Guides · Getting Started
What to Expect in Your First Counseling Session
Freedom in Christ Counseling
Your first counseling session is a conversation about what brought you in, your goals, and how faith fits into the work. You do not need a prepared speech or a complete account of every difficulty. A specific concern, such as overthinking or repeated conflict with your spouse, gives that conversation a place to begin.
01
Start With the Consultation
Before a counseling appointment, a free 15-minute consultation gives you room to ask Josh about your concerns and the practice. It is separate from a full session. You can discuss whether you are looking for individual men’s counseling or couples work, which meeting formats are available, and questions about fees and insurance coverage.
02
Choose the Format That Applies
Individual men age 18 and up can meet at the Dayton office or by secure video anywhere in Ohio. You must be located in Ohio during telehealth sessions. Couples and marriage counseling are in person only. If both of you are seeking relationship counseling, ask about a Dayton appointment rather than assuming that couples video sessions are available.
03
Talk About Faith and Clinical Work
Josh Reed holds an Ohio LPCC-S license with supervision designation. He combines a biblical worldview with clinical methods including CBT, EMDR, and psychodynamic counseling. Your first conversation can include how Christian beliefs relate to the concern you want to address. Scripture and prayer may be included as you want, alongside practical clinical discussion.
How Josh Works04
Use the First 55 Minutes
There is nothing special you need to have ready. Describe what has been happening and the goals you want to discuss. The session does not require you to solve the issue while explaining it. Ongoing appointments are weekly or every other week, with practical tools between meetings connected to the concerns that become part of the work.
05
Clarify Payment Before the Appointment
The consultation is where fees and coverage questions are answered. Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare are accepted. Coverage depends on your plan, and benefits are checked together before your first session. Private pay is available, with superbills on request for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed by the practice.
Insurance and PaymentYour Questions
Questions About Counseling
How long is a counseling session?
Men’s sessions and couples and marriage sessions each last 55 minutes. Appointments are weekly or every other week, with practical tools between sessions.
Do I need something prepared?
Nothing special is required. The first session includes talking through what brought you in, your goals, and how faith fits into counseling with Josh.
Ready when you are.
Use a free 15-minute consultation to ask Josh what beginning counseling involves for the concern you want to discuss.