WHAT WE OFFER

WOMEN COUNSELING

Where Faith and Clinical Care Meet

At Distinctively Christian Counseling, we provide compassionate, Christ-centered online counseling for women navigating life transitions and emotional challenges. Whether you're adjusting to menopause, experiencing an empty nest, retiring, changing careers, or facing symptoms of depression and anxiety, we’re here to walk alongside you with faith, wisdom, and evidence-based care.

We specialize in helping women:

• Overcome limiting beliefs and a victimhood mindset

• Identify and silence the lies of the enemy

• Replace negative self-talk with biblical truth

• See themselves as beloved Daughters of the King

• Embrace a life that glorifies and honors Jesus Christ

Our Approach: Faith-Filled and Evidence-Based

We believe in the power of God’s Word to heal and restore. That’s why our counseling approach is Christ-Centered, Biblically Based, Prayer-Focused, and Holy Spirit-Led, thoughtfully integrated with effective psychotherapeutic methods.

Our clinical tools include:

• Supportive Counseling to offer encouragement and emotional safety

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to identify strengths and develop actionable steps toward healing

• Psychoeducation to increase understanding and promote mental wellness

• Evidence-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you renew your mind, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and develop healthier emotional and behavioral responses

Why CBT?

Research shows that CBT is highly effective in treating anxiety, depression, and negative thinking. It aligns beautifully with biblical principles like renewing the mind (Romans 12:2) and taking every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). When combined with Christian Counseling, CBT empowers women to exchange lies for God’s truth and to walk in emotional freedom.

Why Christian Counseling?

Christian Counseling brings spiritual depth to the healing process by integrating faith with clinical practice. It addresses not just the mind and emotions, but the heart and spirit—rooted in God’s truth, led by the Holy Spirit, and anchored in prayer.

BIBLICAL COUNSELING

Living in Way that Honors and Glories Lord Jesus

Biblical Counseling is a Jesus Christ-centered approach designed to help you live as a Daughter of the King in today’s world. Rooted in God’s Word, led by Lord Jesus and the power of His Holy Spirit, this Counseling offers wisdom, healing, and transformation from the Lord Jesus perspective. He is the one who can heal your broken heart and clean you from blemishes, spots, and residues of sins in your life. He is the only one who can give you inner peace beyond your understanding. Lord Jesus is the only one who can transform you from the inside and out and make you glorious for His good pleasure.

Each session is tailored to help you:

• Surrender fully to the Lord Jesus and allow Him to transform you from the inside out.

• Strengthen your relationship with Him and grow in your faith.

• Address and heal from unresolved emotional wounds and inner conflicts.

• Learn to manage emotions and develop healthy, biblical coping skills.

• Break free from unhealthy relationship patterns.

• Confront pain and experience healing—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

• Prepare single women to become godly wives who please the Lord so that His Word is honored and not blasphemed (Titus 2:4-5).

Through Biblical Counseling, you will receive godly guidance and support to overcome life’s challenges and walk in the purpose Father God has ordained for you as His beloved daughter. In every session, you will experience the power of the Lord Jesus, and He will equip and empower you to live in a way that honors and glorifies Him.

All sessions are provided by an online therapy platform that is HIPAA compliant. Call and schedule an appointment today.

We specialize in helping Christian women to navigate through life transitions, find solutions to their problems, overcome feelings of depression and anxiety, build up their faith and Christ confidence, and forgive themselves and others.

Anxiety

Depression

Distance from God/Faith Issues

Life Adjustments/Life Transitions

Menopausal Transition

Personal Growth

Low Self -Esteem

Spiritual Growth

Stress

Struggling with Faith

WHAT DO WE TREAT

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VISIT

Learn About My Methods

Your journey begins with a warm welcome and prayer, inviting the presence of the Lord Jesus into our time together. During this session, we will conduct an Initial Mental Health Assessment, during which you will have the opportunity to share the reasons for your visit, the challenges you are facing, and any current symptoms you may be experiencing. We will also explore your life history—including family, mental, educational, employment, medical, and spiritual background—along with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Following the assessment, we will identify your goals and create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. Before the session ends, we will establish a schedule for your counseling sessions, whether weekly or biweekly.

