Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Rod's work with couples:

Do you counsel couples in addition to presenting weekend workshops?
Yes, if a couple is not already seeing someone else, I highly recommend that they meet with me prior to the workshop.  The best way to get in touch with me is to fill out the "registration for an initial consult" form and list several times that might work in your schedule.  Email is also the best way to reach me because I can respond to it more quickly between sessions.  If you do leave a phone message on a Friday, know that it might be Tuesday before I can return your call.  During the week I try to return calls within 24 hours. 

What happens in an initial consultation with you?
I like to meet with couples for an hour and twenty five minutes so that we have enough time to discuss what they can expect if they begin work with me. I usually begin by responding to any questions the couple might have. Then, I ask the couple to tell me about:
     1) Their problems or issues in the present
     2) How they met and fell in love
     3) A description of each of their families
I spend the second half of our time describing Imago Relationship coaching (an orientation article is posted here) and how it would apply to this particular couple.   (Click here for the initial consult registration form)

Is there a charge for an initial consultation?
I work on a sliding scale. So, during the initial consultation I talk with the couple to set a fee. I do not charge for the first consultation unless the couple decides to continue working with me. If the couple decides not to work with me, there is no charge for the initial meeting. If the couple does decide to work with me, I collect the fee for both the initial visit and that second visit at our next meeting. The fee for initial consultation is $150.00.  Beginning with the third meeting, I collect weekly.

Do you accept insurance payments?
In order to receive insurance benefits, insurance companies require that a diagnosis of a mental disorder is stated on the claim and that treatment is medically necessary. Most of the couples I work with do not meet these criteria. I do not take insurance payments or co-payments. I am glad to give a receipt for "couple’s therapy" that can be filed with your insurance company or flex plan to determine if they will reimburse you. Many insurance plans carried for ministers by churches recognize me as a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, and will grant coverage for couples therapy. My highest degree is a Masters of Divinity and I am certified through the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and the Institute of Imago Relationship Therapy and I licensed by the state of Tennessee as a Clinical Pastoral Therapist.  I see myself as a relationship coach helping couples leave an unconscious way of relating and entering into a "new way to love", a life long journey of conscious relating.

Do you work with individuals?
No. I limit my practice to couples only.

Where is your office?
I work out of Saint David's Episcopal Church in West Meade, at 6501 Penny well Drive, Nashville, TN 37205. Click here for directions.

Are you a Christian counselor?
I work with couples of many different religions, many different faiths and many different Christian denominations. I would describe the counseling I do as "spiritual" but not "religious." This is something I am glad to discuss more completely in an initial consultation.

What happens if I miss an appointment or need to cancel?

In general, I do not accept cancellations but I am glad to work with you to reschedule.  Once we begin our work you will have a set appointment time that will be the same every week as much as possible for a 55 minute session.  Coming every week is an important part of the process.  If you miss an appointment and we cannot reschedule, I do charge for the session.  If you let me know about vacations or weeks that you are out of town two weeks in advance then I do not charge.  I am not inflexible about this policy but I want you to expect to meet weekly and to realize that you will pay for the session if you do not attend.

How do I get clarification or answers to more questions?
Feel free to call me at 615-385-3838 and leave a message on the main mailbox, or send me an email.

Click here for the initial consultation form.