What should I expect when I walk through the door?
Most people are nervous at their first appointment (and sometimes future appointments as well). This is normal and to be expected. Hopefully once we meet, and settle into our conversation, your nerves will calm and you will feel more comfortable as the time passes.
What's the first appointment like?
When you arrive, and if you haven't already filled out the paperwork, there will be a few forms for you to complete before we get started.
The first appointment will be an hour and a half long (for individuals). In this time I hope to learn about the reasons you've sought therapy and how you hope things can improve with the assistance of therapy. I will also ask you a series of questions to get a basic history of your life. You will decide what you feel comfortable sharing and can choose not to answer any questions I pose. I believe that trust must be earned over time and so do not expect you to necessarily "open up" in our first meeting unless you feel safe doing so. I will also answer questions you might have about me or therapy in general.
At the end of this session we will discuss next steps for you, including whether you wish to move forward and work with me. We will set some basic goals and discuss preliminary ideas for how to reach them. If we have not discussed fees prior to the first appointment, we will discuss this as well.
What can I/should I talk about? and other questions...
A psychologist wrote this lovely piece that answers some of these questions with his 21 tips for clients. I agree with basically everything he says. Bottom line: if you're not sure, just ask, asking is always okay.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-therapy/201005/21-tips-clients-in-psychotherapy
How often do I need to come in?
The majority of my clients meet with me weekly. This, however, is not required and we will discuss the frequency with which you attend sessions to determine what meets your needs and fits into your life. Frequency of meetings can vary across the course of therapy depending on many factors.
I offer weekend and evening appointments for those who cannot attend during traditional "business" hours.
When am I done with therapy?
Ultimately you will decide when you are ready for therapy to end. We will keep an open dialogue about your therapy goals and if it seems our work is coming to a natural close. This might be because you have reached your goals, are feeling better, or because other circumstances have changed for you. If you find that my therapy style does not fit your needs and/or goals, I am happy to discuss this with you and provide referrals to other therapists who may better suit your needs.
What's the first appointment like?
When you arrive, and if you haven't already filled out the paperwork, there will be a few forms for you to complete before we get started.
The first appointment will be an hour and a half long (for individuals). In this time I hope to learn about the reasons you've sought therapy and how you hope things can improve with the assistance of therapy. I will also ask you a series of questions to get a basic history of your life. You will decide what you feel comfortable sharing and can choose not to answer any questions I pose. I believe that trust must be earned over time and so do not expect you to necessarily "open up" in our first meeting unless you feel safe doing so. I will also answer questions you might have about me or therapy in general.
At the end of this session we will discuss next steps for you, including whether you wish to move forward and work with me. We will set some basic goals and discuss preliminary ideas for how to reach them. If we have not discussed fees prior to the first appointment, we will discuss this as well.
What can I/should I talk about? and other questions...
A psychologist wrote this lovely piece that answers some of these questions with his 21 tips for clients. I agree with basically everything he says. Bottom line: if you're not sure, just ask, asking is always okay.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-therapy/201005/21-tips-clients-in-psychotherapy
How often do I need to come in?
The majority of my clients meet with me weekly. This, however, is not required and we will discuss the frequency with which you attend sessions to determine what meets your needs and fits into your life. Frequency of meetings can vary across the course of therapy depending on many factors.
I offer weekend and evening appointments for those who cannot attend during traditional "business" hours.
When am I done with therapy?
Ultimately you will decide when you are ready for therapy to end. We will keep an open dialogue about your therapy goals and if it seems our work is coming to a natural close. This might be because you have reached your goals, are feeling better, or because other circumstances have changed for you. If you find that my therapy style does not fit your needs and/or goals, I am happy to discuss this with you and provide referrals to other therapists who may better suit your needs.