The intake session is my chance to meet you and discover your strengths, get to know your background, your goals for therapy and develop a relationship to guide the therapeutic direction. I want to know a number of details about you, but the most common first question I will ask is “So, what brings you to therapy?” You can answer this questions however you want, in as much detail as you need.

Psychotherapy is the general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a mental health professional. It is an opportunity to discuss issues that are important to you, the client, while having a trained objective person help work through concerns. Therapy can be about one specific problem, or it can be about multiple. Therapy is a collaborative event, it requires an active role from both the client and the therapist for change to occur.

Signs that your therapist is good for you include – feeling heard and validated, they earn your trust, you notice change in yourself, they challenge you – respectfully, they don’t rush your treatment, they’re mindful of all aspects of your identity and you see the value in your work together.

There are too many benefits of participating in therapy to list! Some benefits can include, boosting confidence, improving communication skills, learning new coping skills, managing your feelings, or attaining a better understanding of yourself. Progress in therapy comes in many forms and I know and believe everyone expresses in different ways – verbally and physically. We’ll learn how to measure your progress together!

Therapy sessions are typically 45-55 minutes, while groups run longer per session. Clients typically meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis depending on their needs. Length of time while in therapy will depend on the individual client’s circumstance. We will determine that together.

I see the importance in preserving continuity of care. It’s important to work with school counselors, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, etc. With written permission, I can provide treatment plans or answer questions that other professionals may have.