FAQ

What kind of group is PLACE? 

It is peer support.

Are you the group members' counselor?

Probably not. PLACE groups work on a peer support model, much like Alcoholics Anonymous. There are generally three types of groups: counseling, peer support, and educational. In a counseling group, a licensed professional can offer diagnostic and therapeutic treatment options. An educational group is basically a class. Peer support does not have to be moderated by a licensed/certified professional. I've had patients choose to attend groups, though if they do so, their privacy remains protected by law; no one gets "outed."

Can you be my counselor?

Maybe. You'd probably need to be a resident of Texas, which is where I'm licensed. I'm looking into getting licensed in other states, including Florida. Also, some states, such as South Carolina, do allow for out-of-state counselors to work with their residents for limited periods. In the case of SC, that window is 30 days.

Do you accept insurance for counseling?

Yes, I am paneled with many insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Oxford, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Oscar, as well as some EAPs.

What are your qualifications and experience for running PLACE?

For peer support, moderators aren't required to have qualifications and experience. The groups are run by people from all walks of life. That said, my experience counseling, teaching classes, creating programs/curricula, authoring, and running groups comes in handy. In Texas, I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in 2008 with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, and I've been a full-time counselor ever since. I own and operate a private practice. I've also worked for substance abuse treatment centers, law enforcement (conducting substance abuse assessment interviews and running treatment programs), and in a faith-based charitable organization. 

Are PLACE groups anonymous?

Yes

How many people are in a typical PLACE group?

Anywhere from 2 to 16. Texas caps counseling group attendance at 16, but I prefer no more than 11-12. Average attendance in 2024 has been 11 people.

Is PLACE a faith-based/spiritual program?

No

I don't live in Texas--can I still participate?

Yes, as peer support is not limited by license reciprocity. 

What does it cost?

We accept contributions but do not charge an admission or membership fee for the peer support groups. 

How do I make a contribution?

Options include Venmo, Paypal, and Cash App. 

How long are the Zoom Meetings?

Our meetings usually last about an hour and a half, but you are welcome to come and go as needed. 

Are the meetings interactive?

We give everyone the opportunity to check in and participate, but some people prefer to observe. Either way is perfectly ok.  

What is the meeting schedule?

We currently meet Wednesdays at 9:00 am cst and Saturdays at 1:00 pm cst. 

Is there support available outside of groups?

Yes. We will soon introduce a PLACE class. We have a presence on social media via TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, some members have started a PLACE WhatsApp group. I do foresee adding support groups soon.

Can I contact you personally for support?

Yes, but that comes with caveats and limitations, the most challenging of which is time. I run a full-time counseling practice in addition to the work I do with PLACE. For people who have counselors or other mental health professionals already, I'd first suggest that you reach out to them. Also, just like I'd recommend for any estranged parent, I step away from the topic of estrangement periodically. I take Sundays off, and I take a hiatus of roughly one week away from PLACE groups at the end of each month.

Can I run a group?

Maybe. With expected growth, I foresee a need to delegate some group moderation. If we don't know each other, the vetting process will be thorough. I'd suggest that you start this process by coming to groups so that I get to know you, and you can see if it appears to be a fit for you. We've had guests cover groups. Coverage has been provided via established group members, and the occasional outside professional, such as author Kate Manser. 

Just before the estrangement began, my estranged adult child (EAC) said their counselor told them I have a personality disorder. If you're a counselor, aren't you aligned with EAC?

Although I am also an EAC, I find reports of counselors diagnosing by proxy to be troubling. In Texas, as is likely the case in the rest of the world, a counselor cannot diagnose someone with whom they have not met and conducted a clinical assessment interview. In my experience, people who actually have pathology such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder do not often seek peer support or counseling. And in any case, I feel that every estranged parent (EP) should have some option for peer support.

Wait, you're an EAC?

I am. Full disclosure: I grew up in an abusive, neglectful, volatile environment. My childhood was rife with domestic abuse, child abuse/neglect, bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, and more. In my mid-30s, as a parent now protecting my children from the ongoing chaos in my family of origin, I severed that relationship.