FAQs, Therapy Approach & Resources

FAQs

  • My fee is $150 for a 55 minute session. Fees are charged the day of session.

  • I do not currently accept insurance. However, if your insurance does offer out of network coverage you may be able to submit a superbill and receive some reimbursement for the cost of sessions. Insurance companies do require I give a DSM diagnosis in order for reimbursement. If you desire this, we will discuss together what diagnosis is most appropriate before I assign it to you. It is important to ask your insurance company if there is a required deductible you must meet and what percentage of the session cost you will be responsible for.

  • I provide virtual counseling to Adults who are 18 or older and live in Oregon state

  • I am a therapist who is interactive and intentional about our time together. You are the expert on yourself, and I will follow your lead regarding what we work on based upon your personal goals. I am experiential and use in-the-moment interactions as opportunities for growth and new insight into yourself. I prepare for our times together each week and will offer interventions I believe you may find helpful based upon your presenting needs. I am always open to feedback and prioritize transparent expression of your thoughts and feelings so that we may work through them together to find what will be most impactful for you.

  • We will schedule your first session during our initial consultation call. Following our first official session, I recommend maintaining a weekly set day and time for sessions, especially early in treatment, as this provides continuity and helps us establish our goals. Please contact me to update your appointment times and days if you need to make adjustments. I am happy to find another spot that works for your schedule.

  • I am currently offering appointments during the following days and times:

    Mondays 9:00am to 5:00pm

    Tuesdays 8:00am to 5:00pm

    Thursdays 12:00pm to 7:00pm

  • I currently exclusively offer virtual/online telehealth. That being said, finding an office location is in the works and I will update as soon as it is up and running and in-person is ready for you!

  • While everyone is different, many clients attend therapy between 3 to 9 months on average depending on their specific needs. We will be in conversation throughout the process to check in and evaluate how you are progressing and where we need to make adjustments. I will provide a Good Will Estimate in your Intake paperwork so that you know how much to expect financially over the coming months.

  • I have a standing 24 hour cancellation policy. Also, I absolutely understand that life happens and therefore, your first late cancel is a free of charge. I do charge the full cost of a session for future late cancellations.

    If you need to cancel, please call the office, email, or send a message through Simple Practice Messenger as soon as possible. I will confirm with you that your session is cancelled.

  • Professional Disclosure Statement Janet Carson, LPC C8523
    P.O. Box 20304 Keizer, OR 97303
    (503) 607-8930 janet@illuminateyourpathcounseling.com

    Prior to providing services, licensees and persons granted a temporary practice authorization must provide each client with a professional disclosure statement consistent with the content and in a format as specified in OAR Chapter 833 Division 75. When providing disclosure statements via electronic communication, licensees and temporary practitioners must ensure a means of documenting confirmation of receipt and acknowledgement of the PDS.

    Philosophy and Approach: I work from an Attachment and Person Centered approach, utilizing the modalities of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) to help clients access their innate power to heal, while experiencing trust and safety within an authentic therapeutic relationship. We will collaborate on chosen areas of focus and goals for treatment, adjusting as needed. I welcome feedback and strive to provide excellent care and connection with my clients.

    Formal Education: I have a Master of Science degree from Walden University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Crisis and Trauma

    Major Coursework Description: In accordance with the requirements of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), my coursework included Psychotherapy Theories, Ethics and Legal Issues, Multicultural Counseling, Assessment and Diagnosis, Lifespan Development, Couples and Family Counseling, Career Counseling, Research Methods and Program Evaluation, Crisis Trauma and Response, Psychopharmacology, Counseling Addictive Disorders, Crisis Management, Human Sexuality, and the required Internship experiences

