Let’s talk about therapy.
How can it help?
Sometimes life feels out of our control. Maybe you feel overwhelmed with anxiety or sadness. Maybe its frustration with work or family. Or any other number of things. Coming to therapy means sharing those feelings, exploring where they may come from, and developing strategies to help manage them in healthy ways.
You get to decide.
Despite how it may feel at times, you are the only one ultimately in control of yourself. My job is to help you make choices that are the best for you. Let’s find and embrace that power, take it back for yourself, you deserve it!
I will never ask you to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do myself.
This is one of the first concepts I was taught in graduate school, and I stand by it today. I will never make you share anything you don’t want to share. Although my job is to challenge you and help you process, I will never do that at the expense of your safety or comfortability. Research shows that the relationship is an important factor in therapy. I view this process as a collaborative effort, as you know yourself best!
The process:
Once you have contacted your therapist and scheduled your first session, here is how the next steps work:
Paperwork: You will be asked to complete and sign the new client paperwork using our client portal. We will need to get some basic information such as client name, date of birth, and email to connect with you via portal. If you are having trouble or wish not to complete the paperwork electronically, please let us know. We can send you a pdf to print and complete, or set a blank packet out for you in the waiting room prior to your appointment. Please ensure enough time to complete the packet (at least 15 minutes) if completing the paperwork in person.
Your first session is also called the intake assessment. Essentially, your therapist will go over the paperwork you completed and gather background information relevant to your treatment. Once the intake is complete, your therapist will complete your treatment plan. A treatment plan essentially outlines goals and objections for therapy.
Your next session(s) will be where you work on your presenting issue(s) or anything else that comes up with your therapist.
Termination/graduation happens when you have completed treatment!
I hope this helps you have a better idea of the process of therapy, and makes it feel a little less daunting!