Every situation is different. Some clients see significant progress in 4–6 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. During your free discovery call, we'll discuss your goals and recommend a starting plan. You're never locked into a package — we work at your pace.

Yes. Everything discussed in coaching sessions is strictly confidential. We will not share your information with anyone without your written consent, except in cases where there is a legal obligation to report (such as imminent danger to self or others). We'll review our confidentiality policy together before we begin.

We understand that life happens. We ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. Details are outlined in our coaching agreement.

Conflict resolution is a broad term for the methods and processes used to facilitate the peaceful ending of disagreements. At Surrency Common Ground Consulting & Conflict Resolution, LLC, we focus on practical skill-building: teaching individuals and organizations how to communicate more effectively, manage emotional reactions, and find mutually acceptable solutions to disputes. Our approaches draw from active listening, interest-based negotiation, restorative practices, and emotional intelligence frameworks.

No. This is an important distinction. Dr. Charlene M. Surrency, PsyD, MBA holds a Doctorate in Psychology, and her methodology is deeply informed by psychological science. However, Surrency Common Ground Consulting & Conflict Resolution, LLC services are conflict resolution coaching and consulting — not licensed clinical therapy. We do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, and we are not a substitute for licensed counseling, psychotherapy, or psychiatric care. Our work is focused on education, skill-building, and empowerment. Clients needing clinical psychological services should consult a licensed mental health professional. If we believe a client would benefit from therapeutic support, we will provide appropriate referrals. Similarly, we do not provide legal advice or legal representation.

Anyone who experiences conflict — which means everyone. Our clients include individuals navigating personal relationships, co-parents seeking better communication, employees dealing with workplace tension, teens and young adults building social skills, managers wanting to lead more effectively, and organizations of all sizes looking to improve their internal culture. If you're dealing with conflict in any area of your life or work, we can help.

Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. All information shared during coaching sessions, consulting engagements, and workshops is treated as strictly confidential. We will not disclose your information to any third party without your written consent, except where required by law (such as cases involving imminent danger to self or others, or suspected abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult). Our confidentiality policy is reviewed with every client before we begin working together.

Coaching is forward-focused and skill-based. While therapy often explores past experiences, mental health diagnoses, and deep emotional healing, coaching concentrates on building practical skills for handling current and future conflicts. Dr. Surrency holds a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) and her methodology is deeply informed by psychological science. However, Surrency Common Ground Consulting & Conflict Resolution, LLC services are conflict resolution coaching and consulting — not licensed clinical therapy. Clients needing clinical psychological services should consult a licensed mental health professional. If we determine that therapy may be beneficial, we'll provide appropriate referrals.

It varies depending on your goals and situation. Some clients achieve their objectives in 4–6 sessions, while others benefit from 8–12 sessions or ongoing monthly support. During your free discovery call, we'll discuss your specific needs and recommend a starting plan. You're never locked into a long-term commitment — you can adjust your plan at any time.

Dr. Surrency holds a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) from the University of Arizona Global Campus and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix, along with a Bachelor of Science in Business (Human Resources) and three associate degrees in Administration Technology, Accounting, and Business Logistics from Albany Technical College. This combination of seven advanced degrees across psychology, business, and technology gives her a uniquely multidisciplinary perspective on conflict resolution — blending deep understanding of human behavior with practical, results-driven business acumen. Additionally, Dr. Surrency brings 16+ years of distinguish service — one of the largest federal installations in the Southeast — where she gained extensive hands-on experience navigating complex organizational dynamics, cross-functional teams, and high-stakes federal operations.

Yes. We offer both individual and joint coaching sessions. Joint sessions can be incredibly effective for co-parents, couples, family members, or business partners who want to improve their communication and develop shared conflict resolution strategies. We maintain strict neutrality in all joint sessions.

Yes. We offer coaching for teens and young adults who are developing their conflict resolution and communication skills. Sessions are age-appropriate, engaging, and focused on real-world scenarios teens encounter at school, at home, and in their social lives. For minors, parental or guardian consent is required before coaching begins.

Common indicators include: high employee turnover, frequent interpersonal complaints, low morale or engagement scores, avoidance of difficult conversations at the leadership level, unclear or outdated grievance policies, and a general sense that "communication is broken." If any of these resonate, a conflict culture assessment can provide clarity and a path forward.

A one-time assessment typically takes 2–4 weeks from kickoff to final report delivery. Project-based engagements range from 1–4 months depending on scope. Retainer partnerships are ongoing monthly arrangements. We'll discuss timelines during your free consultation and build a schedule that works for your organization.

Yes. We offer on-site consulting and mediation services in Albany, GA and the surrounding Southwest Georgia region. For organizations outside our immediate area, we offer virtual consulting options that are just as comprehensive and effective. Travel fees may apply for on-site work beyond a 50-mile radius of Albany.

Absolutely — and we strongly encourage it. Every organization's challenges are unique, and a one-size-fits-all workshop rarely delivers lasting results. We begin every workshop engagement with a pre-assessment to understand your team's specific dynamics, challenges, and goals. The content, examples, scenarios, and exercises are then tailored to your reality.

Our standard workshop pricing covers groups of up to 25 participants. This size allows for meaningful interaction, role-playing, and small-group exercises. We can accommodate larger groups with additional facilitator support and materials — just let us know your numbers when you request a quote.

Yes. All of our services — coaching, consulting, and workshops — are available virtually via secure video conferencing. Virtual sessions are ideal for clients outside the Albany area, remote teams, and organizations with employees in multiple locations. Many of our clients prefer the flexibility and convenience of virtual engagement.

We accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), bank transfers (ACH), cash, checks, and select digital payment platforms including Zelle, PayPal, and CashApp. For packages of $450 or more, we offer flexible payment plans. Organizational clients receive professional invoices with Net 15 or Net 30 terms.

For coaching sessions, we ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. Consulting and workshop cancellation terms are outlined in your service agreement and vary by engagement type. We understand that unexpected things come up — please communicate with us and we'll do our best to accommodate you.