Beginning therapy means different things to different people, but it is often an action of courage, hope, selfcare, and self-determination. You might or might not have been to a therapist before. If this is your first experience with therapy, you might feel a bit nervous or apprehensive. That’s normal! Therapy is a process that allows you the freedom and privacy to discuss issues that are often painful or difficult to discuss with family and/or friends, and I thank you for allowing me to support you in this journey and picking me as your therapist.
Our first session together will be an evaluation session and will focus on information collecting. We will discuss a general overview of your presenting problem, your family dynamics, day-to-day stressors, support system and general emotional health. Our first few sessions will focus on rapport building and allowing me to gain a better understanding of your world.
If the client is a minor, I will need a parent present with the minor to attend the first 5 minutes of the initial session so I can review confidentiality and cancellation policies. If a parent is unable to be present, please let me know and I will review the information with the parent independently prior to the session.
Please be sure to arrive at our scheduled appointment promptly, just as you would for an in-person session! Sessions are 45 minutes in length. If you are more than 15 minutes late to our scheduled session we will not be able to complete the session and it will be considered a late cancellation. Please note that no-shows and late cancellations (less than 24 hours) will incur a late cancellation fee of $40 not covered by insurance.
Please be sure that you are able to utilize a quiet area of your home with minimal distractions or interruptions during our session.
Please have paper and pencils/pens available during our appointment. Please have markers/crayons/colored pencils available for any child therapy sessions. I will let you know if any additional materials are needed in advance of the appointment.
The day of the appointment please log on to [WEBSITE] . Please note I am often in back to back sessions, but I will initiate our sessions promptly. Feel free to bookmark this link as our sessions will also take place with that link address unless I specify otherwise.
Always feel free to ask questions or for clarifications when needed! I look forward to working with you.