What happens at our first meeting? 

When you arrive at my office suite, please make yourself comfortable in the waiting area. I will meet you there at our scheduled appointment time. Our first visit will focus on the reasons you are seeking therapy. We will talk about health and social history, as well as questions about your current life situation. There is no pressure to share information in this first session (or in any session!) that makes you uncomfortable. In all, I want to understand who you are and what you’re looking for in therapy. This first visit allows both of us to get a sense of what it would be like to work together, decide if this is a good fit, and to talk about initial therapy goals. Paperwork and logistics will also be reviewed in this first visit.

How do I know if I need therapy?

Sometimes, clients say they are worried that their reasons for coming to see me don’t seem “big” or “serious” enough.  Your life does not have to feel like a disaster and you don’t have to wait for a crisis order to seek out support.  Most people who see a therapist are struggling with the difficult situations that life presents - marital unhappiness, parenting concerns, work stress, loneliness, a lack of purpose and meaning, concerns about identity, problems with family or friends, and coping with day to day stressors. In general, if you find yourself thinking often about a problem, it takes up a considerable amount of your day, you're having a difficult time doing your usual tasks, or you find yourself hiding these concerns from others, therapy is likely a helpful option for you.

How often will we meet?

Therapy is most helpful if we meet regularly.  Regular appointments are useful in keeping the momentum of therapy going and staying connected and aware of your goals.  I generally advise clients to consider meeting either weekly or every other week.  That said, I realize that people are busy.  If making time for therapy is a concern for you, or if you are seeking therapy to maintain the changes and gains you’ve already created in your life, less frequent visits may be appropriate.