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. 

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 then spend the second half of our time together describing Imago Relationship coaching and how it would apply to this particular couple.

How can I schedule an initial consultation?

Fill out the initial consult form.  Be sure to leave 3 or 4 possible times that would work for you.  Email is the best way to reach me.  Most of my openings are Tues, Wed, Thurs between 10am and 3pm.  I also do initial consults on some Friday afternoons.

Is there a charge for an initial consultation?
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 the hour and a half initial consultation is $150.00.  Beginning with the third meeting, I collect weekly.  I charge $150 for a 55 minute session and I meet with couples at least once a week. 

How long does Imago take to "work"?

I ask couples to commit to meeting with me for a minimum of twelve sessions and to do the psycho-educational weekend workshop "Getting the Love You Want".  Most couples work with me on average for six months to a year.

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.

Special Note for Ministers  

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.

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

What's the best way to reach you?

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 a good way to reach me because I can respond to it more quickly between sessions.  If you do leave a phone message on a Thursday, know that it might be Tuesday before I can return your call.  During the week I try to return calls within 24 hours.

Where is your office?
I am a part of the Pastoral Center for Healing.  My office is in a house, South Hall, on the campus of

Woodmont Christian Church, 3605 Hillsboro Rd, Nashville, TN 37215. 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 but Imago Relationship Therapy does not have a religious focus.  People of all backgrounds are welcome.

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?
Email is the best way to reach me.  You may also phone 615-385-3838 and leave a message.