FAQ: An Interview with Jennifer 

Please take a moment to read this before hiring Jennifer

How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be a Counselor and Coach?

To answer this story, it's probably best that I give you a personal look at what got me to where I am today, counseling and coaching people just like you who want to end their emotional setbacks like depression, anxiety and fear, consistently, and usually medication free.

That defining moment in my life happened in 2003. For years prior, I had been on medication after medication for my depression; I was originally diagnosed in 1996 while attending Texas Tech University. I had managed my depression and anxiety mostly through the use of medications and talk therapy up to that point. I felt ok, but not near what I felt my potential was. I felt doomed to a life of despair, sadness, hopeless, and an immense amount of powerlessness and anger.

One day, while driving home from the Psychiatrist's office in a town an hour away where I'd just received yet another prescription to the bunch for Bipolar II Disorder, I had a deep calm and peace come over me, and I knew instantly that I wouldn't fill the prescription, and I wouldn't ever take the prescription again.  I knew, without having full details in that moment, that something bigger would help me through this turmoil.  I cried the entire way home while talking to my husband, telling him how I KNEW; I just KNEW there was something more. This couldn't be my lot in life... not taking so many medications and still feeling so horrible each and everyday!  I told him, "That's it! I quit! I'm not taking these pills, and I'm not going to live this life anymore! I've had it." That scared him.

See, years prior, when I told him, "I quit," that meant - I quit my life. But this time was different. I felt a power well up in me, and I knew that I was going to be able to find an alternative way. And I did.

At that very moment, I made a commitment to immerse myself in absolutely every book, study, report, and piece of literature I could find. I read every book on treating depression naturally I could get my hands on. I took every seminar that was available. I essentially decided that, although I was already viewed as an expert by many, I would be a different KIND of expert. I would become the expert on treating depression naturally (something I hadn't been doing in my practice).  And, I'd be brutally honest about my journey, so others could be brutally honest about theirs.

Lo and behold, in less than 3 months, I felt 100% better than I'd ever felt before, and I wasn't taking a single, solitary medication. My life was flipped upside down - in a good way!

During the process, I had an epiphany! The thing I enjoyed MOST about the way I felt is that I was able to REALLY help my own patients in their own recovery. I was passing on the information I knew was working for me (and many others), and I was seeing my patients change quicker, and stay feeling better.

Before long, I was telling everyone I knew about my story and the success I was having. My friends noticed a change in me, and so did my family. They would say, "What are you doing that is making you seem as if you are alive again? You look great, and I can tell you FEEL great, too!" I'd give my patients two or three things they could do, and in no time at all, they were saying, "Jennifer, this is the best I've felt in YEARS!"

I have since made a commitment to dedicate my professional practice to helping those with depression, anxiety, anger, fear, guilt and any other emotional hardship, and break FREE from their own choke-hold of pain, in record time. Since then, I've worked with many patients, spoken to many about this process, and developed a system of support that WORKS.

How are you different from other Counselors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Coaches?

The lines between Counselor and Coach are quite gray in my practice.  However, there is a difference between the two.  As a Counselor, I work with individuals who have a DSM Statistical Manual of Diagnosable Disorders.  As a Coach, I work with individuals who, although they may have been diagnosed with a disorder in the past, they are currently either in remission or do not acknowledge the label set forth in the DSM Statistical Manual.  For example, while I was diagnosed with Depression in the past, but I currently have no symptoms to speak of, that would require a DSM Diagnosis.  This type of scenario would be best suited for a Coaching relationship.

I work with you from a "whole life" perspective, which can and often does include life and business management.  My personal theoretical style of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy are used with BOTH my counseling clients and my coaching clients.  My style of coaching and counseling intersects each other often.

I am a Licensed Psychotherapist in the State of Texas (LPC), a National Certified Coach (NCC) and a Life Coach.  I will provide you deep-rooted therapy, when you need it.  But if you've talked about your past traumas many times before, I don't see a need to keep you talking about those times more.  I want you to have emotional well-being, and that means moving forward.  That's where my solution-focused therapy is very handy - I create action plans for change. My training, experience, and purpose help you through your emotional setbacks, and I am narrowly focused on those issues. I've become an expert on helping you get to your True Self - the core of who you are, your spirit, your authentic self - and that's why my clients get great results.

How do I know if I should receive counseling or if I should receive coaching?

