Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Stepfamily Coaching?

Stepfamily Coaching is the practice of teaching clients the unique dynamics of stepfamilies and how they differ from first families, providing clients tools specifically tailored to the stepfamily unit, and assisting clients in the implementation of these tools. In this role, the Stepfamily Coach helps clients solve problems, reach identified goals, design an action plan and make important decisions according to said plan. Great for couples who are engaged or newly married into a stepfamily, Stepfamily Coaching focuses on helping partners understand and effectively manage their new family system.

Separated and divorced spouses can benefit from Stepfamily Coaching by learning better ways to communicate about the child(ren) and in the development of co-parenting agreements. Research has shown that children of parents who cooperate in child-rearing function best after divorce and we offer the necessary tools to make this happen. Live outside Tampa Bay area? Distance Stepfamily Coaching services available.

2. What is Individual Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is about taking a good honest look at yourself with the help of a professionally trained therapist.  Often times, but not always, psychotherapy focuses on one’s past and looks to uncover the ‘why’ to current concerns/problems. This may include learning why certain patterns exist in your life that may be either unhealthy or nonproductive.  Through examining and interpreting past learned messages, work may be done to make positive changes in one’s life. 

This can be tremendously beneficial, and, at the same time, there are some risks. Risks may include the experience of unwanted feelings, including sadness, anger, fear, guilt or anxiety. These feelings are natural and normal, and are an important part of the counseling process.  While in therapy, some people make major life decisions, including new commitments or separations, changes in relationships, and changes in employment settings and lifestyles. These decisions are a legitimate outcome of the counseling experience as a result of an individual's calling into question many of their beliefs and values.

3. What is Couples Counseling?

Couples counseling and marital therapy focus on the concerns existing in the relationship between two people. Here the ‘couple’ is the client as opposed to a single individual. Couples therapy involves looking at the patterns of interaction between partners and learning ways to communicate more effectively so partners maintain connection and caring. Psychoeducation and interpersonal skills are important components of couples counseling, as well as is learning to honor each others' point of view.

4. What is Family Therapy?

Family therapy involves looking at the patterns of interaction between family members and learning ways to communicate more effectively. Similar to couples counseling, psychoeducation and interpersonal skills are important components of the family therapy process. Sessions may include the entire family, as well as subsystems of the family.

5. How do I know if Success for Steps® is right for me?

Christina Roach provides a FREE Initial Consultation for potential clients to help them determine if they would benefit from her services and if she is best suited to meet their needs. From here an appointment is scheduled, at which time a full assessment will be conducted.

6. What if I have concerns unrelated to Stepfamily Issues?

While Christina Roach specializes in stepfamily work, she also has clients with concerns unrelated to stepfamilies. These include other relationship concerns (ie. domestic violence); divorce; women’s issues; self-esteem issues; life transitions; GLBT issues; stress and anger management; and personal growth.

7. How long does the process take?

The process can take anywhere from as little as four to five sessions, to that of several months. Total length of time varies per client and depends on what you, the client, want to ultimately accomplish. I encourage you to commit to the process for as long as you continue to receive value. You are free to cancel the therapist-client relationship at any time that it stops meeting your needs. It is important to note that the more actively involved you are in the process, the more effective it will be for you. You will benefit most if you: (1) are honest with both yourself and the therapist, (2) make your goals a part of your everyday life, (3) commit to continuing counseling until your goals have been met, and (4) work between sessions to deepen your understanding and put into effect the knowledge and techniques you are gaining from therapy. 

8. How long are the sessions?

The first therapy session is scheduled for 1 hour and 30 minutes as this is when the full assessment is conducted, your concerns are more thoroughly discussed, and goals are identified. Appointments thereafter are typically scheduled on a weekly basis and are approximately 55 minutes in length. It is important to note that appointments end promptly at the time agreed, even if you arrive late, so I can prepare for my next client. We will arrange appointments at your convenience and every effort will be made to schedule appointments at the same time each week.

9. Can I use my insurance to pay for these services?

Unfortunately, I do not accept insurance for my Stepfamily Coaching or Counseling services. This decision has been made to protect your confidentiality and also to allow us (you as the client and me as your mental health provider) to devise a treatment plan that meets your individual needs and is not mandated by an outside third party. I will be more than happy to provide you with a paid receipt which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement purposes. Clients are responsible for confirming with their insurance provider whether or not services are reimbursable.

10. How much do services cost?

Christina's fees are in accordance with other practitioners in her area, as well as her level of expertise and knowledge. Believing finances should not be a deterrent for seeking services, she offers a sliding scale. Please contact Christina directly to discuss her fee structure. Payment options include cash, check and/or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express).  

11. What do you expect from your clients?

Knowing that I need to earn your trust, I ask that you grant our relationship enough room so that you can reach your goals quickly. Given this, your role is an active one and includes being as frank as possible. In order for modern "solution-oriented therapy" techniques to be effective and render lasting results, an investment of time and effort is required on your part, such as doing homework and practicing the skills and information presented. I recommend that clients come to their appointments early in order to unwind from traffic and to begin focusing on our meeting. Client Intake Forms are made available on my website so clients may complete them in the privacy of their own homes. Each client is asked to bring these completed forms with them to their first session. Upon arriving at my office, I ask that clients wait comfortably in the waiting room until I escort them back to my office.

12. What can I expect from you?

I do not take for granted the trust and hope that you, my client, has instilled in me.  I know that other therapists are available to you, and I appreciate your having chosen me. You can expect me to be unconditionally committed to your personal growth and to be honest with you about what I see going on in your situation. I offer a nonjudgmental, caring environment in which experiences may be fully explored. I hope you will feel comfortable and secure in our therapist-client relationship, and that you will quickly experience real progress towards your goals. You are the client, and I am working for you.

13. Will my privacy be protected?

Sessions are private and confidential. Information shared with me is protected by professional ethics and state and federal law and will not be disclosed to anyone without your written permission. Such confidentiality is essential to creating a safe environment in which you feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics. This environment is nonjudgmental and genuine, allowing for experiences to be freely explored. I respect that this is YOUR time and I am committed to protecting your safety and well being in this area. Under certain circumstances, for example if you are an extreme threat to yourself or someone else, I am ethically and legally bound to break this confidentiality. Also, any concerns involving child and/or elder abuse requires notification of the proper authorities. 

14. What if I live outside the Tampa Bay area?

For those living outside the Tampa Bay area, telephone/Internet services may be a viable option. Being both convenient and economical, services offered over the telephone or Internet (email, chat, video conferencing) allows for more people to be served. Please note that both therapy and stepfamily coaching services are offered to those living within the state of Florida, while only stepfamily coaching is offered via a distance medium for those living outside the state of Florida. 

15. Why Christina Roach and Success for Steps®?

Because you want:

• EXPERIENCE: Ms. Roach is trained as both a Psychotherapist and a Stepfamily Coach; Ms. Roach and you will determine which service is most appropriate for your given situation 
• Liscensed Mental Health Counselor (MH #11532)
• National Certified Counselor (NCC ##260799)
• Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC #906)
• Stepfamily Coach & Master Stepfamily Foundation Counselor 
• A provider specifically trained in the unique dynamics of stepfamily relationships and who has received training by the two prominent forces in stepfamily work in the United States, The Stepfamily Foundation and the National Stepfamily Resource Center
• Noted expert on stepfamily dynamics and has been featured nationally in both broadcast and print media
• Devise solutions that are applicable in the ‘real’ world
• An experienced provider who has worked in the 'real' world having been in corporate America for over 10 years before entering into the counseling profession. Given this, Christina understands the struggle of balancing work and family life. 
• Solve problems
• Take action and make decisions
• Reach the goals you desire and envision for your life