Starting therapy can be uncomfortable and anxiety provoking, especially for those who've never tried it before. I mean, you're sharing super vulnerable information about yourself and trusting it with a complete stranger-- it's a weird concept, right? Fortunately, these feelings typically fade once you develop a strong relationship with your therapist. Sometimes knowing what to expect can help us feel more comfortable, so here's a breakdown of what working with me would look like.
If you have any questions about the therapy process or if you want to do a vibe check before booking an actual session with me, then a consultation would be best. This is a free 10min phone call or video chat to ensure you and I are a good fit for what you're looking for. Follow the link below to see my availability and directly schedule "Free 10 min Consultation".
Therapy is what you want it to be. Some people use it as a safe space to talk about what they're going through and some people know exactly what they want to work on. You don't have to have all the answers right now. I'm here to support you in whatever way I can.
Your first session is called your "intake session". Once you book your 50min intake session (either virtual or in person) you will receive paperwork through your new secure client portal. You'll need to complete your paperwork at least 1 day before your session.
During your first session, we'll talk about what's bringing you into therapy, what you would like to gain by starting therapy and we'll create a plan that aligns with your needs-including how often we schedule sessions. If for any reason I/you decide I'm not a good fit for your needs, we will discuss this and I will provide you with referrals for other providers. This session is largely built around us getting to know each other.
All sessions following- I'm a therapist that meets you where you're at. If you want to come in and not talk about your "identified therapy goals" that's totally fine. My sessions aren't structured and they allow for flexibility of what you want to talk about that day. If you're someone that needs more direction during sessions, let me know and I can provide that for you.
The frequency I usually recommend for new clients is weekly sessions for 1 month, then reduce to 1 session every 2 weeks. After we've been working together for a while, we can discuss reducing frequency to once every 3 weeks or 1 month, but again, this depends on your therapy goals and presenting concerns.
Each partner will need their own online client portal. Only 1 partner needs to book the intake appointment online. After booking, your partner will need to create their own client profile- they do not need to book a session. Both partners will be provided with individual paperwork that needs to be completed at least 1 day before your scheduled session.
The 1st session/intake appointment will be 60min broken into 2- 30min individual sessions with each partner. This helps both partners feel heard and we can discuss individual needs and concerns within the relationship.
The 2nd session and all sessions moving forward will be 50min with both partners present. In the 2nd session, we will discuss as a group any issues and needs within the relationship and create a plan for moving forward in therapy.
Therapy is a very individualized process. How long someone or a couple stays in therapy will depend on the identified goals, the effort put into therapy by the client, and any barriers that may come up along the way. Outpatient therapy is voluntary, meaning you as the client can choose to end treatment anytime you want. There are also times when the clinician may choose to discontinue therapy with the client, such as non payment of sessions, not being a good fit for the client's needs, or scheduling conflicts.
Consultations are required for coaching clients. This is a free 10min phone call or video chat to ensure you and I are a good fit for what you're looking for and so I can explain the coaching process. Follow the link below to see my availability and directly schedule "Free 10 min Consultation".
My coaching services are offered in either individual solution focused sessions or packages that include multiple sessions. Packages are best for those wanting accountability and guidance as they start taking action towards their goals vs. individual sessions can help you create a plan to reach your goals without the support along the way. My Rates Page describes what's included in my packages and in my 1:1 Strategy Session.
It's important to remember, similar to therapy, the outcome of your coaching experience largely depends on the work you put into it. It's my role as a coach to help guide you, provide feedback and to offer suggestions at times, but ultimately I'm here to help you gain insight into identifying realistic goals, identifying your barriers, and creating action steps so you can accomplish your goals.
Payment for sessions following the intake session will be due the morning before your scheduled appointment
You will be required to keep a debit/credit card or HSA card on file in your client portal for payment of sessions. If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment, or if you late cancel (under 48hr notice), you will be charged the full rate of your session, with the exception of emergencies. This is outlined further in my informed consent documents you will receive after deciding to schedule intake appointment.