+ What makes Beauty for Ashes Counseling so special?

We are ordinary people who have a passion and understanding for hurting people! We believe in coming alongside you on your lifes journey. We explore creative ways that we can meet you where you are at and to assist you in reaching your emotional wellness goals. You will find us working hard, thinking about you in between sessions, prepping for sessions, remembering details about you, laughing with you, and crying with you.

We strive to promote a creative, laid-back atmoshpere. Our office is decorated with original works of art made by our art therapists. We have an art and play therapy studio where we can get messy with a variety of art mediums, or get dirty in the sandtray. Our studio is fully stocked with the latest therapy games, art supplies and toys.

We utilize a faith-based approach. Even though we come from a Christian worldview, we believe it is important to recognize and welcome everyone regardless of race, religion and orientation. You have a right to your own beliefs, and we believe you can benefit from a faith-based approach if your spirituality is important to you as you heal. Our job is not to evangelize, or try to get you to change your mind in any way on any topic. We see our job as a guide to help you explore your core values and beliefs and allow space for you to come to your own conclusions in a safe nonjudgemental environment.

+ How will I know if the therapist I see is right for me?

The only way to know for sure is to come in for a session. Most people have a good sense of whether their therapist is the right one to help them within the first session or two. We have tried to provide you with information on this website, our blog, and our Psychology Today profiles. Reading through these will give you a sense of who we are and how we work.

It is important that you feel comfortable with the therapist you choose and you believe that person has the skills to help you. If we're not your person after a few sessions, no problem, we’ll be happy to refer you to someone who might be a better fit.

+ Do you provide in-person or online counseling?

We are providing counseling sessions either face-to-face (on a limited basis due to COVID) and via a secure and easy-to-use telehealth platform (similar to Zoom or Skype). If using insurance, most in-state plans cover “telemedicine” as a part of your mental health/behavioral health benefit. Due to licensing constraints, telehealth/telemedicine is only available to clients who are physically located in SC, NC and AK and is not appropriate for clients traveling to other states or out-of-country.

+ Is online counseling right for me?

Although there are many advantages of online counseling (it’s convenient, effective, keeps us safe from infectious diseases such as COVID-19), it’s not right for everyone. Online counseling (teletherapy) works best for those with mild to moderate symptoms (not people who are suicidal or in crisis), are comfortable using technology, and have a quiet, private place to have their sessions.

+ Who do you work with?

Our therapists provide counseling for a variety of populations who reside in North Carolina, South Carolina and Alaska (emergent telehealth only). Our expertise is in trauma-informed therapies, expressive arts and play theray, codependency and people-pleasing, anxiety, depression, self-worth, life transitions, perfectionism, grief & loss, behavioral issues and ADHD. We provide counseling for individuals, couples and families of all ages, orientation, race, spiritual affiliation. Please see our About page for more details.

+ What can I expect from therapy?

Once you have made a decision to see a therapist, you still might be apprehensive about the process. Many people feel nervous before their first appointment. Therapy is a shared journey; a shared process. And, although we will travel together, it is ultimately your journey and you will make your own decisions. We do not have answers to all your concerns, but we do have the ability to provide a safe nonjudgemental space where we listen carefully and will ask thought proviking questions. Your answers to these questions will help shape the direction of our work. You can expect for your story to be respected and held in the highest of confidence. You can expect that we will offer opinions and suggestions from time to time but we will allow room for you to determine for yourself what to do.

+ What happens during the first session?

The initial session is the time for you to start to share your story, talk about your goals and what you would like to change. It's also a time for your therapist to share how s/he does therapy. They will share their experience, education and credentials with you so you know if they are qualified to work with your therapeutic goals. Another important aspect of the first session is deciding if your therapist is a good fit. Do they seem like someone you can trust? This is a time you and your therapist are establishing a relationship that will become the foundation for working together. You will begin to figure out some goals; and will begin to figure out how your therapist can help get you there.

+ How long do appointments last?

Appointments are 53 minutes. This is the standard length of a counseling session. If you are interested in a shorter session (45 minutes) or longer session (90 minutes) please contact our office regarding availability and pricing.

+ How often will we meet?

To begin, you should meet with your therapist once a week to establish a relationship and build rappory. We find it’s important to gain some momentum in the beginning by meeting weekly or progress can stall out. Once some or all of your goals are met, meeting less often may be therapeutic.

+ How much do you charge?

Because our therapists have differing skill sets and experience, there is not one set fee schedule. Typically you can expect to pay anywhere from $150-$240 for the initial 90 minute session, and $100-$160 for additional 53 minute sessions. We do have some sliding fee appointments available. Payment is collected at the time of service. We'd be happy to provide you with a "Superbill" to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement from your out-of-network benefit policy.

+ Do you take my Insurance?

Our therapists offer some in network benefits. See our About page for more specific information on who is in network with which insurance. Currently we see clients who have BCBS, PAI, Select Health/First Choice, Molina, healthy Blue/Companion/Blue Choice, SC Medicaid, SC Medicare, and TriCare. We also work with some EAP companies.

