Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your office located?
What is online therapy like? Will it feel awkward?
You can do online therapy from the comfort of your home. You can sit on top of your bed or lean back or at your kitchen table.
If you’re new to it, it can feel a little strange at first because we’re not physically together. But that soon goes away, and you’re left with ALL the advantages of online therapy.
You won’t have to commute, deal with traffic, or find parking.
You won’t have to sit in an unfamiliar waiting room.
And if your therapy session is draining, you’re RIGHT there in your home, so you can do whatever you need to do to recuperate.
What are your office hours?
Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
How long is a typical session?
They typically last 50 minutes.
If you’d like a longer session, we can schedule you for 75 minutes, which will be billed accordingly.
How do I get started?
Contact me at chrisd@dorianicounseling.com or call/text me at (757) 967-7342 to schedule a free consultation. I’ll answer your questions and see if we’re a good fit to work together.
You can also use the contact form on this site to reach out.
How do I make an appointment?
What age range do you work with?
Do you work with men? Women? Couples? Families?
Yes, I work with men, women, couples, and families.
My specialization is treating pain, trauma, and damaged relationships. Members from all these groups suffer from these, so I work with people from all of these groups. I do not work with children under age 14.
Do you work with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions?
Yes. My focus is always on helping all people overcome their pain.
I welcome and accept the distinctiveness of all groups of people who suffer trauma, whether that’s from relationship betrayal; physical, sexual, emotional, or spiritual abuse; medical or dental trauma; or combat trauma.
What can I expect in the first session?
In the beginning, it’s up to you. Some people like to share everything themselves without me asking questions first. Others prefer that I ask them detailed questions very soon in the process. I am comfortable with either approach.
Regardless of which way we go, I’ll always be listening intently to learn about you and make sure we’re following a plan that promotes your health and well-being.
In the first session, though, we’ll only talk about the things you’re comfortable talking about. After all, I am the new guy that you are just getting to know!
What is therapy like with you?
I am very interested in you.
I care deeply.
I listen carefully.
I appreciate humor.
I like to be practical.
I am fully committed to always seeing the best in you.
How long will I be in therapy?
The short answer is it depends on your therapy goals.
Some of my clients have suffered only one or two distinct traumatic events. Others have endured multiple traumas and betrayals across their lifespan.
You may need 8 to over 20 sessions, depending on where you fall on that continuum.
Do I have to tell you everything?
Who benefits from therapy?
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based technique for treating fears and trauma.
It uses bilateral visual, auditory, or tactile stimulation while focusing on a past event that still causes you distress. This “reprocesses” the memory, rewiring your brain so that it no longer triggers your mind and emotions.
Best of all, you don’t have to talk extensively or “relive” the trauma to get relief.
Does EMDR work online?
Yes, it works online, and that’s how we’ll do it.
It’s more convenient online, and it’s just as effective as doing it in person.
What are the risks and benefits of doing therapy?
You risk feeling drained or exhausted. But that usually means that you did some really good work in a session. You might also experience some anxiety when you face your fears or difficult topics or memories.
But the benefits far outweigh the risks. Therapy can help you feel unburdened, insightful, and lighter. You can achieve freedom from your fears, depression, and anxiety, helping you live life to the fullest!
How can I know that you are the right therapist for me?
You will have an opportunity to have a free consultation with me before you become a client. If you don’t like me very soon after we start, you can always bail out. I am very receptive to feedback and welcome all constructive criticism.
Are you a Christian counselor?
Yes. I am especially equipped to help clients cultivate their Christian faith, but I welcome people of all faiths or no faith at all.
My focus is on helping people heal, and spirituality often aids in their recovery.
Is our work confidential?
Yes. One of the benefits of cash-based therapy is that there’s no insurance company to audit your file and, thus, violate your privacy.
When using insurance, your insurance requires you to waive your right to privacy, which allows them to look at any of your treatment files.
My filing system meets HIPAA standards, so no one will see your therapy notes unless you request in writing that I share them with another party.
Is it hard to do couples therapy online?
Not if it’s done correctly. I’ll prepare you for the process from the very beginning.
Sometimes, I’ll ask one of you to face the screen and speak with me. At other times, I’ll direct you to face each other in communication exercises designed to bring healing to the relationship.
When conflict arises in couples therapy, I’ll guide you through soothing activities.
I will not favor one partner or the other. Both have valid points of view.
What is your educational background?
My undergraduate degree was from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan (1983). I was a philosophy major and a history minor.
I received my master’s degree in clinical social work (psychotherapy and family therapy) from the University of Chicago in 1988.
Are you licensed?
Yes. I’ve been licensed in four other states since 1993, before obtaining the clinical license in Virginia in 2006.
My license number is 090406281. You can look me up.
How long have you been in practice?
What are your strengths as a therapist?
I am deeply committed to my clients. One could say that I love my clients precisely in the way they need to be loved. You’ll be able to tell this when we meet.
I always find the best in my clients to help them grow and expand their capacities.
I have a strong appreciation for humor and use it judiciously in therapy.
I have a direct and practical style. I do more than sit and listen. I suggest actionable plans. I always want to know if what we are doing is working for you.
Have you been in therapy yourself?
Do you prescribe medication?
No, I don’t.
However, with your permission, I can collaborate with your medical provider to adjust your medication if needed.
Do you take notes?
Yes. I take the most notes during the initial session, during which I learn all about you (I don’t want to forget any details).
These notes are completely confidential and locked away according to HIPAA guidelines.
What is the scariest thing that you’ve ever experienced while driving?
With my three kids in the car, I once had to floor the gas and make an evasive maneuver to avoid a head-on collision, and we narrowly missed getting creamed by a tractor-trailer!
Once the car stopped, we all sat there in silence – shaking, breathing heavily… then we started to laugh… and that laughter quickly turned to tears. It was a terrifying event I’ll never forget.
What apps make your life better?
Definitely NOT in order of importance: Spotify, the library apps Hoopla and Libby, the New York Times’ Games (I love Wordle!), Instagram and Threads, Fitbit Aspire 3, Google Photos, Steps App, White Noise (I prefer Brown for sleeping), Telegram, All Trails, and Scrabble Go.
For short breaks, I like to watch young adults do crazy stunts on Instagram reels. I also love watching dogs, cats, and other animals doing funny or unexpected things.
One of the funniest things I’ve ever seen was a reel in which a whole herd of goats got startled, and they all fainted together. If you haven’t seen that one, look for it!
Must I still make myself presentable since you provide online therapy?
Am I allowed to ask you personal questions?
There are many questions that I would be happy to answer, but then the focus would be on me and not on helping you.
Sometimes, clients ask me if I have ever faced things they are facing or what I would do about it if I were in their shoes. If the answers will help you, I’ll respond with full transparency.