Getting Started

How do I get started working with you?

The process begins when you fill out our contact form. I'll reach out within 1-2 business days to schedule a brief 15-minute consultation call. During this call, we'll discuss what you're looking for, confirm that I'm the right fit for your needs, and address any initial questions. If we decide to move forward, we'll schedule your 90-minute intake session, typically within a week.

What happens in the first session?

Your initial 90-minute intake session covers three key areas: (1) a thorough discussion of all practice policies including billing, scheduling, and confidentiality with time for your questions, (2) an in-depth exploration of your presenting concerns and how they're impacting your life and work, and (3) development of a collaborative plan moving forward. You'll also complete intake forms beforehand covering your background and history.

How long does therapy typically take?

This varies significantly based on your specific issues, history, available resources, level of insight, and meeting frequency. Some clients achieve their goals in just a handful of sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support spanning months or years. We'll regularly assess progress and adjust our approach as needed.

About My Approach

What makes you different from other therapists?

My background as a practicing attorney for over a decade gives me unique insight into high-pressure professional environments. I understand the language, culture, and specific stresses of legal practice, corporate settings, and demanding careers. My approach is highly logical and cognitive, making me particularly effective with clients who value insight and analytical thinking.

Should I choose therapy or coaching?

Therapy is appropriate when you're experiencing psychological or emotional dysfunction that interferes with normal functioning—this includes anxiety, depression, burnout, and other mental health conditions requiring treatment and recovery.

Coaching is designed for individuals who generally function well but want to improve specific skills, behaviors, or performance areas. Coaching focuses on higher-level goals and requires a baseline level of mental health functioning.

If you're unsure which is right for you, we'll discuss this during your consultation call.

Practical Information

How do we meet?

Individual services are provided either in-person at our downtown Wausau office or through HIPAA-compliant video sessions. Corporate engagements can be conducted in-person or virtually based on client needs.

What are your hours?

Individual therapy sessions are scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Edward Shin (executive coaching) has more flexible availability including evenings and weekends.

Do you accept insurance?

No, Sidebar Counseling is a private-pay practice, which provides significant advantages:

Enhanced Privacy: No information is shared with insurance companies—they have no record of your treatment or any diagnoses. Written notes are minimal and kept strictly confidential.

Treatment Flexibility: No insurance-imposed limits on session duration, frequency, or treatment approach. We can meet multiple times per week if beneficial, and sessions can range from 45 minutes to multi-hour intensives.

No Required Diagnoses: We don't impose diagnoses unless therapeutically beneficial, reducing risk of future disclosure.

What are your rates?

Individual Therapy:

• $200 for 45-minute sessions and intakes

• $400 for 90-minute sessions

• Multi-hour and multi-day intensives available

• Sliding scale available based on financial need (as low as $75 per session)

Corporate Services: $250 per hour plus costs

All fees are collected in advance at scheduling and are subject to annual adjustment.

Policies and Procedures

What is your cancellation policy?

24 hours' notice is required for cancellations and rescheduling. Sessions are considered no-shows after 15 minutes. Except for emergencies, late cancellations and no-shows incur a fee of 50% of the standard session rate.

What about confidentiality?

Counselor-client privilege protects our conversations with limited exceptions:

• If I determine there's risk of harm to you or others, I may need to warn those at risk unless we can establish a safety plan

• If minors or elderly individuals are at risk, I'm required to report to appropriate authorities

• If our discussions become subject to legal discovery, I may be compelled to disclose information despite attempting to resist

Important for attorneys: I confirmed with the State Bar of Wisconsin Ethics Hotline that I have no obligation to report client conduct to the state bar.

Do you provide crisis or emergency services?

No, Sidebar Counseling does not offer 24/7 crisis support. This is clearly discussed during consultation and intake. I can provide information about external crisis resources if needed.

Still Have Questions?

Please fill out our contact form or call during business hours. I respond to inquiries within 1-2 business days unless an out-of-office notice indicates otherwise.