It may be beneficial to you to call your insurance company as ask what your insurance policy covers as far as mental health benefits and if your therapist of choice is in network with them as participation in insurance may vary.

+ Are there any benefits to NOT using Insurance?

You might elect to not use insurance for privacy reasons. Throughout treatment, insurance companies need a mental health diagnosis to determine "medical necessity". Some insurance companies require additional clinical information such as a treatment summary. Some of our clients who have chosen to opt out of insurance payments have expressed concerns about leaving a "paper trail" when applying for life, health or disability insurance.

+ What is your cancellation policy?

We require 24 hours notice of cancellation or you will need to pay the full rate for scheduled appointment. An occasional exception may be made in the case of an obvious emergency. It’s important that we meet consistently in order to make progress. It is also important to respect the therapy time, and those who may be on a waitlist hoping for the time to become available.

+ What theoretical approach(es) do you use?

We work from a variety of theories, modalities and techniques. We find Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Expressive Therapies Continuum and Mindfulness techniques are often helpful to our clients.

+ Do you prescribe medicine?

No, we are not a medical doctors. Many of our clients find medication to be helpful in sumptom management while in therapy, but many can make good progress in therapy without medication. If you want to be evaluated for psychiatric medication, either contact your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. If you are already taking medication, we are able to coordinate care with your doctor.

+ Are there any issues or types of clients that you DON’T work with?

Our therapists work with a variety of issues that our clients bring to us. It's best to look at our about page to see where our specialties lay. We don't typically see clients who are in active addiction, or active eating disorders. It is not because we don't like clients with these difficulties, it is because these require specialized training that we do not have, therefore they are not within our scope of practice. We will typically refer you out or may work along side another therapist if that is therapeutically indicated.

+ What do all the letters behind your names mean/stand for?

LISW-CP are the initials to indicate a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Clinical Practice. This means the therapist has a Master's Degree or Doctorate degree in Social Work and has completed the necessary requirements to be fully licensed to practice in private practice in the state of South Carolina. Licensing requirements include completing 3,000 post-Master's level work hours under the supervision of a LISW-CP, 100 face to face supervision hours, and a passing grade on the ATCB licensing exam in clinical social work. Clinical social work indicates an expertise in the area of counseling and psychotherapy.

LPC are the initials to indicate a Licensed Professional Counselor. This means the therapist has a Master's Degree in Counseling or Psychology and has completed the necessary requirements to be fully licensed to practice in private practice in the state of South Carolina. Licensing requirements include completing 1,380 post-Master's level work hours under the supervision of a LPC-S (licensed Supervisor), 120 face to face supervision hours, and a passing grade on the NBCC licensing exam in Clinical Counseling. Professional counseling indicates an expertise in general counseling.

LPC-A are the initials to indicate a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. This means the therapist has a Master's Degree in Counseling or Psychology and has completed the necessary requirements to be provisionally licensed to practice in private practice in the state of South Carolina while completing 1,380 post-Master's level work hours under the supervision of a LISW-CP, 120 face to face supervision hours. An LPC-A has received a passing grade on the NBCC licensing exam in Clinical Counseling. Professional counseling indicates an expertise in general counseling.

ATR-BC are the initials to indicate a Board Certified Art Therapist. This is the highest-level art therapy credential. ATR-BCs pass a national examination, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of the theories and clinical skills used in art therapy. ATR-BC's have met the requirement of accumulating over 2000 post-Master's level work hours under the supervision of a ATR-BC and ATR_BCS(supervisor), and 200 face to face supervision hours.

ATR are the initials to indicate a Registered Art Therapist. These art therapists have completed the required 2000 post-Master's level work hours under the supervision of a ATR-BC and STR_BCS(supervisor), and 200 face to face supervision hours, but haven't yet taken the board exam.

ATR-P are the initials to indicate a provisionally certified Art Therapist. This credential ensures an art therapist meets established educational standards, with successful completion of advanced specific graduate-level education in art therapy, and is practicing art therapy under an approved supervisor(s). Individuals are eligible to apply for this credential once they have completed their degree (or education requirements for the ATR-Provisional) and are engaged in a supervisory relationship with a qualified supervisor(s).

RPT are the initials to indicate a Registered Play Therapist. These play therapists have met the requirement of Master's level coursework requirements, the accumulation over 150 post-Master's level course work focusing specifically on 5 areas of Primary Play Therapy. Over 350 direct client contact hours under the supervision of a RPT-S (Supervisor), and 40 face to face supervision hours, 5 being session observations.

CDWF are the initials to indicate a Certified Daring Way(TM) Facilitator specifically trained in Brené Brown's research to work with individuals, families, and groups. This credential required 25 hours face to face educational series with 10 hours of face to face direct supervision under an established seasoned CDWF instructor. Certified Daring Way™ Facilitators work across diverse populations providing work with through many different socializations. The work focuses on courage building, shame resilience, and uncovering the power of vulnerability.

MA, MSW, M.Ed, PhD are the initials to indicate the Master level degree the therapist obtained. MA: Master of Arts, MSW: Master of Social Work, M.Ed: Master of Education, PhD: Doctor of Philosophy.