FAQ'S
HOW DO I KNOW IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ME?
Take your time to read through my website. If you sense that I may be a good fit based on what you are reading, feel free to fill out the contact form or give me a call.
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During your free phone consultation, you can ask me what a typical session with me is like, ask how I work as a therapist, or any other questions you may have that are specific-to-you. You’ll also be able to share what’s going on for you and we can decide together how I can help.
It may be helpful to think of the first few sessions as trying out the waters together. During these sessions, you’ll be able to see how you feel working with me. My approach is not going to work for everyone. What’s most important is that you find someone who you feel is the right fit for you. We can navigate that together.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING?
If something feels overwhelming or even terrifying to discuss, that’s actually very normal. It can often feel difficult to talk about some things.
During our sessions, it will always be up to you if you feel ready to talk about something or not. It’s my job to give you space to slowly start to work through the tough stuff. Gradually and at a pace that feels comfortable to you, you can share what you feel ready to share
You can also share with me that you are nervous to open up about something and we can talk about that too. Whatever is present for you. Whatever you are going through. Bring that to session and we can explore that together.
I’M SCARED THAT IF I OPEN UP, YOU WILL THINK I’M CRAZY.
If you open up to me, I will not think anything is wrong with you, I will think you are unique and human. Many of my clients have had the same fear (that people would think they are crazy).
You have nothing to be ashamed about. Nothing you can say will cause me to judge you.
I know we all have our strengths and weaknesses, we might be emotionally drained from the ups and downs, we are humans trying to human.
Whatever it is you’re going through, I will do my best to provide a safe space where you can feel heard and supported without judgement.
DOES WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THERAPY REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?
It can be concerning feeling like things you say or do in therapy could “get out.” So I want you to know that unless you are in danger or someone else is, your story is confidential and your time in session is protected.
I highly respect your privacy and value your trust.
You can rest assured that you can talk about anything without fear of that information getting out.
If you have specific questions about how confidentiality works, you can always ask during your during a free phone consultation or anytime during our work together.
HOW LONG WILL THERAPY TAKE?
You might be asking about how long therapy will take because you are currently struggling and want relief fast.
If this is true for you, I want you to know that on average, new clients start seeing small amounts of growth sooner than they anticipated.
By that point, they feel a little more calm and hopeful that healing is possible.
The total duration of therapy varies from client to client. Some of my clients find 6- months to be enough to resolve immediate challenges. While other clients feel more supported by longer term therapy.
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We will work together to find the length of time that works for you and can make adjustments along the way.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE FIRST SESSION?
Overall, you can think of the first session as a two-way interview where we can ask each other questions so we can begin to get to know each other. I’ll invite you to share more about yourself and we can also talk about what’s worked or not worked for your mental health in the past.
Some questions that I like to ask during a first session include:
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What’s present for you in your life right now?
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What goals would you like to reach by going to therapy?
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What do I need to know about you to understand your current challenges?
You can ask me questions as well. You might be curious about about why I’m a therapist or how I’ve helped other clients like you.
The most important part of a first session is to notice how you feel during and after the session. If you feel safe, accepted, and comfortable with me, we can discuss if you’d like to meet again.
HOW CAN I GET STARTED?
Therapy can be vulnerable and new, so it’s natural to be nervous. It can feel intimidating to sit with someone and talk about how you feel. The fear around that can feel overwhelming. Going to therapy even when you are nervous is not easy. It may take courage to take those steps. You reading this now shows that you are already stepping in the right direction.
Therapy is a space where you can be yourself and come just as you are, including feeling nervous. I’m committed to finding a way to care for your nervousness and ensure sessions are as comfortable as possible.
I’m here if you want to talk about it during a free phone consultation.