I would like to direct you to and suggest you please take the time to read the NPP posted on the website before recieving services.

This is a great place to start and get a head start. There are other areas you may find useful as well.  Reach out by completeing the contact us forms within the website. 

I truly look forward to hearing from you and thank you for visiting the site. Look around and see if we might be a good fit to work together.  Thank you for taking the time to read the FAQ.

Monday  - Thursday: 9:00am to 4:00pm

Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday - Sunday: Appointments Only

The services provided include: individual virtual sessions which are private, confidential, non-judgmental, compassionate, and dedicated to your personal treatment needs. We offer a variety of psychoeducational groups on topics such as "challenging automatic negative thoughts," "managing stress," "Self-care," "Managing emotions," "Strengthening personal boundaries," "Tools to strengthen self-esteem, self-worth, and empowerment, "mindfulness and relaxations skills," and specific treatment modalities like dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment, positive-psychology, solution-focused, and strength based approaches. Group sessions and individual session are held in a private counseling platform with a licensed professional counselor/therapist. Groups are only available when six or more participants sign up for a particular group. Therefore, times and dates may vary dependent upon clients registering for that particular group.

Virtual therapy can take place using a personal computer, a phone, an app, or video-conferencing or chat. You can attend a session from your home, without having to travel to see a professional in-person. These devices allow you to have a face-to-face session and can incorporate video, talk, or write with your counselor/therapist. 

You will need to have a device that connects to the internet (computer, smartphone, tablet, ipad). You will need a working camera for virtual sessions. You will need a contact number and email address to connect to the platforms/links/or other materials used by Journey through life Counseling (these platforms are HIPAA compliant). I suggest locating an area where the sessions are private and confidential. You may need to download certain apps like Zoom or have access to psychology today website to use their virtual platform. 

 Virtual Counseling Services (VCS) are immersive and interactive and offers numerous benefits beyond conventional treatment methods:

VCS provides technology that enables mental health counselors and therapists to design highly individualized treatment plans based on your unique needs.

VCS is superior to conventional treatment methods in allowing you to have greater control over your own exposure. 

VCS experiences can be designed to be highly interactive, allowing you to maintain a sense of control even when you are experiencing emotional triggers, also called mental health triggers or psychological triggers.

VCS is just as effective as in-person services for a variety of mental health conditions.

VCS provides mental health treatment if you are in rural or remote areas, and you do not have to drive long distances or take time to schedule an in-person session. 

VCS offers improved cost-effectiveness over conventional treatment services and its convenient since you attend sessions from your home. 

VCS provides an engaging and more authentic experience resulting in greater effectiveness. 

VCS is accessible if you have physical or any other limitations. 

VCS apps like text, chat, and video options empower you to continue your own treatment at home, which significantly increases the long-term effectiveness of the treatment, and its convenient, discreet, and is available from anywhere.

VCS can be more approachable, allowing you to feel comfortable about talking to friends or family about mental health care and it can be easier to overcome the stigma associated attached to mental health. 

Did I mention that VCS is convenient, discreet and can be conducted from your own personal environment. 

A few disadvantages of virtual counseling could include such things as confidentiality and privacy since the information is being transmitted through online and internet connection which could make confidentiality and privacy leaks and hacks more of a concern. 

We do take the steps to secure our devices, platforms, emails, and tools used and comply with rules and regulations regarding online services (please review privacy policy page located at the bottom of the homepage website). 

Technology at times can be unreliable and technology problems can occur like internet conncetivity, loss of internet connection, platforms may run slow or could be under construction. 

Another disadvantage is not having an in person or face-to-face interaction with the counselor/therapist. Virtual counseling is not for everyone. At times a counselor/therapist cannot see facial expressions, vocal signals, or body language that gives the counselor/therapist a clearer picture of your thoughts, feelings, emotions, or behaviors like real-world interactions provide. 

Virtual counseling is not appropriate for serious psychiatric illnesses or have serious addiction or have more complex symptoms of a mental health condition - these areas limit the scope of virtual therapy. 

Virtual counseling, since it is considered distance counseling, responding to a crisis situation can be difficult with responding quickly and effectively. 

If you are experiencing or having suicidal thoughts, immediately contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273- TALK (8255); crisis text line at: text to 741741; call or text mental health and suicide crisis lifeline at 9-8-8. If in immediate danger (you or someone else), call 911, or your local or nearest police department. 

At the beginning of our first session, I would like individuals to be comfortable enough to share their story and the reason/s they have chosen to attend counseling. 

You will be heard and accepted with no judgments and will be treated with respect, dignity, compassion and support. 

We will work together to determine if this is a good fit for you and discuss what particular concerns you have to determine if virtual counseling and your counselor/therapist is a good fit for you. 

At the end of the session, I would like to reflect on what was shared and assist in identifying your counseling goals. If we decide this is not a good fit, the counselor/therapist can provide/refer you to another counselor/therapist that will be a better fit for your mental health journey.  

You can use the Ivy Pay app. 

The app is designed for mental health counseling. It works with credit, debit, HSA and FSA cards. It’s HIPAA-secure, keeps our therapy confidential and makes payment easy for you and me, including appointment reminders, good faith estimate, detailed receipt, CPT code and delivered to your mobile number through text message (smart phones).

