Questions are a part of the process.
Why choose Aligned Counseling and Supervision and Dr. Emily Fornwalt for counseling?
If you’ve read other parts of my page, you already know my areas of expertise. I won’t waste your time reiterating them here. However, if you missed them, check out my page about my professional credentials, as well as my counseling services page. You’ll find lots of details about areas of expertise there. I will add to this a bit more by reflecting on what’s not been mentioned. I am both and educator and a counselor, and this is a unique lens. I have been trained to think like a researcher and educator, as well as a therapist; I constantly try to learn more about the work that I do. This is a unique lens, as counseling does not require a PhD for practice. I will never abandon my desire to learn and will bring that to our sessions. And I will never stop emphasizing, I am fully committed to being real with you. My adolescent clients have taught me the importance of that! I will show up for you during our sessions, and you will not be working through these things alone.
Why choose Aligned Counseling and Supervision and Dr. Emily Fornwalt for supervision or consultation?
In addition to the items mentioned above, I have extensive training in supervision. My PhD training included several courses, as well as experiences in supervision while being supervised. My work as an educator nearly always included a clinical counseling course. I am most proud of feedback I have received from past supervisees and this is highlighted in the anonymous quote from an evaluation:
“Her supervisor style felt genuine and greatly pushed me to learn a lot about [my]self and clients.”
Learning to be a counselor is hard work. Continuing to grow as a counselor is hard work. I assure you if you work with me as a supervisee or consult with me, you will feel respected, supported, and challenged and you will grow. In fact, I probably will, too. That’s why I love this work!
Do you accept insurance?
I am not in-network for any insurance panels. In addition, I do not provide super-bills for out-of-network reimbursement.
How do you take payment?
I use IvyPay, a HIPAA-secure service that does not require me to be in possession of any of your financial information. You receive a text message and sign up by entering your information. I use their service to bill you at the end of each session.
What happens in a consultation?
A consultation is a chance for you to tell me briefly about your concern that brings you to counseling or a little bit about what you want from supervision. We will get to know each other briefly and determine mutually if working together would be a good fit.
What happens in an initial counseling session?
Most clients are nervous the first time they attend counseling. You don’t know what to expect and may have many TV or movie references for what it’s like. Trust me, they’re probably inaccurate. You may think you’re required to tell me ALL the things or that I will ask probing questions to get to the root of everything. That’s not what happens either. We will still be getting to know each other. In our first session, I will gather information about your concerns, their history, what you’d like to get out of counseling, and any other things you think are relevant. We will get a general idea of direction, but it will take us time to get to know each other.
Does attending counseling mean there’s something wrong with me?
Nope! Life transitions are hard and it’s important to have a space where you can get support and make intentional changes. You’re making a choice to put yourself on your priority list and that’s to be celebrated.
How are sessions (supervision, counseling, consulting) conducted?
I use Google Workspace and have signed a Business Associate Agreement with Google to ensure that the services we use are in alignment with HIPAA. I meet via Google Meet for live video sessions.
Isn’t online therapy/supervision/consultation not as good as in person?
I have been doing online therapy since early 2020, after initially spending my career doing in-person therapy. I have not found this to be the case at all. In fact, I think online therapy allows many folks who might not have time or resources to access therapy to attend therapy and get the support they need. I have not found relationships with clients or supervisees any more difficult to build, and provided you have good internet, we are able to see each other quite well. Further, initial research suggests that the counseling relationship online is equivalent to what’s formed in person. That’s encouraging!
I have a question, but it’s not answered here. What should I do?
Please feel free to reach out by emailing me or using my contact information here. In the case of counseling, please include only general information, rather than specifics about why you are seeking support. In the case of seeking supervision or consultation, please don’t share client details via email.