Personal Consultations with Parents

Information

John Is  NOT   Available for Consultations with Parents At This Time: Please check back.

As of January 2013, I am taking on new clients. My private practice is limited to consultations with parents concerning home- and/or school-based behavior problems, school performance issues, and developmental issues. I do not do what might be considered “therapy.” I do not administer tests, diagnose, bill or otherwise communicate with insurance companies, perform marriage counseling, or hold sessions with children. If I conclude, after talking with the parent or parents, that a child would possibly benefit from counseling, an evaluation, or some form of therapy, I will make an appropriate referral.

I employ a short-term consultation or coaching model. Under typical circumstances, I hold an initial session with a child’s parent or parents during which I assess the nature and extent of the problem and make preliminary recommendations. Two to four follow-up sessions are usually held in order to “fine tune” the disciplinary approach and stabilize the situation. My aim is to help parents solve immediate problems and develop an overall disciplinary approach that will prevent future problems.

For persons who can’t make the drive to my office in Gastonia, NC, I am willing to hold sessions via Skype or Facetime. Most sessions last approximately one hour, but the initial session may be somewhat longer. I do not “stack” clients so the time I can devote to any individual client is flexible. No one will be rushed out the door.

Prior to the initial session, I talk to the parent or parents by phone and ask them to provide me, via email, with a typed summary of the problem. There is no charge for that phone call or the time I take familiarizing myself with the situation prior to the actual first appointment.