FAQ
Where is the office located?
I have two offices.
On Monday and Wednesday, I am at:
9025 Overlook Blvd, Suite 200 Brentwood, TN 37027
On Thursday and Friday, I am at:
4119 Gallatin Pike Nashville, TN 37216
You will receive a door code when you make an appointment for this location.
Where do I park?
You can park in the private parking lot in front of office.
Is your office handicapped-accessible?
Yes!
What are your office hours?
My office hours are Monday and Wednesday 10-6, Thursday and Friday 9-5.
How long is a typical session?
60 minutes
What do I need to do to get started?
Call or email me to make an appointment.
What is the hourly fee?
Individuals = $125/hour
Couples = $175/hour
Limited sliding-scale options are available.
How do I pay?
You can pay with Cash, Check, Venmo, or IvyPay.
Do you accept insurance?
No.
Can you help me file my insurance?
Yes, I can provide a superbill.
How do I make an appointment?
You can email or call me with your preferred day and location, and I will let you know my next available time slot.
Are there other things I should know about your office?
There is a common waiting area for all the therapists in the building. Please sit and make yourself comfortable, and I will come get you when it is time for your appointment.
Can I cancel an appointment?
Of course. I ask that you give me at least a 24-hour advance notice of a cancellation when possible.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
I do. If you cancel your appointment under 24 hours or if you do not show up, you are responsible for the full fee of a missed appointment.
This is designed to be respectful of my time and add accountability to your commitment.
Please give me a 24-hour advance notice of cancellation. If it is a family emergency or unexpected illness, I understand and will certainly work something out to ensure your continuity of care.
What is a free initial phone consultation?
It means that you can speak with me free of charge for up to 15 minutes before the first session.
This allows you to get a feel for how we would work together and if what I have to offer is a good fit for you.
Who is your perfect client?
My perfect client is someone who is motivated but lost.
I want a client, who feels a pull toward something more and wants to work through the blocks that have kept them from living their fullest life.
What age range of clients with whom you work?
I work with clients 16 years of age and up.
Do you work with men? Women? Couples? Adolescents?
I work with all genders over the age of 16. I also do couples work and specialize in working with people who have alternative relationship styles.
Are you LGBTQIA friendly?
Yes! I am proudly part of and serve the LGBTQIA community.
Do you work with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions?
I welcome everyone, including people of any race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity or presentation, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and citizen status.
What can I expect in the first session?
The first session is typically spent gathering information that you feel is pertinent to your story and the work you want to do in therapy.
If you are unsure of where to start, I will help you with guiding questions. It is normal to be nervous!
How long will I be in therapy?
It depends. It is tailored to your goals and needs.
Does anyone cry in front of you?
Yes, it is often cathartic and a sign of trust and release. While it is normal and common, it is not expected or required.
Do I have to tell you everything?
No, but I can only work with what you tell me.
What you disclose is at your discretion; but the benefit of therapy is that it is a safe, confidential place where you can share knowing your story is safe and protected not only by my personal desire to provide a safe place, but by the ethical rules of the counseling field.
Who benefits from therapy?
Everyone benefits from therapy.
Is there anyone you won’t see?
I do not see children under the age of 13.
Do you offer video or phone sessions?
Yes, I offer doxy.me sessions. It is a HIPAA-compliant video session program.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Sometimes, you know right off the bat. Other times, it takes a session or two to figure that out.
If it doesn’t feel like a good fit, you are under no obligation to continue with me.
Are you a Christian counselor?
No.
Is our work confidential?
Yes, always. The few limits of confidentiality will be addressed in session.
Do couples fight in front of you?
Occasionally, but we work through it collaboratively.
Do you take sides?
No! The couple is my client, and I create an alliance with the relationship.
What are your strengths as a therapist?
I am a thorough and empathic listener, I can “see” your story with a bird’s eye view, so that I can help you “see” the connections.
I am comfortable sitting in the darkest, scariest, most painful emotions and can guide you to those places that you need to go, so you don’t have to do it alone.
What do you enjoy about being a therapist?
I enjoy being with people in their darkest moments as a companion and guide.
Watching people learn to nurture and heal themselves is beautiful.
Have you been in therapy yourself?
Yes, and I continue to go to therapy.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and a Masters in Counseling.
What is the best way to get in touch with you?
Phone (601) 259-3827
or email laurenrussellcounseling@gmail.com
– please leave a voicemail if you call.
Do you prescribe medications?
No.
Are you licensed?
I have my temporary license and am working toward full licensure.
Do you take notes?
Yes, because it helps me remember what you say and track our progress.