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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

“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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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