What is counseling like?

What to expect in a counseling session.

To the reader-

More than just listening, expect to be engaged in a process of finding a much deeper understanding of your struggle. Your engagement will lead into actively healing it in session. Healing isn’t about knowing what you ought to feel or believe, as most hurting people already know the “right answers.” God does more than tell us the truth when it comes to our struggles, He also wants to be with us in the places of our deepest pain. Understand God has made our nervous systems, like our bodies, to have the capacity to heal. I will help you lean into an experiential process, meaning you will engage in-the-moment corrective experiences which allow your nervous system to recover. Couples can expect this powerful healing to be experienced together, allowing connection and restoration of relationship. Know that true healing doesn’t come from talking about healing. Instead, it comes from actively engaging the healing process. Counseling together will help you do just that.

-Shaun Lotter

In-Person & Online Appointments.

Having options is great, especially when it comes to getting help. You can choose to meet with Shaun either online (powered by Simple Practice) or in person at the Springfield, Missouri office. Whichever option you choose, you can expect the same engaging, high quality counseling experience.

 

This button will redirect you to the Simple Practice scheduling page, used for booking appointments. You can specify online or in-person preference there.

Understanding Informed Consent

At Lotter Christian Counseling we believe it is important you be informed in writing about the practice, its policies, and services before you decide to consent to counseling services with us. We call this informed consent. This is our written informed consent document and terms of service. As a part of best practices, a copy of our current policies is provided here for your review.

 FAQs

  • Online or in-person, counseling services for the individual or couple on any presenting issue: individual, marital, infidelity, sexual addiction, and trauma.

    50 mins | $175

  • Claims can be submitted to your insurance provider based on your out-of-network benefits for counseling. We are not an in-network provider. Please note fees for service are due in full at the time services are provided. Any insurance benefits will be paid directly to the client as they come in the form of reimbursement. We utilize an electronic claims submission software which most insurance companies accept and will require you to enter your insurance information via our Demographics Form if you wish us to submit on your behalf. In the event your insurance does not accept our electronic submissions, you will be provided with billing invoices containing all the necessary information for you to submit for reimbursement directly with your insurance company.

    Unfortunately, most insurance companies operate under a medical-disease model, meaning they require individuals to be diagnosed with a mental health condition to be eligible for counseling coverage. The vast majority of our clients are not mentally ill, they are simply dealing with life issues. As such, many of our clients could not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Additionally, clients should be aware such medical diagnosis can impact future endeavors, such as attempts to serve in the military or law-enforcement, applications for life insurance, among others.

    IMPORTANT: Lotter Christian Counseling has no control over reimbursement you may or may not receive from your insurance provider should you choose to submit claims. This is completely under the control of your medical benefits provider.

  • This depends on the presenting issue and your goals in counseling. It is safe, however, to anticipate in most cases a minimum commitment of 3-6 months.

  • Session frequency is dependent on a client’s presenting issue and changes over the course of treatment. For example, a couple in the midst of significant marital conflict such as infidelity, can anticipate more frequent sessions, especially in the beginning of treatment. This could mean sessions at the rate of 1-3 times per week. However, as progress is made, they can move to one session every one or two weeks.

    For less intense struggles, typically counseling is set up as one session every week to two weeks.

  • In many cases, counseling is initiated by one spouse while the other is hesitant. If your spouse is not ready to attend sessions, this can be disappointing for you, but it in no way means your healing journey cannot begin. You can start healing today by doing individual counseling, and your healing has direct benefit and impact on your marriage. Choosing to engage in your own work moves you from being powerless and stuck to taking back your life.