies unless you provide me with explicit consent to do so. I recognize that a safe and confidential environment is crucial for you to feel comfortable sharing personal information.
In rare circumstances, the confidentiality policy requires unauthorized disclosure of information. Such circumstances would include when I believe the individual’s life is in danger, when the safety of others is at risk, when there is suspicion of child or elder abuse, or when requested by subpoena or court order. If you have any questions or concerns about the confidentiality policy (Privileged Communication: section 8-53.3. NC law and 45 CFR Part 164. Federal law), please feel free to talk them over with me. International client confidentiality laws will be addressed individually.
Is your practice LGBTQ friendly?
Yes! All are welcome here.
What is the cost of therapy?
The investment will relate to the specific service, so please visit the Service page and schedule a no-cost phone consultation for pricing. Remember mental health and substance use services like therapy should never be avoided due to fear of cost or lack of insurance. Contact me for a sliding scale or a referral.
Do you work with life coaches?
Yes. Dr. Gray comes highly recommended.
What is Mental Health /Substance Use Supervision?
Mental health and substance abuse Professionals of “associate” or “provisional” status receive professional practice to at least one hour per week or four hours per month of individual or group supervision where the supervisor focuses on assessment, evaluation, and treatment. Specific groups will focus on test-taking preparation from materials taken from the NCC and IR&RC workbooks.
What is my supervision approach?
My approach to supervision is grounded in the Discrimination Model of Supervision. I have three roles in a session: teacher, counselor, and consultant. These roles allow me to choose from a variety of foci to evaluate your counseling skills, self-awareness, and professional behaviors. My goal in supervision is to help supervisees effectively practice counseling given their choice of counseling theory.
What is my role as a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)?
The practice of a certified clinical supervisor is based on knowledge in the performance domains to supervise substance abuse professionals who work to treat, prevent, or reduce the conditions that place individuals at risk of developing addictive disorders or diseases and help prevent relapse.
What is my role as a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor (LCMHCS)?
A licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor is a person engaged in the practice of counseling who holds a license as a licensed professional counselor and is approved by the Board to provide clinical supervision to LCMHCAs. The LCMHCS license is an independent, unrestricted license.
What is my scope of practice mental counselor (LCMHC)?
The use of assessment instruments and mental health counseling and psychotherapy to identify, evaluate, and treat dysfunctions and disorders for purposes of providing appropriate mental health counseling services.
What is my scope of practice as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCAS)?
The practice of a certified alcohol and drug counselor consists of Twelve Core Functions, including screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, report and record keeping, and consultation with other professionals. I provide client treatment services and referrals to treat addictive disorders or diseases.
WE ARE HIRING
AGC offering a PAID internship and is hiring a newly or provisionally licensed counselor, in the state of NC. If you are an independent worker, looking to earn your place in the field, while receiving supervision, and mentorship may be a viable option for you.
How to Apply
Firstly, visit browse this site and read more about me. My hope is that you get an initial inkling that I am a match. If so, email your resume to garrawaya@aol.com with “seeking position” in the subject line.
What is NCC?
The National Certified Counselor Certification (NCC) is a voluntary national certification that identifies counselors who have met national standards set by the counseling profession.
What is drop-in staffing?
In need of urgent supervision? Book a drop-in case staffing. This is a one-off session in the absence of your clinical supervisor to ensure the quality care of the client. This service can also be ongoing in the form of consultation.
What is the seasonal men’s group all about?
This free group elicits attitudes, opinions, values, and expectations from a man’s perspective regarding himself and his family. Additionally, this group offers therapeutic solutions for emotional management, communication style, and husband/fatherhood. Email your interest.
What is the seasonal women’s group all about?
Our free group examines all areas of a woman’s life starting with the mother-daughter connection, healing trauma, identity, sexual wellness, stigmas, and several other topics specific to women’s health issues. This is a closed group. The waitlist is now open. Email your interest.
Social Media Policy
Please click the link to read AGC’s full Social Media Policy. If you have questions or concerns about any of these policies and procedures or regarding our potential interactions on the Internet, do bring them to my attention so that we can discuss them.