FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Getting Started

Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes! I offer a free 15-minute consultation call so we can briefly discuss what brings you to therapy and make sure we're a good fit before you book a full session.

How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule by calling my Mind and Body Solutions scheduler at (804) 322-9112, emailing me directly at kimberly@sereneseascounseling.com, or using the booking link on this site.

What can I expect in a first session?
Our first session is a chance to get to know each other. We'll talk through what's bringing you to therapy, your history and goals, and what you're hoping to get out of our work together. There's no pressure to have it all figured out — we'll go at your pace.

Logistics & Telehealth

Do you offer in-person or telehealth sessions?
All sessions are offered via telehealth, so you can meet with me from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

What states or countries do you see clients in?
I currently see clients in Virginia and Washington, D.C., and I am opening my practice soon to clients in the Ojochal area of Costa Rica.

How long are sessions, and how often will we meet?
Standard sessions are 50 minutes. For couples and pre-marital counseling, I also offer extended 80-minute sessions. Frequency is based on your needs and can range from multiple times a week to monthly check-ins — we'll figure out what makes sense together.

Cost & Insurance

Do you accept insurance?
I am out-of-network with insurance providers, which means I operate on a private-pay basis. However, I'm happy to provide a superbill upon request, which you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a session. If you're more than 10 minutes late to a session without letting me know in advance by email, the session will be closed.

The Therapy Process

What therapy approaches do you use?
I draw from a range of approaches depending on your needs and goals, including talk therapy, DBT, TF-CBT, TF-DBT, Family Systems and structural approaches, and — for younger clients — online play therapy and Minecraft therapy.

Is everything I share confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy, and what you share stays private, with a few limited legal exceptions (such as risk of harm to yourself or others) that I'll review with you at the start of our work together.

Specific to Your Practice

What age groups do you work with?
I work with clients across the lifespan — from childhood through adulthood — as well as couples and families.

What is Minecraft therapy?
Minecraft therapy uses the game as a comfortable, low-pressure setting for connection and growth — especially helpful for kids and teens who find traditional talk therapy intimidating or who naturally express themselves better through play and creativity.

Are you affirming of LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and immigrant clients?
Yes. I work from a social justice, allyship, and anti-racist framework, and I welcome clients of all racial, cultural, gender, and sexual identities.

Have a question that isn't answered here? Contact me at (804) 322-9112 or kimberly@sereneseascounseling.com — I'm happy to help.