Frequently Asked Questions

Coastal Counseling & Wellness uses SimplePractice for scheduling patients, data forms, and billing. SimplePractice has a HITRUST Certification (CSF) which holds the highest levels of privacy, security, and compliance measures.

First, you will need to provide your first name, last name, and email address.  This will allow us to electronically send you our privacy forms, consent forms, payment information, and questionnaires. We require these forms to be completed before our scheduled appointment.  

If client is a minor, both parents must sign the consent form for treatment. However, if you have legal court documentation that states otherwise please bring it in with you during your first appointment. 

New clients can call 727.424.4661 or email ccw@coastalcounselingandwellness.com to start the process and schedule their first appointment.

Existing clients will have a member portal that they can schedule future appointments or call.  If your link has expired, call or email for the link to be resent.

Client may cancel appointment via e-mail, voice call, in person, or by voicemail. If the cancellation is done at least 24 hours in advance of the appointment, there will be no charge for the cancellation.  If less than 24 hours, the charge is price of your session.  Please note, reminder calls/texts are a courtesy and keeping appointment times is the responsibility of the client. If an appointment is missed the client will be charged for that session.   

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic process. State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain strict confidentiality, with the following exceptions:

• Suspected abuse or neglect (past or present) of children, adults, or elders.
• Situations where the therapist has reason to believe the client is at serious risk of self-harm or harm to others.
• If subpoenaed by a judge in a court of law.

Please note, I do not participate in court cases or legal battles. If subpoenaed, higher fees will be charged to cover my time. It is recommended to seek a therapist who specializes in such cases.

In some cases, you may wish for your therapist to share information with another party, such as a physician, healthcare provider, or family member. No information will be released without your explicit written consent, as required by law.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result from distressing life experiences. An adaptive information processing (AIP) model is used to help heal the brain.  Our brains can heal naturally by updating our neuropathways when reviewing the past trauma and using bilateral stimulations such as eye movements.  

What is EMDR? – EMDR Institute – EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING THERAPY 

Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a form of psychotherapy with roots in existing evidence-based therapies.  It is the use of eye movements to reprogram distressing memories or images.

Click here to learn more: Accelerated Resolution Therapy - Treating Trauma 

We use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with pre-marital, marital, and couples counseling.  

 What is EFT? (iceeft.com) 

Brainspotting is the use of eye movements which may be used with or without bilateral sounds.   The eye positions (Brainspots) where the trauma, anxiety, depression or behavioral problems are held in the brain. This technique allows the brain to process healing. 

Click here to learn more: https://youtu.be/lm3Plvaf3UE

We use Prepare Enrich with pre-marital, marital, and couples counseling.  The cost is $100 for the assessment and first session.  The additional sessions will be at the normal rates thereafter.  The assessment will include your strengths and areas to strengthen in your relationship.

 About - PREPARE/ENRICH - Purpose, Mission, Values (prepare-enrich.com) 

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Specific training for the treatment of trauma (deeply distressing or disturbing experience).  Once certified the clinician is required to maintain a minimum of 12 clock hours of continuing education training in specific trauma assessment and treatment topics.

 Certified Clinical Trauma Professional- CCTP. Evergreen Certifications.

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certification Standards. Evergreen Certifications.

As a believer in Christ who follows the Bible rather than a specific religion, I offer biblical integration in therapy sessions upon request. My approach is rooted in both professional counseling principles and biblical truth, allowing clients to explore faith-based perspectives as part of their healing journey. I received biblical integration training during my master's program at Liberty University and am happy to incorporate scripture, prayer, or Christian principles into therapy for those who desire it.

If you're interested in learning more about my church, feel free to check out  theChapel – Home | Trinity FL.