Are You Ready To Start Therapy?

Finding a therapist that’s a good fit for you and initiating sessions, can feel like a daunting process if this is all new to you. I think that when we know what to expect we are less likely to feel disappointed and give up. Understanding the process is empowering and will help you make the best decisions regarding your mental and relational health. 

1. Browse through my website and check my social media profiles, all the content is written by me. I want clients to know my style and expertise before reaching out, this saves us all time. 

2. If you think that my style and expertise match your needs, head over to the investment page. Therapy is a unique investment from which you will be reaping benefits for the rest of your life AND it still has a cash price. In the investment page, I try to provide all the information you need and answer frequently asked questions. 

3. Next complete the contact form, without leaving any blanks. Expect me to respond to you via email within 2 business days, we will discuss some logistics (investment, availability, and types of services) and schedule a phone consultation. 

4. Phone consultations are 10 minutes long and this allows us both to know if we are a good fit. You can ask me any questions you might have about the therapeutic process. I will also ask additional questions about what brings you to therapy and what you hope to gain from it.

5. If we agree that we are a good fit, we will schedule your intake session. Intake sessions are 70 minutes and standard sessions are 50 minutes. You will receive access to the client portal and will be asked to complete paperwork, including consent for therapy. You are not officially my client until this paperwork is completed entirely and a credit card is on file. If 48 hrs prior to your intake session I don’t have the completed paperwork, I will no longer hold your appointment time. 

6. The intake session is when therapy formally begins! Nothing magical happens in the first session, I am essentially getting to know you and building rapport while gathering important information. If you choose to use your insurance, I will have to provide the insurance company with a diagnosis by the end of our first session. I may also ask you to complete additional assessments or a safety plan, if appropriate. 

7. During the second session, is when we will discuss what your goals for therapy are. I want to know what you hope to gain because this provides me with a roadmap for treatment.

8. At any time during therapy, we can discuss a change in frequency, different goals, and termination. I like to have transparent conversations about progress and “stuckness.” The frequency and length of therapy vary depending on the client’s needs, yet most of my clients see me for weekly sessions for a minimum of two months.