FAQ

If your question is not addressed here, feel free to reach out via email.

What does your name Lotus & Phoenix mean?

Lotus: A lotus is a flower that starts in the mud and grows up through the water and then finally blooms in the sun. We hope that using the lotus in our name reminds us that we are are not only a bloom, but also the sun, the mud, the water: we are many. There are many parts of us and in exploring these different parts and recognizing how they are connected, we are able to live more peaceful, fulfilling lives.

Phoenix: The phoenix bird is tied both to Ancient Egyptian and Greek Mythology. The phoenix is a bird that dies in a a burst of flames, but always regenerates after death, rising from the ashes, renewed and strong. We hope that using the phoenix in our name reminds us that we are always cycling through times strength and beauty, times of renewal and growth, as well as parts of our existence where we feel like we are dying or have died to our old self and old life. We emphasize that we are many: the phoenix, the fire, the ashes, and the rising.

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How much do your services cost?

Please see our costs page for the details.

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What are the different ways I can connect with you?

Please see our page on ways of connecting here.

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How do I contact you?

You can schedule in-person or remote appointments with our client portal by going here. You can also send us an email at LotusPhoenixPsychotherapy@gmail.com or go to our contact page.

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What age groups do you serve?

Generally, we see clients 18 and older. In some cases, when we see multiple people in a family, we include the children in family psychotherapy / pastoral counseling / pastoral care.

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How do I know if you are good fit for me?

We provide a lot of information on our website, so that is probably a good place to start. You can read more about our team members Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Gish and James Owen Gish, by clicking on their names or reading our About page. We also offer a 15-minute complimentary get-to-know you phone call if you’d like to chat before setting up your first appointment.

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Do you accept insurance?

We do not accept insurance, but we are able to accept HSA cards.

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Does psychotherapy or pastoral counseling take a long time? How many visits will I need?

People get psychotherapy or pastoral counseling for different reasons. Sometimes, there is a short-term issue that needs to be addressed and once that issue is addressed, they feel much better and are able to heal, grow, and thrive without additional support. Often, however, things are more complicated and deeper, and people find longer term support and insight to be helpful and important as they heal and grow. It is dependent on your situation.

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What is your approach to psychotherapy and pastoral counseling / pastoral care?

Lotus & Phoenix does not subscribe to one particular approach, and we do not diagnose or treat mental illness. We focus on ways that the whole person – mind, body, spirit – can heal and grow. Our work is informed by psychoanalytic and psychodynamic ideas, family systems approaches, internal family systems frameworks, Imago relationship models, and the Gottman method.

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Can you give me a diagnosis? Or can you diagnose someone else that I tell you about?

We focus on the ways that people can heal, grow, and change so that they are content and at peace in their life, and have a healthy relationship with themselves, others, and have a way to make sense of where they are in the world. For many this involves a particular faith tradition, but for many, it does not. We welcome everyone! We do not diagnose or treat mental illness, but rather work with people to help them figure out a path of healing and growth that makes sense for them. We don’t think something is “wrong” with you that needs to be “cured.” There are important times when a specific diagnosis from a licensed practitioner can be helpful, and we are happy to refer clients who desire a specific mental health diagnosis to a licensed practitioner who can help with this.

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I can’t afford psychotherapy or pastoral counseling. What should I do?

We offer a sliding scale to a limited number of people who have financial need. If you are interested in this, please reach out to be put on the waiting list. We also provide a resource section of our website which directs people to some of the most helpful and insightful resources written on a range of issues that people need help and guidance on. We have read all of the resources we list and if paying for care is outside your budget at the moment, these resources may be helpful to you. Also, although we do not accept insurance, you can find someone who does by going to www.psychologytoday.com and searching in “advanced search” by insurance carrier.

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Is everything I share with you confidential?

Yes, our sessions, your information, and records are confidential. The only reason we would share anything is when it is required by law, and the circumstances under which this occurs is rare.

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Are you available to speak at my event or to my faith community?

All of our team members have extensive experience speaking to both large and small groups. If you are interested in booking one or both of them as speaker or workshop leader, please reach out and we can discuss. Elizabeth also regularly offers sermons to faith communities, as well.

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