As I mentioned previously, the line between coaching and counseling is gray.  If you have been diagnosed with a disorder such as depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or ADHD, then you’ll want to explore counseling.  However, we may find that before long, our counseling relationship transfers quite nicely into a coaching relationship.  As we begin sessions together, I will conduct a full assessment of the situation and let you know my professional opinion of whether coaching or counseling is right for you. 

On the other hand, if you know specifically what you want (a new job, leave your marriage, parenting help, relationship assistance with your coworkers), these issues are clearly a coaching matter because they aren’t presented with a diagnosable disorder to speak of.  We’ll hit the ground running with your specific goals for change in mind.

As you begin your journey with I Choose Change, I'll assess your needs and we’ll create an action plan based upon your needs, your wants, and your goals.  Your concerns may be more deep-rooted in trauma from the past or it may be rooted in depression and anxiety that seems to stem from nowhere in particular.  Whatever the case, I'll create an action plan with you. 

What are your areas of expertise?

It is important that you feel like you’re getting the best counseling or coaching experience.  To be sure, here are my areas of expertise:

• Depression and Bipolar
• Anxiety and Stress
• Anger and Fear
• Chronic Dissatisfaction
• Business and Marketing Development
• Career Satisfaction
• Emotional Turmoil Associated with Trauma
• Spiritual Wellness and Development
  

How quickly can I expect results?

Obviously, this depends on how dedicated and open you are to the work you’re given. That said, virtually all clients see results within the first few weeks in the form of emotional relief, more business productivity, home balance and stability, and fuller, healthier habits all around.

Most clients see results very quickly when they are dedicated to seeing change, open to the process, diligent with assignments, and absolutely, 100% unshakable in their conviction to feel better, no matter what. For clients who embrace the process and the assignments to help move you along, progress is made quickly and without fail. In fact, we often tell clients.

How can I guarantee that I'll won't ever feel this way again?

Let's be clear. You will not eliminate not your sad feelings, anxious feelings, fearful feelings, angry feelings, or any other negative emotion. Your emotions, no matter if they are positive or negative, provide a vital role in your life. Your emotions are linked to your internal guidance system, letting you know, for example, if you are in real danger. If you are fearful of a gang of strange men running toward you in a dark parking lot, well, then it's normal to be fearful! Your body is sending you emotional cues to take action!

I can assists you in managing are your emotions that are, as I say, "kicked up a notch."  Prolonged sadness becomes depression; prolonged anxiety turns into panic; prolonged guilt becomes shame... you get the picture. You'll learn how to know when your emotions are normal, healthy ones, and when they are definitely not in your best interest, and keeping you stuck.  You CAN expect an END to your depression and anxiety as you know it. 

If you're reading this, you've experienced emotions that are extreme, and you want relief from those... the ones that are "kicked up a notch." I’ll show you how to do that.  This program is well suited for ANYBODY with extreme negative emotions, whether you continue with other treatments or not, such as medication. I’ll explore your options with you, and get you feeling better no matter what. I show you how to manage your extreme negative emotion, and, when you do the work we suggest, eliminate them (really!).

Will I recover my investment?

Stop reading for a moment and think, "What is my emotional well-being worth to me, and what is the average cost in relationships, revenue, and happiness over a lifetime that I'll miss out on?" Chances are, the amount will more than cover your coaching or counseling investment. The information and skills you learn from a self-improvement program that works will give you 100% freedom, courage, fulfillment, and more than enough "umph" to be more productive at home and in your business... that's something to think over.

What you're regularly getting with by working with me is what I call a series of "AHA!" moments that will move you faster than you would on your own. Expect to get a lot of these. That's what you're investing in: results, more productivity, more organization, more happiness, freedom, calm, and happiness, not simply a number of minutes or sessions on the phone with us or a series of assignments.

How will we work together and what does the program entail?

If we agree that my services are a fit for you, you will receive total support from your me via on-demand one-on-one sessions either by telephone or face-to-face, one-on-one personal email between sessions, and a built-in supportive environment (through the I Choose Change Coaching Forum). You will receive every tool and resource I  have, assessments, articles, and reading recommendations. My one-on-one sessions (either via telephone or face-to-face) will help to make sense of everything I give you, get you to setup a plan right away, strategize together to get you moving on the path to finding your Truth, and keep you on track and accountable so that you reach full emotional health and well-being faster than you ever would on your own.

How long is the program?

