What to Expect

You don’t know what to expect from therapy.

If you are new to therapy, the idea of it can feel a little (or a lot) overwhelming.

We have all seen therapy in movies and television, but it is varied and sometimes – a little crazy.

So, what’s the real deal?

Well, that all depends on the therapist and the type of therapy. Individuals, couples, families, and groups are all different dynamics. Then there are all the other treatments.

Therapy with me is…

Mostly, talking and listening. We take turns.

In the beginning, I ask you lots of questions to get to the heart of the help you are seeking.

You may need help with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief support, a significant change in your life, or you may just want a safe place to figure things out.

Therapy addresses all kinds of things.

Each person seeking therapy has unique needs and goals.

People come to therapy for many reasons, mostly related to overcoming obstacles that get in the way of their feeling okay or are hard to face alone.

Some people seek support, information, guidance, self-knowledge, or a place to learn new tools or skills.

So what should I do next?

I’m so glad you asked! Here is my nine-step tutorial:

Step One – To go or not to go to therapy? That is the question – This first step is thinking about doing therapy. Hey, look at that, you already completed step one! Since you are here, it seems like a good guess that you are thinking about yourself.

Step Two – Who should I see? – Deciding on a therapist requires thinking about what you want to address and what you would like in a therapist.

Sometimes you know that ahead of time; sometimes, you don’t. So, I suggest reading lots of websites to find someone with whom you seem to resonate and who provide services that meet your needs.

Please read some more of my website. When you finish and like what you see, come on back here to read step three!

Step Three – Call to schedule a free consultation – You don’t need to commit. It’s nice to read what’s here and feel a connection. It is also essential to make sure that we connect “in person” (via phone or video).

I offer a free 20-minute consultation so you can ask me any questions, and I can ask you some questions, too. I will get some necessary information to schedule you in Simple Practice (the platform I use for medical records and video sessions; it’s HIPAA compliant), such as your name, email, and phone number. Then, you will receive a link for our appointment time.

Step Four – The 20-minute free consultation – Click on the link sent to you at the designated day and time and chat with me for about 20 minutes so that we can get a feel for each other. I’ll share more about what I do; you’ll share a little about what you need.

Together, we will figure out if this is a good match. I need to make sure that I offer the skills and level of service you need. If I’m not the right person for you, it’s okay. I want you to connect with the right therapist for you. If we do decide to work together, then we move on to step five.

Step Five – Scheduling our first regular appointment – We determine together how often we meet (probably weekly at first) and when we meet (you will have a time each week that is yours!). Then, we schedule the first regular session together.

Step Six – Completing the intake paperwork – After the consultation and before our first appointment together, you must complete the intake paperwork through Simple Practice (the platform I use for video sessions).

Step Seven – Let’s Get Started! – Therapy begins in the first session! The work we do together will continue as long as we agree that it is useful for meeting your goals.

Step Eight – Diggin’ in and doing the work – Therapy is where I learned the most about myself. But it wasn’t always easy. Sticking it out through the hard stuff, learning to be brave, taking hard looks at myself and how I think, respond, and behave – whoa nelly!

But that digging deep, learning to trust someone new, or discovering new ways of thinking and being – that was life-changing – transforming, and so worth the emotions and the effort.

There will also be some laughter and stories and quiet times, too. Sometimes, therapy is fun!

Step Nine – Mission Accomplished – Time to say goodbye.

You might wonder, “How long until we get there?” Sometimes it’s several sessions, sometimes it’s several years, and mostly – it’s somewhere in between.

People attend about 12 sessions on average, but it’s okay if it’s less, and it’s okay if it’s more. There will come a time when you meet your goals and feel confident in your ability to handle whatever comes your way. Then our work together is finished.

Soetimes, you might find it helpful to take a break and practice what you have learned before continuing therapy. Either way, the goal is for you to step into the next chapter of your life.