FAQ
What is the free consultation?
The initial free consultation consists of getting to know one another in order to determine whether I am the right fit for you and your needs. We will cover why you are seeking help, the contributing factors behind your struggles, and your hopes for therapy outcomes. I will explain my approaches and which approaches would likely work best for you and your specific needs. We will likely explore background information such as family history, personal history, and your current lifestyle.
Parents are expected to be present for at least part of the first session for information gathering, paperwork, and payment agreements.
How many session will I need?
Most clients are with me for around 6 months. Unless you are in crisis, you will likely come once a week for the first 2-4 months. How many weeks you see me will be determined by your own need and how hard you work. When one of us feels that you no longer need counseling, whether that be after 4 sessions or 24 sessions, we will let the other person know. My intention is to always empower my clients to live happy lives and I cannot do that if you are dependent on seeing me in order to be happy. For this reason, I teach clients to stand on their own two feet.
What is therapy like?
Therapy is a journey through your own challenging experience and I, as the therapist, am here to witness you, support you, and challenge you. When you watch therapy on tv, it looks like one person saying interesting things about another person’s personality. But, when you do therapy, you feel connected and supported. You will experience having someone in your corner while you face your biggest challenges. You will no longer feel that you are struggling alone.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” -African Proverb
Is the therapeutic process different for individuals, couples, groups, athletes, adolescents, and kids?
Absolutely. For example, couples often need to share a lot of history before they can cover their weekly experiences. Groups need to establish a group culture with trust and norms before the real work begins. Individuals must feel witnessed and accepted before they can open up. Kids often need more time as their brains are still developing and they need play and art in order to express themselves. But, in the end, the core of the therapeutic process is a relationship that centers around connection, acceptance, wisdom, and a challenge toward growth.
How do I know if therapy is working?
An important question. The first sign is that you will feel an easy rapport with me. If you don’t enjoy being around me and coming to therapy, I am not the right fit. After a short while, you should feel more hope for the future and confidence in yourself. As you challenge yourself to grow, you will see changes in your relationships with work, family, and friends. Sometimes this can be challenging to others as people expect each other to stay the same. But as you become happier, your relationships and work will also change. This is often challenging in the beginning.