A coaching or counseling program can be as short or as long as you like; however, I highly recommend a solid time commitment to help keep you on track.  Studies show when clients pay upfront for their sessions, they work harder.  Based on my experience of working with hundreds of clients over the years, it takes at least 3 months for all the material we give, strategies you implement, assignments you complete, books and articles you read, and homework you experience, to really "gel."  I have found that clients who stay with me for shorter lengths of time certainly see change right away, BUT have a difficult time getting the new thoughts, emotions and behaviors to stick. In that short amount of time, we haven’t even begun to discuss spiritual wellness and whole-body wellness.  Their new beliefs that had them moving in a much more positive direction never had a chance to get fully imprinted and working to bring in and keep the happy, calm, productive, and balanced life, consistently.

How do your Telephone, Email or Chat sessions work?

Telephone Sessions

With the need for individuals to be less available face-to-face, the popularity of telephone and internet counseling is on the rise.  The American Psychological Association (APA) concluded that telephone sessions have been shown to be just as effective as face-to-face sessions.  While there are challenges of not being able to see body movement and non-verbals, the use of Solution-Focused Therapy is incredibly helpful in this format (see that full article in the APA here.)  Getting started is easy.  Simply email me directly to setup your session at Jennifer@ichoosechange.com.  The fees are listed below.

Email Sessions

Email counseling or coaching is the easiest method because it allows you to submit your email at your own pace from the comfort of your home, and at a time that is convenient to you.  You can submit as many pages as you’d like with as much detail you’d like.  My response to you will come within 0-24 hours, 7 days per week.  To get started, simply email your intention to engage in an email conversation with me.  Your first email will be your intention and to ask key questions about the process – you won’t be billed for this session.  After that, you will be charged on a per hour basis.  That means you will ONLY be charged for the amount of time it takes me to read and respond to your email, so that means, if the response only takes 10 minutes, you will only be billed $12.50.  You can pay either just prior to sending the email to me, via PayPal, or give me your credit card authorization form to bill you.

Live Chat

Counseling and Coaching via life chat is increasingly more useful, practical, and popular.  I use a chat program that allows me to chat via the platforms of Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk or AOL Instant Messenger.  Just as in face-to-face or telephone sessions, we will decide on a time that works best for us, and login together to have our session.  Our session will be paid in advance via PayPal, or through your credit card authorization form – whichever you prefer.  To initiate Live Chat sessions with me, simply email me at Jennifer@ichoosechange.com and I’ll get you everything you need to get started!

What are your fees?

I combine my coaching strategies and my mental health counseling into every session we have together; I work at bringing you exactly what you need at the moment we’re together. You get the best of both worlds!

My counseling and coaching programs are the same price, with the same structure, since what you’re paying for is my time.  During my time with you, whether in a counseling session or coaching session, you will have full-access to every snippet of information and nugget of knowledge I have to help you. 

There are 3 different options to choose from, depending on how quickly you want to see results, how much time you want to spend speaking with your coach directly, or based on your budget level:

 Do you take insurance?

The real question is, will your insurance company reimburse for my service?  I’ll provide a receipt for every session I have with you.  If the sessions we have therapeutic in nature, and you have a diagnosable issue according to the DSM-IV, then most insurance companies will reimburse and I will be happy to walk you through that entire process so you can get money back from our sessions.

OK, I know which program I want. How do we get started?

Great! Successful people always do one thing different from those who don't have success: they make a decision and take action. Most people make decisions based on their intuition and gut instinct, and since this program resonates with you and feels right, then let's get going.

Here's what you do: Give me a call at 214-547-1318 or email at info@ichoosechange.com and let me know which program will work best for you for the results you want. I’ll setup a day and time to start our counseling or coaching program and you'll receive "Getting Started Welcome Packet" information through email. In that packet, you'll fill out your client information, goals for your home or business, as well as your credit card information. You'll send this back at least 2 days prior to your first call. From the information you give in your packet, we'll customize a plan for you using your goals and where you are in your life right now.  Because you've already given us thorough information in writing, we'll hit the ground running on our first call!

Ok, I'm ready to do this for myself, but I have a couple of questions. Can I call you?

Absolutely! Call 214-547-1318 and setup a get-acquainted call. I am happy to answer any questions about my practice, and I’ll be very honest whether I think this program will work for you.

New Client Paperwork:

Counseling Clients

Coaching Clients