    Fees: $150 for a 55 minute session

    As a Licensee of the state of Oregon, I abide by its Code of Ethics. To maintain my license, I am required to participate in continuing education, taking classes dealing with subjects relevant to this profession. As a client of an Oregon Licensee, you have the following rights: (A) To expect that a Licensee has met the minimum qualifications of training and experience required by state law; (B) To examine public records maintained by the Board and to have the Board confirm credentials of a licensee; (C) To obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics; (D) To report complaints to the Board; (E) To be informed of the cost of professional services before receiving the services; (F) To be assured of privacy and confidentiality while receiving services as defined by rule or law. Exceptions: 1) Reporting suspected child abuse; 2) Reporting imminent danger to you or others; 3) Reporting information required in court proceedings or by your insurance company, or other relevant agencies; 4) Providing information concerning licensee case consultation or supervision; and 5) Defending claims brought by you against me; (G) To be free from being the object of discrimination on any basis listed in the Code of Ethics while receiving services.

    For more information about this Licensee visit the Board’s website at: www.oregon.gov/oblpct Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists 3218 Pringle Rd SE #120 Salem, OR 97302 503-378-5499 Email: lpct.board@mhra.oregon.gov

  • NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

    THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

    I. MY PLEDGE REGARDING HEALTH INFORMATION:
    I understand that health information about you and your health care is personal. I am committed to protecting health information about you. I create a record of the care and services you receive from me. I need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements. This notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by this mental health care practice. This notice will tell you about the ways in which I may use and disclose health information about you. I also describe your rights to the health information I keep about you, and describe certain obligations I have regarding the use and disclosure of your health information. I am required by law to:

    • Make sure that protected health information (“PHI”) that identifies you is kept private.

    • Give you this notice of my legal duties and privacy practices with respect to health information.

    • Follow the terms of the notice that is currently in effect.

    • I can change the terms of this Notice, and such changes will apply to all information I have about you. The new Notice will be available upon request, in my office, and on my website.

    II. HOW I MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU:
    The following categories describe different ways that I use and disclose health information. For each category of uses or disclosures I will explain what I mean and try to give some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed. However, all of the ways I am permitted to use and disclose information will fall within one of the categories.

    For Treatment Payment, or Health Care Operations: Federal privacy rules (regulations) allow health care providers who have direct treatment relationship with the patient/client to use or disclose the patient/client’s personal health information without the patient’s written authorization, to carry out the health care provider’s own treatment, payment or health care operations. I may also disclose your protected health information for the treatment activities of any health care provider. This too can be done without your written authorization. For example, if a clinician were to consult with another licensed health care provider about your condition, we would be permitted to use and disclose your personal health information, which is otherwise confidential, in order to assist the clinician in diagnosis and treatment of your mental health condition.

    Disclosures for treatment purposes are not limited to the minimum necessary standard. Because therapists and other health care providers need access to the full record and/or full and complete information in order to provide quality care. The word “treatment” includes, among other things, the coordination and management of health care providers with a third party, consultations between health care providers and referrals of a patient for health care from one health care provider to another.

    Lawsuits and Disputes: If you are involved in a lawsuit, I may disclose health information in response to a court or administrative order. I may also disclose health information about your child in response to a subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful process by someone else involved in the dispute, but only if efforts have been made to tell you about the request or to obtain an order protecting the information requested.

    III. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION:

    1. Psychotherapy Notes. I do keep “psychotherapy notes” as that term is defined in 45 CFR § 164.501, and any use or disclosure of such notes requires your Authorization unless the use or disclosure is:
      a. For my use in treating you.
      b. For my use in training or supervising mental health practitioners to help them improve their skills in group, joint, family, or individual counseling or therapy.
      c. For my use in defending myself in legal proceedings instituted by you.
      d. For use by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate my compliance with HIPAA.
      e. Required by law and the use or disclosure is limited to the requirements of such law.
      f. Required by law for certain health oversight activities pertaining to the originator of the psychotherapy notes.
      g. Required by a coroner who is performing duties authorized by law.
      h. Required to help avert a serious threat to the health and safety of others.

