Congratulations on deciding to focus on your health and needs and considering therapy or counseling. I am glad you are here.
If you have never engaged in therapy, you may wonder if therapy is for you. You may be curious about the process. Most people are anxious before the first call or counseling session. You likely do not know what to expect, what will happen, and where to start. It is normal to feel nervous, I promise!
Looking for a therapist can be a daunting first step, although a very brave one. Even though the process may feel overwhelming, it is important to find a therapist that is a good fit and feels right.
First of all, I invite you to visit my website and learn more about my work, experience, educational background, approach, and services that I offer. The number one predictor of successful therapy is a good fit between you and your counselor.
If you choose to inquire about working with me, I will schedule a free phone or video consultation with you. This will be an opportunity to see if you feel comfortable working with me and whether you might benefit from therapy. During that time, you will be able to ask questions you may have and share your hopes for therapy. Furthermore, I will provide you with information about some practical aspects of therapy. We will briefly discuss your needs, what brings you to counseling, and the difficulties you may be experiencing. If we agree that I might be able to help you, we will move forward and I will schedule an intake session for you which will take approximately one hour. During our first appointment, we will explore your current circumstances, what you want to accomplish in therapy, family history, personal goals, and reasons you are looking for help at this time. I will also want to hear about areas of your life that are going well for you, about your strengths, resilience, and abilities that helped you get through hard times. I will provide you with information in regards to confidentiality, cancelation fee, length of treatment, etc.
The following sessions will last approximately 50 minutes and will take place once a week or biweekly, depending on your preference and availability. In these sessions, I will use different therapeutic interventions, tailored to your needs. I will create a safe space for you to explore your experiences and options. You will be able to develop new ways of thinking, behaving, and relating. Periodically, we will take time to review your progress, and think about when would be a good time to decrease the frequency of our sessions.