I realize it can be intimidating to meet a therapist for the first time – you can feel overwhelmed and vulnerable. So, I want you to feel welcomed and comfortable from the very first moment.
I want you to know you can breathe freely and relax.
I will not judge you. You can share anything you want – and I won’t be offended. I like to say that if the couch in my office could talk – boy, would it have stories to tell!
Starting the conversation…
Our first discussion will focus on what brings you to therapy at this point in your life. While it may feel a little more like an interview, it’s an integral part of the intake process; I need to understand where you’re coming from and your whole situation before I can be helpful to you.
The assessment will help both of us focus on your needs and goals. About what’s going well – and what’s not. About what’s concerning you in your life at the moment.
Next, we work together to determine your goals and devise a plan to conquer what’s currently blocking you from achieving them.
Working with me…
If you’re looking to come in, lie down on the couch, and have me say, “So, how do you feel about that?” or nod and “Hmmm” repeatedly, I may disappoint you.
Our sessions will be an interactive process – sometimes it will feel like you are talking to a long-lost best friend. We will both roll up our sleeves to problem-solve practical solutions to complicated situations.
I’ll often use stories and a sense of humor to make a point, but it will be intense at times – tough.
Making actual progress is challenging!
It’s ok to get emotional. It’s ok if you get angry, sad, or overwhelmed.
That means the process is working. I’ll never tell you it’s easy – it’s not supposed to be. Anything worthwhile takes work and effort. Unfortunately, I don’t have a magic wand.
The goal is not to keep you in therapy forever and become co-dependent. I want you to gain the skills to conquer life’s challenges on your own. Everyone is different, and the therapy duration varies. It all depends on you.
Therapy is a collaborative process – it’s a partnership.
My goal is for clients to gain a deeper understanding and fresh perspective on themselves and their relationships, both current and past, and help them find their sense of self.
We will work together to identify, evaluate, and challenge patterns of thinking and behaviors that may make you feel conflicted.
Sometimes, we will have to dive deep into painful aspects of the past to grieve and heal the trauma so it doesn’t affect you now and take away from our future.
We will progress together, and you will develop new skills that will assist with coping.
Seeking help from a therapist who feels safe and responsive to your needs is the first step to getting your sense of control back in your life.
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