Question 1

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

I’m based on Saint Simons Island in Georgia, but all appointments are held virtually through a secure, easy-to-use website.

Question 2

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

My availability varies by season, but I consistently offer weekday availability during regular business hours.
I may offer weeknight or weekend appointments to accommodate travel or other out-of-office commitments.
I work hard to minimize the impact that travel or vacation might have on your treatment, and I try to be as flexible as possible.

Question 3

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Our therapy sessions adhere to the “53-minute hour” rule, meaning that when you book an hour-long session, the actual therapy session itself lasts for 53 minutes.
This allows me a brief window to take notes, review information, or take care of administrative tasks while staying within the scheduled time frame.

Question 4

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

When booking, you have a few options:
Single Sessions
These sessions are available at a standard rate of $130 per hour.
Membership Plans
Membership plans give you a discount for signing up for more than one session at a time:
Two sessions per month: $230
Three sessions per month: $330
Four sessions per month: $360

Question 5

What payment options are there?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is not just an emotional commitment but a financial one, which is why I offer three payment options to fit your needs and preferences.

You can find out more about them here.

Question 6

Can you tell me more about membership?

Accepted Answer

Memberships are an excellent option if you’re committed to several therapy sessions, as a regular schedule helps us stay on track and maintain a predictable rhythm. Membership plans put your therapy on autopilot so you can focus on our therapeutic work.
When you opt for a membership plan, you decide how many sessions per month are appropriate, given your goals. Once you’ve made your selection and set up your payment method, your membership will automatically renew each month. All you need to do is log in and book your sessions. It’s quick and easy!

Question 7

If I have a membership, can I book whenever I want?

Accepted Answer

Membership plans give you credit for the number of sessions you’ve purchased. This gives you the flexibility to schedule sessions whenever you want. Whether you prefer to tackle a specific issue with three sessions in one week or maintain a more regular pace, the choice is entirely yours.
Typically, sessions occur at predictable intervals, such as once a week or once every two weeks. There may be occasions when it’s recommended to schedule a session sooner than your usual pace, especially if there’s pressing work to address. However, this decision is always a collaborative one, discussed with you; ultimately, it’s your choice when to book.

Question 8

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

I do not file insurance for clients.
However, if you have out-of-network benefits and want to seek reimbursement for your treatment, I can provide you with a “Superbill” for your insurance provider.

Question 9

How do I schedule my free 15-minute consultation?

Accepted Answer

It’s easy!
Just click the link here, select the free 15-minute consultation option, and book a time.
I’m looking forward to meeting you!

Question 10

How do I schedule my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

If we’ve already had our 15-minute initial consultation, just head to my booking page and choose the service that suits you, whether that’s a single session or a membership plan.
Choose a date and time that works for you, and complete the process by adding your payment details. It’s all conveniently taken care of in one place!

Question 11

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If something comes up and you need to reschedule, please let me know ahead of time by sending me an email to jennifersears@searscounseling.org. I’ll reschedule your appointment so you don’t lose the credit.
Unfortunately, last-minute cancellations and no-shows will forfeit that session. If you missed the session, you’ll need to rebook on your end by using payment or session credits.
Moral of the story: Let me know ahead of time and I’m happy to work with you!

Question 12

With what age ranges do you work?

Accepted Answer

I typically work with millennials, but if you’re over the age of 18, get in touch with me and we’ll see if we’re a good match!

Question 13

Do you work with men?

Accepted Answer

I specialize in working with women, but if you’re a man and think we could be a good therapeutic fit, get in touch!

Question 14

Do you do couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

“Kind of.”
I don’t specialize in traditional couples therapy, as that falls within the expertise of marriage and family counselors. My primary focus is individual clinical mental health (addressing and treating disorders). In essence, my main focus is on you.
Having said this, I’m a strong advocate for involving a partner in therapy. In these sessions, the emphasis shifts from the relationship itself to helping your partner gain a deeper understanding of you, your symptoms, and how they can provide optimal support on your journey to recovery.
If you’re interested in including a therapy partner in your sessions, let me know and we can explore how to incorporate it into your therapy plan!

Question 15

What do you actually do in sessions with clients?

Accepted Answer

Sessions can look very different, depending on the problem, the phase of therapy, and your learning style. While talk therapy is helpful, our sessions will be filled with engaging and active material.
We will strike a balance between moments of seriousness and moments of laughter. You’ll talk some; I’ll talk some. You’ll ask questions; I’ll ask questions. Most importantly, our sessions are whatever they need to give you the relief you deserve.
We will use evidence-based techniques (those supported by tons of studies) to give you the tools to self-treat and improve your overall quality of life.

Question 16

Do I have to tell you everything?

Accepted Answer

No, it’s completely up to you how much you want to share with me.

Question 17

Does anyone cry in front of you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is completely normal to cry in front of your therapist. Many people find that expressing their emotions, including tears, is an important part of the therapeutic process.

Question 18

What are the different phases of therapy?

Accepted Answer

While these phases may differ slightly depending on your problem, this is a general progression for the large majority of clients I treat.
Intro Phase
Introduction and gathering information, discussing housekeeping stuff (like confidentiality, paperwork, what to expect, how to sign into the online therapy platform, etc.), and finally creating your therapy plan together…
Psychoeducation Phase
We’ll get you up to speed on what you’re dealing with; you’ll learn about your diagnosis and treatment. The focus here is separating and understanding what aspects are treatable and to what extent.
You also gain some basic understanding of neuropsychology and the nervous system. Don’t worry: This “brain and body stuff” isn’t as daunting as it sounds.
Basically, this phase is the education piece that builds the framework for treatment. In the field, it’s called psychoeducation.
Therapeutic Phase
In this phase, you’ll find relief. Now that we know what we’re working with, how we are going to work, and have some basic understanding of how the brain and body respond in these conditions, you’ll be ready to start turning the dial on the problems you are having.
Together, we’ll explore what interventions are most helpful for you specifically. You’ll almost immediately see a difference!
Application and Troubleshooting Phase
Now that you have acquired effective tools, our sessions will focus on using those tools for self-treatment. We’ll also continue to monitor any symptoms that might arise during or between sessions.
You will notice a substantial difference in symptoms. They might not all be gone in this phase, but you’ll see your progress toward recovery.
Maintenance and Relapse Prevention Phase
Once you’re effectively navigating symptoms and difficulties such that you’re experiencing improvement in your life, you will enter the final phase of our journey together.
In this stage, we implement practices designed to sustain your progress and your recovery gains. We explore potential relapse triggers and equip you with strategies to manage and prevent them.

Question 19

What styles do you use in your client work?

Accepted Answer

This is a fun one! If you recognize ANY of this, it’s likely because you either work in the field or have read about a certain type of treatment you need. Most people will just see a list of words and letters here!
I use a combination of techniques from major therapies and stand-alone treatments. This includes but is not limited to:
CBT – Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
CFCBT – Compassion-Focused CBT
MBSR – Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
ERP – Exposure and Response Prevention
DBT – Dialectic Behavioral Therapy
ST – Somatic Therapy
ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Experiential Therapy
Nervous System Regulation and Training
Emotion Regulation
Neuropsychology

Question 20

How do I know when I'm done with therapy?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but we’ll generally aim for a period of time that’s appropriate to achieve your goals.
Of course, you can end therapy whenever you want to!

Question 21

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

I’m glad you asked!
Book your free 15-minute consultation here.

Question 22

How do I login to the members area?

Accepted Answer

To login to your members area, just head to the booking page and hit "Log In" at the top. Alternatively, you can find the login button in the website footer.

FAQ