FAQ

Where is the office located?

My office is located near nine-mile station. It’s convenient for my clients to make a seamless commute from all over the metro area.

GPS the location for yourself and see how I’m just a stone’s throw away.

2851 South Parker Road, Suite 974Aurora, CO 80014

Or virtually.

Where do I park?

Plenty of parking in the secure three-story parking structure or right outside the parking garage.

Is your office handicap-accessible?

Yes.

What are your office hours?

I’m always open online or flexible for in-person sessions.

It’s just a conversation, and we can make it work. I’m not a superhero, but I am super passionate about helping.

How long is a typical session?

On average, my sessions are 50 minutes but can go up to 90 minutes at your discretion.

What do I do to get started and make an appointment?

Call/text (719) 749-6860 or email me at richard@bluelotuscounselingandcoaching.com for a 15-minute complimentary phone consultation or schedule an in-person session.

What is the hourly fee?

This varies based on the type of session, but the range is from $90-150 per session.

How do I pay?

Easy question. You can pay me by credit card, cash, HSA, FSA, or check.

In fact, I’m so flexible you can use PayPal, Google Wallet, or other online methods of payments.

Do you accept insurance?

I am out of network, but I can offer a superbill that many of my clients find super convenient for submission to their insurance company.

Can I cancel an appointment?

Life happens, so I offer all my client one no-questions-asked cancellation; but beyond that, the standard session fee will apply.

What is a free initial phone consultation?

We discuss my style, your goals, administration tasks, and anything else that you want to discuss.

Who is your perfect client?

You! If you’re reading to this point, then you’re ready to grow and transform personally.

What is the age range of your clients?

I’m a relationship expert, meaning children, teenagers, young adults, and couples.

Do you work with men? Women? Couples? Adolescents?

Guilty as charged. All the above. Relationship with self, with family, and others.

Are you LGBTQIA friendly?

Yes. Don’t be silly. I’m about safety, growth, and love.

What can I expect in the first session?

Very chill. Let’s get a feel for each other and decide if it’s the right fit for you. If not, I will help you find a therapist that makes this session at no charge.

What is therapy like with you?

It’s real. It’s raw. It’s love. It’s life.

How long will I be in therapy?

That depends. I have clients who come for a few short weeks and get what they need, and I have clients that are still putting the necessary pieces in place.

We decide that together.

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQ page.

Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

Does anyone cry in front of you?

Yes. When I was in training, I broke down; and my instructor told me I was releasing liquid courage. So yes, we embrace liquid courage in my office.

Do I have to tell you everything?

No, we move at your pace.

Who benefits from therapy?

We both do, as well as those with whom you have relationships.

How do you work with clients?

I have skills that allow me to meet clients exactly where they are.

Is there anyone you won’t see?

I will not meet with anyone who I feel would be better served by another professional.

What can a therapist do?

I can provide insight and help you uncover your potential, but by no means am I the expert of your life. You are.

What is sand play?

It is a form of non-verbal therapy that allows a person to explore their unconscious, inner thoughts, trauma, struggles, and future concerns.

What are the risks and benefits of doing therapy?

It will be a challenge at first. It will cause you to question certain people and decisions in your life and how to make the necessary changes in order to get to where you deserve to be.

Do you offer video or phone sessions?

It’s 2020, and, yes, I do. Some people are busy on steroids and don’t have time to come into the office. Others prefer counseling from the comfort of their home.

What kind of groups do you have in your practice?

Group support is available for depression, parenting, toxic masculinity in males, healthy relationships in teens, and parenting.

What else can I try to help me help myself?

Talk with a professional and decide to change old patterns. I personally listen to a podcast, read, exercise, and hike – but this is just what works for me.

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session once a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will help you see your personal growth and development.

How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?

I tell my clients to tune in and feel if it feels right for them.

I offer a free session to make sure we’re a good fit. I only work with the clients who I feel are a match.

It’s about healing, not money.

I’ve never been to therapy or shared personal issues before. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people, who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason aren’t working right now.

Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally.

A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way – teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself.

Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business.”

Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual.

I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs

What is coaching?

It is like counseling but focuses more on asking questions that help you reach personal and professional goals.  

Are you a Christian counselor?

No. I’m a spiritual/relationship counseling.

Is our work confidential?

Yes, by law and ethics, our work together is confidential.

Do couples fight in front of you?

Fight? No. Healthy confrontation? Yes.

Do you take sides?

I side on what is right. I empower each individual to grow and realize their part.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

If you are concerned about your relationship and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you.

It is not helpful to move from an individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.

How long have you been in practice?

I have been in private practice for two years and in the field of counseling and coaching for more than 10 years.

What are your strengths as a therapist?

Trust. Safety. Flexibility.

What do you enjoy about being a therapist?

I get to serve as a guide and watch people grow to new heights.

Have you been in therapy yourself?

Yes. In this field, I believe it’s important to do your own work before trying to help someone else.

I personally think all therapists should have a therapist as well. We’re all human and deal with life.

What is your educational background?

I have a Clinical background consisting of an M.S. degree in Clinical Psychology and Counseling, and I’m currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology.

Do you prescribe medications?

No.

What is the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in understanding how medications for mood disorders interact with the body and other medications you may be taking. Some psychiatrists may provide occasional therapy, but they primarily provide medication.

A psychotherapist specializes in understanding mental health. They provide counseling and do not prescribe medication.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior, and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

Are you licensed?

My LPCC, LAC, and LMFT are pending.

Do you take notes?

It depends. I prefer to be fully present in the session and write my notes after the session.

Is your furniture comfortable?

What? Yes. I once had a client want to book sessions just to sleep on the couch. I didn’t allow that though.

Do I have to lie on a couch?

No. I have chairs. We’ll walk and talk, as well as using other means of therapy.

Should I wear waterproof mascara?

Lol. Why not, I’ll bring the umbrella.

What brand of tissues do you offer?

Store brand, if we’re being honest.

Am I allowed to ask personal questions?

Yes. I’m also allowed to not answer.

Remember, this is about building a relationship and allowing a safe space for you to heal and grow.

What apps make your life better?

Google MAPS, audible, Gaia, and YouTube are a few convenient.

Cats or Dogs?

Dogs personally, but I like how cats make you work for their affection. I’m just allergic.