Ivy Pay is secure. We will ask you to set up your form of payment and electronic personal health information (ePHI) prior to session and after payment authorization forms and documents are signed by you. 

The initial intake session is between 60 to 70 minutes in length (the fee is $175.00 with no sliding scale). Further sessions are between 45 to 50 minutes in length (the fee is $150.00 per session and are typically scheduled weekly). There is a charge for no shows and cancelling a session without a 48 hour notice. Fees are due prior to session.

There is a sliding scale of estimates which are contigent upon qualifying (i.e family income with supporting statements and documents from you)and filling out appropriate forms and documents provided by Journey through life Counseling, upon request). (prices per session with sliding scale and meeting qualifications range from $150.00 to $90.00 per 45 to 50 minute session). 

You can set up an appointment by contacting us through the website (contact us button). Another option is to visit Psychology today website (link provided on Journeythroughlifecounseling website) and email when you are ready to take the journey or call the number provided and leave a message. Response time is usually within 24 hours, but can be two to three days depending upon availabilty/waiting list. Both websites offer a way to contact us. 

We accept debit/bank card, major credit card. For more detailed information, please review client forms (NPP Notice of Privacy Practices; HIPAA privacy; Consent policies and agreement;; client information brochure). You can also email any questions or thoughts by contacting us through the form provided on the webpage (contact us).

When you make an appointment with a clinician at Journey through life Counseling, LLC, we reserve that time especially for you. We do not overbook our appointments because we feel that our patients deserve to be seen in a timely manner. 

Just as you deserve your providers full attention during your appointment, we greatly appreciate knowing in advance when a client is unable to keep their appointment. If you should need to cancel an appointment, please be aware of our requirement of at least 48-hour notice (2 day notice) and charges for no-show. Please review therapy consent, policies, and agreement for detailed information.

You can set up an appointment by contacting us through the website (contact us button). Another option is to visit Psychology today website (link provided on Journeythroughlifecounseling website or search for Shay Ashton Harris using the link to Psychology today) and email when you are ready to take the journey or call the number provided and leave a message. Response time is usually within 24 to 48 hours, depending upon availability and accepting new clients.   

Group sessions will be conducted through ZOOM (a HIPAA compliant platform). Download the app and the app is free for you. 

You can find the group sessions, days, dates, times through the website https://www.JourneythroughlifeCounseling.com. Dates and times vary and subject to change upon client registering for a group, six or more attending. Click services at the top of the website. It will bring you to the Calender where you will see the days, dates, times, and the specific topic for discussion. You can sign up using the form provided (be sure to include in your form the day, date, time, and group you want to attend). Typically a topic will be divided into two group sessions per week.   

Psychoeducational groups are $50.00 per group session. Payments are to be made in advance and prior to group, This is a non-refundable fee and payments are due once you set up the group session appointment. You will be provided with a ZOOM link to the group on the day the group will be held. 

Exception to the rule for refund (subject to change): A refund will be returned to the group participant in the event if there is less than three participants for that particular group session, unless the group participant would like to attend. The therapist will email the potential group participant of this notification and inquire if group participant would like to continue to attend with group session.

Important note to remember: group sessions will have 6 to 10 seats available, once the max number is reached, the group will be closed. Schedule in advance  to be a part of the group discussion you are interested in.  Group payments are due at the time you schedule and are non-refundable, with the exception provided above. 

Don't miss out on some great psychoeducational group sessions! Topics will be posted in advance for early sign up. 

Often if this is no prior therapy experience, there may be feelings of being exposed and vulnerable after sharing so much, but this is a natural response to opening up so much. However, overtime feelings of comfort and safety should emerge, along with a sense of optimism and belief in the ability to improve. 

Symptoms change in frequency, duration, intensity, or latency which aspect cannot be predicted. But typically there is an increased optimism after a few sessions  and after a few more, there may be a change in self-confidence, energy, courage, and consistent sessions overtime, clients may show less symptoms of anxiety or depression and many people will see this change before you.  Improvement does not always go in a straight line or always move up; it happens in waves and these fluxuations are normal.

I have an ethical obligation to use the most appropriate and effective treatments and do not practice beyond my scope of education, expertise and professional knowledge. I adopt approaches that are suitable for my clients. 

Sometimes we are not quite sure what we are looking for in counseling or you will not know what to talk about. You may have certain ideas or expectations. A few things that might help you get the most out of virtual counseling are: 

Don’t pretend to be okay. It’s okay to talk about things that feel embarrassing or scary, or things that bring anxiety or bring triggers.

Regularly attend your sessions and take an active part in them, this is where you can find those hidden strengths and tools you can use to thrive in your journey through life. 

Be prepared for each session and be ready to focus on a problem or issue.

Work collaboratively with your counselor and be willing to explore new behaviors both within and outside the sessions, so this means occassionally you may have tasks or homework to complete before your next session.

Be open and honest with your counselor about how the sessions are going for you. We are in this journey together

Ask questions. If your counselor is talking about something you do not understand, or you feel uncertain about a particular suggestion, ask questions...questions are good. 

