Helene Zahn-Chilberg
MA LCMHC BF BP AHP

(910) 367-5228
Email Me

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the office located?

We are located at Oleander Office Park – 4020 Oleander Drive, Suite 103, Wilmington, NC 28403. Though the office has an Oleander address, it is set back from the main road sitting behind Faming Amy’s Burrito Barn in the A-frame business buildings. Each building has its own address. Parking is directly in front of the building. Office hours are Monday – Thursday 9-5 by appointment only.

How long is a typical session?

A typical session is 50 minutes long. However, intake sessions sometimes run slightly longer. Resonance Repatterning sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes.

What does a first session look like?

During your first session, we will discuss what inspired you to seek counseling at this time, the length of time you have been experiencing the issue, a bit of your history, and what you would like to accomplish by entering counseling with me. You may not know exactly what your goals for therapy are and that’s ok – this is a discovery process. It is helpful to consider your motivation for reaching out right now, though. It is also my recommendation that individuals start with weekly sessions for at least the first month. It is my experience that it allows for people to get off to a good start and allows for a good foundation for our work.

What are your appointment process and cancellation policy?

  • Appointment information – Appointments are available in person for locals; telehealth options are available for out-of-area NC residents. You may schedule a consultation or an appointment by calling the office at (910) 367-5228. Payment is due at the time of service in the form of cash, debit, credit, or check. Any returned check will be subject to a returned check fee of $35.
  • Cancellation policy – As your session is for a scheduled appointment time, I require no less than 24 hours if there is a need to cancel. If you must cancel an appointment with less than a 24-hour notice, full payment for the session is required. Arrival more than 15 minutes late for your appointment time without calling will be considered a “did not keep appointment” and is subject to cancellation policy.

Who do you work with?

I see individuals over the age of 18. Occasionally, I will see an individual in session with their spouse/significant other to facilitate and mediate a specific situation. My preference is to refer those couples seeking consistent therapy to a specialized couples therapist. I enjoy seeing people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions which are all welcome and respected here. I am a secular therapist affirming all spiritual traditions and self-identities. I am an LGBTQA+ ally, sex-positive therapist that supports consenting adults to live the life they want in the happiest, healthiest way possible.

I do not provide crisis counseling. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feeling suicidal, please call the Mobile Crisis Line at 1-866-437-1821 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Do you offer an initial consultation?

I do! I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation. This consultation will allow us to see if we are a good fit for one another. If you connect to my style of therapy, great! If not, no worries. What’s important is that you get your work done and receive the best care possible, even if it’s not with me.

What are your credentials?

  • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Sexuality at Central Michigan University
  • Master’s degree in Professional Counseling with specialization certificates in Marriage and Family Systems and Addictions Recovery from Ottawa University
  • Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of North Carolina #10912
  • EMDR training through the EMDR Institute in 2015
  • Advanced Certified Resonance Repatterning Practitioner since 2001

Are there other things I should know?

  • You are not required to cry in session; however, if you do, it will not be used against you at any future date in time.
  • I have a couch, but it is for sitting on not for lying back on. I am not Freud, thank goodness! I also have chairs; you get to pick.
  • At times emotions run high and people swear in my office, and no one has ever spontaneously combusted, including me!
  • You are not required to tell me your life story. If you have been in therapy before, you are not starting over. Share what you are comfortable with. If it would help to explore something more deeply, I will ask you if it is ok to talk further about it.
  • I do not prescribe psychiatric medications, and there are no medications on site.
  • Here at Advanced Wellness Counseling, your ability to learn and grow is encouraged and supported with varied events and learning opportunities. Please visit our Facebook business page if you are interested in keeping up with these events.