FAQ

Where are you located?

Through online therapy, you can participate in your therapy session from the comfort of your own home or any private space in the state of Tennessee.

We’ll work together online, so all you need is access to Wi-Fi and a device. It’s that SIMPLE!

What are your hours?

I have appointments available Monday through Thursday during the day and in the evening.

The best way to discuss available appointments is to call me and schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation: (615) 219-9932.

How do I set up an initial appointment?

There are several ways to get in touch with me – to schedule a free 20-minute consultation (which many clients like to do) or schedule a first appointment:

Call me at (615) 219-9932. Please feel free to leave me a voicemail on my confidential messaging system if I am unavailable to answer the phone in person. I will return your call by the end of the day.
Email me at oliviagibson@soarcounselingservices.com.
Fill out the Contact Form at the bottom of the page, and I will get in touch with you within 24 hours.

If you’re ready to get started, let’s book that consultation now.

How do I pay?

Once we both decide that we will be working together, I will give you access to your own client portal that has bank-level security. You can load your credit, debit, FSA, or HSA card for payment… then you won’t have to think about it again! Each session will be automatically billed without having to discuss payment every time.

Do you take insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider, which means I do not accept insurance directly. There are two primary reasons for this:

The first is to protect your privacy and to be able to make treatment decisions based on your specific and individual needs rather than what an insurance company specifies.

The second is that to bill insurance I must provide a mental health diagnosis. Many people seek treatment before their issue would meet the criteria for diagnosis as a mental health disorder, which is exactly what you should do!

Many insurance companies will reimburse a portion of your out-of-network costs. If you would like to seek reimbursement on your own, I am happy to provide the necessary paperwork to file. Regardless of the reimbursement claim outcome, payment in full is due at the time of service.

Are there forms I have to fill out prior to beginning therapy?

Yes. These will be sent to you electronically upon scheduling your first appointment. Filling out paperwork prior to session allows us to start talking about you right away.

What is your cancellation policy?

I ask for a 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule your session to avoid you being charged the full fee. I am easily reachable by email or phone if you need to adjust any of your sessions.

With what types of clients do you work?

I work with women who are 18 years or older, and they come to see me for various reasons.

Some come in reporting anxiety, depression, or difficulty managing life’s ups and downs. They seek relief and to get their life back in control.

Some are facing significant life decisions and are confused about which path to take.

Some want help with their relationships or to heal a wound from an old relationship that continues to bring pain.

And others can’t quite put their finger on it but report a general restlessness or dissatisfaction and want to bring more joy, clarity, or meaning to their life.

How often do I need to come to therapy?

Typically, clients start out by coming to therapy once per week… then may gradually reduce the frequency of sessions after discussing progress, symptoms, and remaining goals with the therapist.

Many people enjoy coming to therapy and may wish to continue the process for months or years. Others come with a more specific issue and may feel that a shorter time is appropriate.

I always want my clients to feel comfortable talking about how therapy is progressing.

How long before I get better?

The therapeutic process is different for everyone. It is important to know that healing certain wounds and tackling chronic challenges can take time, and it can be especially painful in the beginning.

Some people start feeling better after their first session. For others, it may take some time. Either way, I will be able to help you further understand what your particular therapy process might entail and be there to support you along the way.

Is therapy hard?

You may know the familiar saying, “If it were easy, everybody would be doing it.” But I imagine that there is a part of you that refuses to surrender to the “normal” you are living; otherwise, you probably wouldn’t be reading this right now.

Maybe your past ways of living that have kept you successful, happy, and moving forward are no longer working. That means it’s time to find the change you seek. This can be hard. But I don’t believe it’s as hard as it would be to continue down the current unhappy path.

Do you work with other treatment providers?

Yes. During your initial session, I will ask you if you have any other providers with whom you would like me to communicate (e.g., physicians, psychiatrists, body workers, physical therapists, dieticians, former therapists, treatment centers, etc.).

If so, I will ask you to sign a “Release of Information” form so that I may speak with these providers regarding your care.

What are you like?

Clients I work with often tell me how much they appreciate my empathy and openness, mixed with being knowledgeable and focused. My husband tells me I’m the most balanced person he’s met (on most days), while colleagues share that I am insightful and a good teacher and leader.

Are you licensed?

Yes, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the State of Tennessee and Kentucky. I am also registered in Florida as an out-of-state telehealth provider.

Florida Telehealth Department Page http://www.flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/

What is your professional training?

I have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from Lipscomb University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Western Kentucky University. I have worked in various settings helping adults, teens, and children with anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, and other mental illnesses. I have had the privilege of working directly with clients and directing a counseling center in the Nashville area.

I believe in using ways to help you that have actually been proven by research to work. It is important to me that I know how to help you. Here are some of the specific trainings/certifications I have:

Certified Clinical Telehealth Provider
Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional
Onsite Experiential Training Institute
Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency Certified
Trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)
Matrix Model

Unless you are in the counseling field, most of that is mumbo jumbo but, if that’s your thing, I am happy to give you more information and answer any additional questions.

What’s your thing with birds anyways?

So… my deal with birds…

They are so carefree. They sing, soar, play…

Even after bearing a nasty storm, they come out again with a beautiful song. I have done my own work in therapy and find I am a much better person and therapist for it. Going through my own storm, I have come out SOARING and believe we all have the potential to find this.

I have a particular affinity for hummingbirds. But if you ask me about it, I promise I won’t geek out on you too much!