FAQs

Online counseling is awesome!

My online program will automatically send a link to your email, and all you have to do is open it up! It’s really that easy!

If you’re on your phone, you’ll be instructed to download an app for easier use (but you can still use your browser if you want).

I try my best to work around your schedule.

That means I do evenings and weekends in addition to daytime hours.

Sessions are 50-55 minutes long.

I usually work with a range from about 13-45; however, there’s always wiggle room.

If you can’t make it to an appointment and you don’t cancel with me ahead of time (with at least 12 hours’ notice), you will be charged the full price of the session.

That being said, emergencies happen. If there is a surprise health or family issue, I understand and would try to reschedule within the week.

There is so much to learn and so much for you to tell me!

DBT is amazing because it combines talk therapy (one session per week) and a skills session (the other weekly session) in which you learn new ways of coping with and looking at the world.

Some people want to learn skills in the group setting, but some want to learn the skills individually. That will be up to you and up to the availability of space in a group.

In a skills session, you’ll assume the role of a student. You’ll either purchase a book or receive handouts from me. You’ll learn about being present in the moment, having successful relationships, dealing with stress, and controlling your emotions (instead of letting them control you). We’ll go through each of these topics in sections.

No. If you don’t want to do comprehensive DBT and are looking for a more traditional therapy, then you’ve got it!

Learning new ways to deal with things in session is good, BUT what good will it do if you can’t use it in real-life situations?

Phone coaching allows you to call me between sessions when you’re facing a really difficult life situation, and you need help to use your new ways of coping. I’m here for you!

We will talk all about the details and guidelines for phone coaching in our first session.

Yes! You are welcome to just learn DBT skills with me either individually or in the group (depending on available space).

Call me at (609) 373-2378 or email me at christina@cumminscounseling.com. We can set up an appointment right off the bat or schedule a free initial phone consultation.

Before we schedule a session, I provide this call for you to ask any questions and make sure we are a good fit. You can tell me about yourself and what you’re looking for in a therapist.

YES! I have many years working the LGBTQIA population, and I love it. Don’t know what all the letters mean? No worries! Give me a ring; we can talk all about it!

No. I work with people to change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

If you’re working with me and want to explore medication, I would be happy to put you in touch with someone authorized to write prescriptions.

Well, maybe!

You might hear my amazing, beautiful, and LOUD dog bark from time to time, or you might have a family member walk into the room.

On rare occasions, technology will give us grief.

But we will use your newfound DBT skills and work through it! The convenience and comfort outweigh the occasional interruption by far.

No. You tell me what you need to.

Sometimes, this means we need to talk about something that’s painful or uncomfortable for you. But I’m unashamedly asking for you to trust that it will be worth it and that we will only go there once you have all the skills you need to deal with the pain.

No, but you should know the rules about what I’m legally obligated to report (or lose my job if I don’t).

If you let me know that you or someone else is in danger either from themselves or another person, I have to tell someone.

Have you picked up on it yet?! A hardcore dog vote!

That said, I’m a sucker for all pet/owner loving relationships. Spending time with a lovable furry friend is one of my favorite ways to relax.