What To Expect
Starting Therapy
Feeling uncertain or nervous about starting therapy?
Wondering if you really need it or if it will really be helpful?
Feeling strange because it’s unfamiliar territory?
Feeling apprehensive or uncomfortable is SO normal. You’re taking a big step to try something new, and it can be scary! Mental health challenges can also be hard to talk about.
I often hear people say, “I don’t even know where to start.” That’s totally fine. It’s hard to know what to expect from the process or how you might feel once you start.
You don’t need to know where to start. There are no right or wrong things to say, do, or feel, and I will guide you the whole way. After a little bit of time, that discomfort fades away and therapy becomes a space that feel helpful and healing.
The Process
Reaching Out
If you’re interested in therapy or wanting to learn more, reach out! I’m happy to talk to you, explain the process, and answer any questions.
Consultation Call
Once we make initial contact, I always set up a free 15 minute consultation call. During this call, I can explain the process of working together, tell you about myself and how I can help you, and learn a little more about what you’re looking for to make sure I’d be a good fit for your needs.
First Session
If we decide to work together, we will schedule a first appointment, which is called an Intake Session. This session looks a bit different from subsequent sessions in that we will be getting to know one another more! I will be gathering information about you and your life, so that way I can start to put together a clear picture of what’s going on and how to help you. We will always move at a rate that works for you and I will never push you to delve into something more than you’re initially comfortable with. We will take a look at what your struggle areas are, what your needs are, and what your goals are for therapy, and will discuss how we can start addressing them. This session is 45 minutes.
Therapy Sessions
After the initial session, we will continue to move forward meeting approximately once/week or at whatever frequency we have decided together. During these sessions, we will continue to delve into the challenges you are experiencing in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. We will work together each session to address your goals. I always personalize treatment to each individual client, but sessions may entail working to identify the sources of challenges, learning and practicing skills to managing challenges, and processing feelings and experiences. These sessions are 45 minutes.
Ending Therapy
Therapy has no set length. We will consistently throughout check in on how you’re feeling, where you are at with your goals, what’s helping in therapy and what we can change or add, and wins and improvements overall. Based on how you are feeling and doing, we can discuss at any point changing frequency of therapy or discontinuing if that feels best for you. Some people find therapy to only be needed in the short-term to help them through a difficult time, and some people find therapy helpful ongoing to continue to support them in feeling their best.
What You Can Expect From Your Therapist
When working with me, you can expect to be meeting with someone who believes in your capacity for growth and change, and is excited to help you get there.
I am down-to-earth and relatable in my demeanor and approach—I am a human being first, just sitting with another human being, and I'm always honored and excited to do so.
I aim to always be in touch with your comfort level and while I will gently help you stretch to facilitate growth, I will always do it in a way that is collaborative, mindful of you and your needs, and appropriate.
I respect the therapeutic relationship and understand the degree of vulnerability that it asks of you. I will never judge you, will always approach you with compassion and empathy, and will work to always make sure you feel safe and heard.
What You Could Gain From Therapy
+ Understanding of your struggles, why they’re happening, and what can help
+ Self-awareness and insight into yourself, your feelings, experiences, needs, and goals
+ A deeper, kinder relationship with yourself
+ Relief from the distress of anxiety
+ A sense of inner calm
+ More fulfilling relationships with others
+ Better boundaries and more of an ability to assert your needs
+ Improved self-esteem and confidence
+ Knowledge of what makes you happy, what doesn’t, and what needs to change for you to live a life that feels better for you
+ Concrete skills for managing worries, overthinking, and intense moments of anxiety and stress
+ Techniques for relaxing, unwinding, being more present and enjoying your life
+ Support, encouragement, validation, understanding, and the healing experience of truly being heard, respected, and understood