Common Questions

Here are answers to common questions asked during the first session. I hope you find these helpful.

1. What’s  your personal background?
   1. I served in the USAF for 21 years, I started treatment in 2007 for my PTSD, I have been providing therapeutic interventions since 2014 while in my master’s       program working with inpatient clients for substance and process addictions. Then in 2017, I transitioned to Veteran Affairs working with  outpatient clients through the Urgent Care Clinic. I now work with clients privately.
2. What  makes you qualified to treat my problem?
   1. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 
   2. Tennessee License No. LSW6881 and NPI No. 1225549744
   3. The University of Tennessee M.S., Social Work and Graduated: 2015
   4. I am trained in Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) focusing on treating trauma and as Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT) dealing with addictions. 
   5. I have provided individual and group psychotherapy services to a culturally diverse community diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, attention disturbances, anxiety, depression, sex addiction and substance abuse.
3. What  treatment styles will you be using?
   1. I have training and experience with Cognitive therapy, Exposure therapy, Gestalt therapy, Person-centered therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based, Interpersonal therapy, and in EMDR. 
4. How  often will we meet for therapy?
   1. The recommendation for sessions is generally based upon the extent to which a client's daily life is being impaired by symptoms of a condition and/or how quickly a client wishes to see change in their life. 
   2. We can  start with as many as two sessions a week and taper down to  one session a week, one session every two weeks, once a month, once every  two months, and then once every six months prior to graduating out of therapy.
5. Have  you worked with people who experience what I am going through?
   1. I have experienced and treated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares, unwanted memories, avoidance of situations that bring back memories, heightened reactions, anxiety, depressed mood, agitation, irritability, hostility,       hypervigilance, self-destructive behavior, social isolation, flashbacks, fear, severe anxiety, mistrust, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, guilt, loneliness, sleep disturbances, and emotional  detachment. 
6. In what ways can therapy help me?
   1. We will first identify the direction you want to go in therapy to help you uncover strengths and learn new skills that will allow you to deal with the challenges that arise in daily life without needing professional help. I want to work myself out of your life so you can live without me. 
7. What  do I need to do to prepare for the  sessions?
   1. I can send you some reading that will help you prepare for sessions if you want. I always suggest individuals try to have a balanced diet, sleep recommended hours if possible, and practice as much self-care as  possible.
8. Do  you provide therapy homework?
   1. As we progress along, some homework may be advisable. We can talk about it as we go.
9. What  is your cancellation policy?
   1. The blanket  answer is if you cancel an appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice, or  fail to show up, you will be charged for the appointment as  well as a no show fee. We can discuss your circumstances to see if the charges can be waived.
10. What  is the cost per session?
    1. We can schedule  a 50-minute session for $140, 80-minute session for $200, or a 3.5-hour session for $500, all during the week. Weekend sessions are charged at time and a  half the weekday rate or you can think of it as session rate x 1.5. I do not take insurance due to them being inflexible and having numerous barriers.  I do have limited availability for sliding scale or pro bono rates.
11. How  can I tell if therapy is working?
    1. You are noticing improvement on your stated symptoms.
    2. You are moving towards meeting your stated goals.
    3. You have learned new skills and are applying them in daily life.
    4. We are  looking at graduation out of therapy. 
12. Contact  Information 
    1. Email: tim.hook2therapist@gmail.com
    2. Phone: (615) 852-5581
    3. LinkedIn : linkedin.com/in/timothy-hook-a7561072