Ongoing Counseling Sessions:

Each session provides a safe and welcoming space where you can express and process your thoughts and emotions in the light of God’s truth. Every session begins with prayer and an invitation for the Lord Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, to lead with wisdom, comfort, and guidance.

As the Holy Spirit leads, sessions may conclude with up to 15 minutes of Christian meditation, allowing time for reflection, renewal, and deeper connection with the Lord.

Christian and Biblical Counseling is one of Lord Jesus’ ways to bring healing, clarity, and transformation as you walk in the fullness of who God has called you to be.

Christian Counseling Fees (Clinical)

Provided by a licensed Christian therapist, integrating faith and evidence-based mental health treatment.

$195 Initial Mental Health Evaluation (60 to 75 mins)

$175 Individual Counseling (55 mins)

Biblical Counseling Fees (Non Clinical)

For women seeking spiritual guidance and discipleship through the Word of God.

$135 Initial Assessment (60 mins) $125 Biblical Counseling (55 mins)

We accept the following Credit Cards: AMEX, DISCOVERY, VISA, MASTERCARD

We also accepted ZELLE, and HSA/FSA Cards

Payments are due before services are rendered.

FEES, PAYMENT & POLICIES

At Distinctively Christian Counseling, our commitment is to provide you with biblically grounded, compassionate, and professional care. Please review the following information regarding our rates, payment options, and practice policies.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Do you accept insurance?
At this time, Distinctively Christian Counseling is not in-network with any insurance companies and does not bill insurance directly. We are planning to join some insurance companies network. Check back in the future. Many clients choose self-pay for greater privacy, flexibility, and alignment with their faith-based goals. (See: Benefits of Self-Pay Below)

Can I still get reimbursed by my insurance?
Possibly. If you have out-of-network benefits, we can provide a superbill (an itemized receipt) upon request, which you may submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. Please check with your plan in advance.

What’s the difference between Christian Counseling and Biblical Counseling?

• Christian Counseling is provided by a licensed mental health professional and integrates biblical truth with evidence-based clinical care. It involves assessments, treatment planning, and can include a diagnosis.

• Biblical Counseling is spiritual, non-clinical guidance rooted solely in Scripture and prayer. It’s ideal for those seeking discipleship, spiritual and personal growth, or healing without a clinical diagnosis.

How long will I need counseling?
Every client’s journey is different. Some attend for a few sessions to work through a specific issue, while others continue longer for deeper healing and transformation. You have full freedom to decide what’s best for your needs.

Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. We currently offer secure, HIPAA-compliant online sessions so you can receive support from the comfort of your home.

WHY SOME CLIENTS CHOOSE DON'T TO USE THEIR INSURANCE FOR THERAPY

At Distinctively Christian Counseling, we understand that deciding whether or not to use insurance for therapy is a personal choice. While some clients choose to use their health benefits, others prefer to pay out-of-pocket for several important reasons:

Privacy and Confidentiality

• Many clients value the assurance of complete confidentiality. When insurance is used, clinical records may be reviewed by insurance auditors. For those concerned about future employment opportunities—especially in government or military roles requiring security clearance—keeping therapy records private can be essential.use insurance, a therapist must provide a clinical mental health diagnosis that becomes a part of your permanent health record.

  Mental Health Diagnosis Required

• To use insurance, a therapist must provide a clinical mental health diagnosis that becomes a part of your permanent health record. Some clients are not comfortable with this label or do not wish to have a mental health condition listed in their medical history.

High Deductibles

• Many insurance plans require clients to meet a high deductible before coverage for therapy begins. In such cases, clients may end up paying the full session fee out-of-pocket anyway—without the benefit of full control over their care.

Medical Necessity Criteria

• Insurance companies determine whether therapy is “medically necessary” before approving payment. If your struggles don’t meet their specific criteria, your sessions may not be covered—regardless of how important therapy is to your emotional or spiritual well-being.

Restricted Session Time and

Frequency

• Insurance typically limits session duration to 45 minutes. Longer sessions or additional support may require special approval. Many clients prefer the freedom to choose longer or more frequent sessions without outside limitations.

Therapeutic Freedom and Control

• Insurance companies often dictate which types of therapy are covered. By choosing private pay, clients gain the flexibility to engage in biblically integrated care without external interference or constraints on the approach, method, or goals of treatment.

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING SELF PAY FOR COUNSELING

At Distinctively Christian Counseling, many of our clients choose self-pay because it offers greater freedom, flexibility, and alignment with their faith. Here are just a few of the benefits:

Faith-Aligned Care

• You have the freedom to choose a therapist who shares your Christian beliefs and values—even if they are not part of your insurance network.

  Confidentiality and Privacy

• Self-pay allows you to keep your therapy private. Your records are not shared with insurance companies or third-party databases such as the Medical Information Bureau (MIB), which can sometimes impact future applications for life or disability insurance.

  No Diagnosis Required

• You can seek support for life transitions, personal growth, or spiritual struggles without needing a formal mental health diagnosis.

  You're in Control

• With self-pay, you manage your care—not your insurance company. You choose the focus, frequency, and duration of your sessions without needing prior approvals or medical necessity.

Flexible and Personalized Support

• Whether you need a single session or ongoing care, self-pay gives you the freedom to tailor therapy to your unique needs and schedule.

Higher Client Satisfaction

• Studies show that self-pay clients often experience better outcomes in therapy, possibly due to greater investment, autonomy, and commitment to the process.Self-Pay gives you the freedom to be in control and manage your own mental health treatment.

PRIVACY & CONFIDENTIALITY

All information disclosed within Christian Counseling sessions with Shelia D. Duncan Wheeler are confidential and may not be disclosed to anyone with your written consent, except where is disclosure is required by law. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and other individually identifiable health information (collectively defined as “protected health information”) and applies to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and those health care providers that conduct certain health care transactions electronically. The Rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of protected health information and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without an individual’s authorization. The Rule also gives individuals rights over their protected health information, including rights to examine and obtain a copy of their health records, to direct a covered entity to transmit to a third party an electronic copy of their protected health information in an electronic health record, and to request corrections.

Biblical Counseling generally is not subject to HIPAA regulations because it's a religious activity. HIPAA primarily govern healthcare providers and health plans. All Biblical Counseling sessions are confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone. Biblical Counseling is not deem medical or healthcare therefore the sessions are not part of your health or medical records.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Distinctively Christian Counseling and Shelia D. Duncan Wheeler do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc) due to the importance of your confidentiality and the importance of minimizing dual relationships.

We believe that adding clients as friends or contacts on these sites can compromise your confidentiality and our respective privacy. You are welcome to like and follow our social media feeds but we are not permitted to follow you back.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Your gift of time is very precious. We value your time and ours. Psalm 90:12 instructs us to number our days so that we may live wisely with the time the Lord God has given us. Also, Ephesians 5:14-15 warns us to be very careful, then, how we live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Both of these verses remind us of the brevity of life and the need to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, recognizing the limited time we have, so that we can prioritize what truly matters and seek wisdom in how we use our days and time wisely.

When you make an appointment, we reserve a specific time just for you. Therefore, we request at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations in order to reschedule your appointment. This will enable us to offer your canceled appointment time to another client and be good stewards of the gift of time that the Lord has given us.

We charge a full session rate for appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice.

GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE FOR HEALTH ITEMS & SERVICES

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

Make sure your healthcare provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059

We are honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and Christ-centered transformation. If you have any questions about these policies or your care, please don’t hesitate to ask.

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
He’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!"

Proverbs 3:5-7 MSG

Contact Us Today!

Phone

949-782-7064

Email

sddwheeler@distinctivelychristiancounseling.com

We love helping clients develop the tools they need to cope with all of life's challenges.

Contact us today to schedule your 15 minutes consultation. We are committed to your privacy. Please do not include confidential or private information regarding your health condition in this form or any other form found on this website.

This form is for general questions or messages to Distinctively Christian Counseling.

Distinctively Christian Counseling is not a crisis facility. We do not provide emergency services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 at any time to be connected to a trained crisis counselor, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.