Texas state law requires counselors to maintain their client’s confidentiality at all times. There are a few limited exceptions (for more information, please review the consent form you signed prior to the initial intake session):

1. If the counselor deems you are in danger to yourself or others.

2.If the counselor is made aware of child or elder abuse, or the likelihood of that abuse is occurring.

3.If the counselor is subpoenaed by the courts.

Please review the informed consent form for other possible reasons that confidentiality may be broken without your permission.  

If you feel that there is basis for a formal complaint or grievance about anything related to the professional services, we provide we request you to first communicate your concerns to us directly so that we will be informed and have an opportunity to respond and resolve any potential misunderstanding. You have a right to file a complaint about your therapist. Although not every complaint against or dispute with a licensee involves professional misconduct, the Executive Council will provide you with information about how to file a complaint.

Please call:

1-800-821-3205 

for more information, or Mail or email your complaint and supporting documentation to: 

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council Attn: Enforcement Division 333 Guadalupe St., Ste. 3-900 Austin, Texas 78701 Enforcement@bhec.texas.gov

You may also file a complaint by contacting the board at the following phone numbers:

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council: main line:

(512) 305-7700 

investigations/complaints 24-hour, health professions council toll free complaint referral system:

(800) 821-3205

Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors: 

(512)834-6658

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists: (512)305-7700

Texas State Board of Social Workers Examiners: (512)834-6677

Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists: (512)834-6657

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, psychological associates, social workers, and licensed specialists in school psychology. Although not every complaint against or dispute with a licensee involves professional misconduct, the Executive Council will provide you with information about how to file a complaint.

Please call 1-800-821-3205 for more information, or Mail or email your complaint and supporting documentation to: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council Attn: Enforcement Division 333 Guadalupe St., Ste. 3-900 Austin, Texas 78701 Enforcement@bhec.texas.gov

When you consent to therapy, you will have detailed information within the consent policies and agreements as to why I do not accept insurance at this time. Here is a part of the reason I do not accept insurance: 

Insurance typically authorizes several therapy sessions at a time.  When these sessions are finished, your therapist must justify the need for continued services.  Sometimes additional sessions are not authorized, leading to an end of the therapeutic relationship even if therapeutic goals are not completely met.

Even if the therapist justifies the need for ongoing services, your insurance company may decline services.  Your insurance company dictates if treatment will or will not be covered.

 Most HMOs and PPOs require “preauthorization” before you can receive services.  This means you must call the company and justify why you are seeking therapeutic services in order for you to receive reimbursement.  The insurance representative, who may or may not be a mental health professional, will decide whether services will be allowed.  If authorization is given, you are often restricted to seeing the providers on the insurance company’s list.  Reimbursement is reduced if you choose someone who is not on the contracted list; consequently, your choice of providers is often significantly restricted.

After reading my position on why I don’t accept health insurance, you still may decide to use your health insurance.  If you provide me with a list of therapists on your insurance provider list, I will do my best to recommend a therapist for you. I will also provide you with an invoice/receipt so that you may conduct a claim, on your own. I do not provide a claim for you.

Yes, this may feel a bit overwhelming in the beginning and even before we initially have our first session.  Contracts are formal statements of exchanges and obligations. They document who is to do what.  The contract forms expand information on the techniques or methods of therapy, some focus more on the goals of treatment, the "rules" for therapy, or the risks of treatment versus the probability of success.

A treatment contract is evidence of consent, but it is not a substitute for it. You will be fully informed through discussion as well. 

Psychotherapy contracts have many terminologies like: "contract" or called "form" or "understanding," "treatment contract." "concent to treatment form," or an "agreement." 

Advantages are they reinforce equality, mutuality, clarify goals, boundaries, and expectations, prevent misunderstandings about responsibilities, meothods, and practical arrangemnts of therapy, they clarify the roles of each person in the relationship, and increase accountability,  contracts help with evaluating and reevaluating progress and modify goals as issues become better understood. 

A "New Client Package" will be sent by email (in compliance with HIPAA regulations), using adobe, from Journey through life Counseling, LLC when you intend to enter therapy. This is a way to confirm the beginning and initial start. 

There are forms on the website that you can also send to get a start, and you can request forms by completing the the contact us form.  Questions are always welcomed and appreciated. 

Journey through life Counseling, LLC applies the Multiple Perspective Model, when counselors are faced with an ethical dilemma that may be difficult to resolve. Journey through life counseling, LLC and the counselor ethical decision-making model process as well as consulting available resources is used, as needed for ethical decision-making. 

Five key step-by-step perspectives (ethical, legal, clinical/therapeutic, institutional policies, and therapist/counselor variables and issues) are applied when evaluating the problem situation, identifying potential problems/issues, and if the problem/issue has a significant ethical component the applicable code of ethics is reviewed to determine the ethical principles.

For example, the American Counseling Association's (ACA) Code of Ethics (2014) lists six ethical principles which serve as the associations foundation for ethical behavior and decision-making (autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity, and veracity). 

Please contact if there are questions regarding the multiple perspective model that Journey through life Counseling, LLC applies when faced with ethical dilemmas.