As a clinical counselor I find great importance in my clients having an open understanding of not only how I go about doing counseling but also what I’m treating them for. In regards to diagnosing, I do have the ability to diagnose and will absolutely do so if I find it necessary. But, it is more often than not that I don’t need to. Here’s why.

While a diagnosis can be helpful for treatment in some cases, I’ve found too many people allowing a diagnosis (whether self-diagnosed or professionally) to become their identity. If a diagnosis becomes part of one’s identity I want to make sure it does not hinder growth or serve as an excuse to continue living in discontent or dysfunction. I do not want anxiety, depression, ADD, ADHD, OCD, or anything else to be such a part of who you are that you don’t see beyond a disorder to who you are in Christ. Because, who you are in Christ is your first means of defining yourself.

Many people do not fit all conditions for a diagnosis. So although you may feel a tendency to struggle with symptoms of a diagnosis, you may or may not check all boxes for a formal diagnosis. THAT’S OK! We can still use symptoms as a way to brainstorm your treatment. It does not have to be overlooked just because you don’t fit the full criteria. It’s still a useful part of therapy.

I don’t take insurance. I know I’m revealing some of the inner workings of my administration right now but not taking insurance relieves me of the burden to feel like I have to fit you into a box (which I might add, is also unethical anyway). I want to help you and your situation with or without a formal diagnosis.

So the bottom line is, YES, I can diagnose, and in some cases it is useful and even necessary. I am not against it at all. If that is the case, know that I will always have an open and honest conversation with you about what that may be and why. It is healthy to be informed and to be able to tailor goals and treatment. But, in many cases, it isn’t necessary.

Let’s normalize that counseling can be for everyone whether you fit into a diagnostic box or not. Because many people just need a safe place to share with a person who is non-biased to their situation.

If you are a woman living in North Carolina and are interested in working through some things with a counselor I’d love to have a conversation with you to see if counseling would be a good fit. Take a moment to go to the website and fill out the new client contact form. I get in touch with you to schedule a call.

Considering Tele-therapy?

Christian Mom Counseling provides professional counseling via virtual teletherapy for women located in the state of North Carolina. We utilize real-time video to have sessions with women all over the state of NC. There are multiple reasons why and here are a few:

  1. As a mom of three, I understand the difficulty of scheduling and making time for myself. I’ve found that many other mothers who are in the early childhood stage of motherhood find scheduling online sessions easier and more feasible. Save time on travel and sitters and schedule online.
  2. You can attend your session even if you are sick without the risk of exposing anyone else!
  3. It’s a good option if you live in a remote area that makes finding a counselor close to you difficult.
  4. My primary specialty is faith-based Christian Counseling. That being said, many of my clients have commented on their inability to find counselors who claim to be Christian and include faith as a major part of the client’s healing and recovery.
  5. Virtual Counseling is here to stay and studies have shown that in many cases tele-therapy can be equally as effective. You will always hear me recommend in person interpersonal connections (family, friends, church, small groups, and other forms of deep relationships with others) but online counseling can provide many of the same advantages of in-person counseling.

If you’ve been wondering if tele-therapy would be a good fit I’d love to hear from you! Click the button below to form to schedule a free phone consultation: