One of my deepest desires is that financial hardship would not become an unnecessary barrier to receiving ongoing care or counseling. At the same time, it is important that I steward my practice in a way that allows me to continue offering thoughtful, sustainable care to all of my clients.

For this reason, Story + Soul Care offers a limited number of adjusted-rate appointments for clients who are experiencing financial hardship and are committed to engaging in the soul care process consistently.

Before completing this request, please take a moment to review the information below.

Purpose

The adjusted-rate program is intended to support clients whose current financial circumstances make it difficult to continue counseling at the standard fee of $150 per hour.

Rather than relying solely on annual household income, Story + Soul Care uses a modified version of the Green Bottle Method, a model designed to encourage thoughtful reflection on financial privilege and access to resources beyond income alone. Story + Soul Care has adapted this framework for use within this counseling practice. This approach recognizes that financial well-being is shaped by many factors, including housing, debt, healthcare, caregiving responsibilities, savings, employment, and access to resources. Two households with similar incomes may experience very different financial realities.

Instead of asking, “How much do you make?” this method also invites reflection on questions such as:

• Are your basic needs consistently met?
• Do unexpected expenses create significant hardship?
• Do you have access to savings or financial reserves?
• Are you able to afford healthcare?
• Do you have discretionary income after meeting essential expenses?
• Are you able to take time away from work or rest without significant financial burden?

As you complete this request, I invite you to consider your overall financial experience with honesty and grace. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers. The goal is not to determine worthiness but to help steward these limited resources wisely and equitably.

Eligibility

To be considered for an adjusted rate, you should:

• Be committed to participating in counseling at least twice each month.
• Be experiencing financial circumstances that make the standard fee difficult to sustain.
• Complete this request honestly and thoughtfully.
• Be willing to discuss your request if additional clarification is needed.

How Requests Are Reviewed

Each request is considered individually. While household income is one factor, I also consider:

• Your overall financial circumstances using the Green Bottle Method
• Household size and responsibilities
• Significant financial hardships or life transitions
• Commitment to ongoing counseling
• Availability of adjusted-rate appointments

Because every person’s circumstances are unique, no single factor determines eligibility.

Review Process

If an adjusted rate request is approved, it is intended to support you during your current season of financial need and is not considered a permanent fee.

Adjusted-rate agreements are reviewed every 3–6 months to ensure they continue to reflect your current circumstances. During each review, your rate may remain the same, be adjusted, or return to the standard fee based on your financial situation and the availability of adjusted-rate appointments.

If your financial circumstances improve before your scheduled review, I simply ask that you let me know so we can revisit your rate together.

Availability

Adjusted-rate appointments are limited. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval, as availability depends on the number of reduced-fee spaces currently available within the practice.

Before You Begin

I recognize that conversations about finances can feel vulnerable. Thank you for taking the time to complete this request with honesty and care. My hope is not to evaluate your worth or ask you to justify your need. Rather, I desire to steward these limited appointments with wisdom, generosity, and fairness so that soul care remains accessible to those who need it most while sustaining the long-term health of my practice.