    2. Marketing Purposes. As a psychotherapist, I will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes.

    3. Sale of PHI. As a psychotherapist, I will not sell your PHI in the regular course of my business.

    IV. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES DO NOT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION.
    Subject to certain limitations in the law, I can use and disclose your PHI without your Authorization for the following reasons:

    1. When disclosure is required by state or federal law, and the use or disclosure complies with and is limited to the relevant requirements of such law.

    2. For public health activities, including reporting suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, or preventing or reducing a serious threat to anyone’s health or safety.

    3. For health oversight activities, including audits and investigations.

    4. For judicial and administrative proceedings, including responding to a court or administrative order, although my preference is to obtain an Authorization from you before doing so.

    5. For law enforcement purposes, including reporting crimes occurring on my premises.

    6. To coroners or medical examiners, when such individuals are performing duties authorized by law.

    7. For research purposes, including studying and comparing the mental health of patients who received one form of therapy versus those who received another form of therapy for the same condition.

    8. Specialized government functions, including, ensuring the proper execution of military missions; protecting the President of the United States; conducting intelligence or counter-intelligence operations; or, helping to ensure the safety of those working within or housed in correctional institutions.

    9. For workers’ compensation purposes. Although my preference is to obtain an Authorization from you, I may provide your PHI in order to comply with workers’ compensation laws.
      10 Appointment reminders and health related benefits or services. I may use and disclose your PHI to contact you to remind you that you have an appointment with me. I may also use and disclose your PHI to tell you about treatment alternatives, or other health care services or benefits that I offer.

    V. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOU TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT.

    1. Disclosures to family, friends, or others. I may provide your PHI to a family member, friend, or other person that you indicate is involved in your care or the payment for your health care, unless you object in whole or in part. The opportunity to consent may be obtained retroactively in emergency situations.

    VI. YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO YOUR PHI:

    1. The Right to Request Limits on Uses and Disclosures of Your PHI. You have the right to ask me not to use or disclose certain PHI for treatment, payment, or health care operations purposes. I am not required to agree to your request, and I may say “no” if I believe it would affect your health care.

    2. The Right to Request Restrictions for Out-of-Pocket Expenses Paid for In Full. You have the right to request restrictions on disclosures of your PHI to health plans for payment or health care operations purposes if the PHI pertains solely to a health care item or a health care service that you have paid for out-of-pocket in full.

    3. The Right to Choose How I Send PHI to You. You have the right to ask me to contact you in a specific way (for example, home or office phone) or to send mail to a different address, and I will agree to all reasonable requests.

    4. The Right to See and Get Copies of Your PHI. Other than “psychotherapy notes,” you have the right to get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other information that I have about you. I will provide you with a copy of your record, or a summary of it, if you agree to receive a summary, within 30 days of receiving your written request, and I may charge a reasonable, cost based fee for doing so.

    5. The Right to Get a List of the Disclosures I Have Made.You have the right to request a list of instances in which I have disclosed your PHI for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations, or for which you provided me with an Authorization. I will respond to your request for an accounting of disclosures within 60 days of receiving your request. The list I will give you will include disclosures made in the last six years unless you request a shorter time. I will provide the list to you at no charge, but if you make more than one request in the same year, I will charge you a reasonable cost based fee for each additional request.

    6. The Right to Correct or Update Your PHI. If you believe that there is a mistake in your PHI, or that a piece of important information is missing from your PHI, you have the right to request that I correct the existing information or add the missing information. I may say “no” to your request, but I will tell you why in writing within 60 days of receiving your request.

    7. The Right to Get a Paper or Electronic Copy of this Notice. You have the right get a paper copy of this Notice, and you have the right to get a copy of this notice by e-mail. And, even if you have agreed to receive this Notice via e-mail, you also have the right to request a paper copy of it.

  • Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

    You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

    Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

    • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

    • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

    • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

    • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises

Therapy Approaches 

  • AEDP is the bread and butter of how I “do therapy”. It is healing-oriented and transformation-seeking, meaning you already have inside of you what is needed to change. Symptoms you are experiencing and behaviors that seem confusing are the result of your best efforts to adapt and cope with unwanted aloneness, traumatic experiences, and overwhelming emotions.

    Through the safety we cultivate in our therapeutic relationship and your willingness to examine and stay with defenses, your innate capacity to heal and flourish will be activated.

    This approach is experiential and I will follow your lead in pacing our sessions so that you never feel outside of what we would call your Window of Tolerance. When we are beyond that window, it can activate fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses in our nervous system.

    If you would like to learn more about this modality, you can check out aedpinstitute.org

  • You may already be familiar with the term “parts work” as a buzzword from popular culture. Indeed, IFS consists of identifying aspects of yourself that took on specific roles across your lifetime to protect you. Some even carry your wounds. The goal of IFS is to bring your Self (the core of who you are) to the forefront and to understand and heal parts that have been working overtime.

    In session, this can look like us using art, writing, or other means of helping you identify your parts and how they have served you. Your Self is confident, calm, connected, compassionate, creative, has clarity, curiosity, and courage. It has always been there and no matter the challenges you have experienced in your life, it can never be damaged. In therapy, we will help your parts find a voice and help bring your Self to the forefront, which may look like a change in your behavior, how you move in the world, and your perception of yourself.

    To learn more about this modality, visit ifs-institute.com

  • This approach can be very helpful in understanding and identifying learned thought patterns and associated trauma responses or behaviors that may seem confusing or distressing without context.

  • ACT is about accepting things that are out of your control (like difficult thoughts and feelings) rather than fighting them, and committing to actions that align with your personal values.

    For more information about this approach, please visit: https://www.portlandpsychotherapytraining.com/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy

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Healing Is Possible

  • Will I ever feel better? We are highly defended against our emotional experiences, and we go to great lengths to assimilate and find safety within maladaptive environments. Though these defenses may have kept us safe during a singular or ongoing trauma, they may also be getting in the way of desired growth in relationships with others and self development. The work of the approaches I use (AEDP, IFS) will include creating safety within the therapeutic relationship that will allow you to have corrective emotional and relational experiences, increasing your capacity to experience emotions to completion, and to heal what has been left alone for so long.

  • Together, we will navigate where trauma resides and symptoms persist, taking our time unraveling how early messaging, lack of boundaries, and patterns of abuse may be reinforcing current feelings of being stuck, anxious, and depressed. I focus on pacing sessions in a way that is respectful of your healing nervous system, checking in with you as we go to see where we may need to make adjustments that preserve your agency and autonomy.

  • What does healing look like? Perhaps it will mean you no longer feel the need to isolate from others and retreat when shame becomes overwhelming. Panic or anxiety attacks have slowed or stopped occurring when you interact with triggering individuals, environments, or subject matter. Above all, healing can mean loving and knowing yourself; using your power and agency to make decisions that lead to your wellbeing and fulfillment.

DO YOU NEED HELP TODAY?

Please reach out to the following if you are in crisis or needing more urgent intervention:

Contact or visit your local emergency room: 911

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7): 988

County Crisis Lines: Marion - (503)585-4949

The Trevor Project: 1(866)488-7386

Trans Lifeline: 1-(877)-565-8860

SUPPORTIVE ORGANIZATIONS

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

  • What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing Complex Trauma by Stephanie FooHeretic: A Memoir by Jeanna Kaldec

  • Disentangling From Emotionally Immature People by Lindsay Gibson

  • The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church by Sarah McCammon

  • When Religion Hurts You by Laura E. Anderson

  • Holy Hurt by Dr. Hillary McBride

  • Shunned: A Survival Guide by Bonnie Zieman

  • Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement that Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free by Linda Kay Klein

  • You Are Your Own: A Reckoning With the Religious Trauma of Evangelical Christianity by Jamie Lee Finch