Getting Started and Frequently Asked Questions
Online Marriage, Relationship, and Individual Counseling for Adults Throughout Texas
Starting counseling can feel like a big decision, especially if you are unsure what to expect.
At Hearts Journey Counseling, the process begins with a complimentary 15-minute consultation. This gives us an opportunity to briefly discuss what is bringing you to counseling, answer initial questions, and determine whether my approach may be a good fit for your needs.
Whether you are seeking marriage counseling together or relationship-focused counseling individually, getting started can be simple.
How to Get Started
1. Schedule Your Free Consultation
The first step is a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
During this conversation, you can briefly share what is bringing you to counseling, what you hope to work on, and any questions you have about the process.
This consultation also gives us an opportunity to determine whether my services are appropriate for your needs.
2. Complete Your Intake Forms
If you decide to move forward, you will receive access to a secure client portal where you can complete your intake paperwork before your first appointment.
For couples counseling, both partners may be asked to provide information that helps me better understand your relationship history, current concerns, and goals for counseling.
3. Attend Your First Session
During your first sessions, we will spend time understanding your concerns, identifying patterns that may be contributing to the problem, and discussing what you would like to change.
Together, we will begin developing goals and a practical plan for counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Offer Online Counseling?
Yes.
Hearts Journey Counseling is a fully virtual practice providing telehealth counseling to adults and couples throughout Texas.
Sessions are conducted through a secure video platform, allowing you to attend counseling from the privacy and convenience of your home.
You will need a reliable internet connection and a private location where you feel comfortable speaking openly.
Who Do You Work With?
I primarily work with couples and adults experiencing relationship concerns.
Common reasons clients seek counseling include:
Communication problems
Trust concerns
Affair recovery or betrayal
Intimacy concerns
Boundaries
Attachment patterns
Breakup, separation, or divorce
Major life transitions
Chronic illness affecting a relationship
Feeling lost or disconnected from yourself within a relationship
You may attend counseling as a couple or individually.
What If My Partner Will Not Attend Counseling?
You can still begin counseling individually.
Individual relationship counseling can help you better understand your own needs, communication patterns, boundaries, emotional responses, and relationship concerns even when your partner is not ready to participate.
You cannot control whether another person chooses counseling, but you can begin working on the parts of your relational health that are within your control.
Do You Offer Christian Counseling?
Yes.
Christian counseling is available for individuals and couples who would like their faith incorporated into the counseling process.
Depending on your preferences, sessions may include biblical principles, prayer when appropriate, forgiveness, grace, accountability, relationships, identity, and spiritual growth alongside evidence-informed counseling approaches.
Faith integration is optional and personalized to each client.
What Approaches Do You Use?
My work is relationship-focused and may incorporate:
Relational Life Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Client-centered approaches
Relationship education and skill building
The specific approach will depend on your concerns, goals, and circumstances.
My style is warm and supportive while also being practical and direct when needed.
How Long Are Counseling Sessions?
Standard counseling sessions are approximately 50 minutes.
During your consultation, we can discuss which service is most appropriate for your needs.
How Much Does Counseling Cost?
Individual counseling: 100.00
Couples counseling: 125.00
Hearts Journey Counseling is a private pay practice and does not currently bill traditional health insurance directly.
I also participate with selected Employee Assistance Programs and offer a limited number of reduced-fee opportunities through Open Path Collective.
Availability for reduced fee sessions is limited.
Do You Accept Insurance?
Hearts Journey Counseling does not currently participate directly with traditional health insurance plans.
This allows counseling to remain focused on your goals without treatment decisions being determined by an insurance company.
Some clients may have access to counseling through participating Employee Assistance Programs.
If you are using an EAP benefit, please let me know when scheduling so that eligibility and session information can be reviewed.
What Is Open Path Collective?
Open Path Collective helps connect clients with therapists who offer a limited number of reduced-fee counseling appointments.
I maintain a limited number of Open Path openings as part of my commitment to making counseling more accessible.
Because availability is limited, Open Path openings may not always be available.
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
Appointments are reserved specifically for you.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice.
Appointments canceled with less than the required notice may be subject to a late cancellation or a missed session fee, except when circumstances qualify for an exception under the practice policy.
Full details are provided in your intake paperwork before counseling begins.
How Often Will We Meet?
Many clients begin with weekly sessions so that we can establish momentum and work consistently toward counseling goals.
As progress is made, session frequency may change depending on your needs, goals, availability, and clinical recommendations.
We can discuss this together throughout the counseling process.
How Long Will I Need Counseling?
There is no single timeline that fits every individual or couple.
The length of counseling depends on factors such as your goals, the concerns you are addressing, how long the patterns have been present, and how consistently you are able to apply what you are learning outside of sessions.
We will periodically review your progress and determine together whether your counseling plan needs to change.
Is Marriage Counseling Only for Couples in Crisis?
No.
Some couples begin counseling during a major crisis, while others come because they have noticed increasing distance, communication problems, recurring conflict, or changes in intimacy.
Couples may also seek counseling proactively during transitions such as marriage, pregnancy, becoming parents, career changes, retirement, or other major life changes.
You do not have to wait until the relationship feels unbearable before asking for support.
Can Counseling Help After an Affair?
Counseling can provide a structured space for couples who are trying to understand and respond to the impact of infidelity.
Affair recovery may involve processing hurt, increasing honesty and transparency, rebuilding emotional safety, addressing relationship patterns, and determining what each partner needs moving forward.
Counseling does not require a couple to make an immediate decision about whether to stay together.
Ready to Take the First Step?
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
Your consultation is simply an opportunity for us to talk briefly about what you are experiencing and whether Hearts Journey Counseling may be a good fit.
Hearts Journey Counseling PLLC
Online Marriage & Relationship Counseling in Texas
Cassandra@heartsjourneycounseling.com