Therapy: What to Expect...

 Working together with your therapist,  you will learn  to set boundaries and to  cultivate an attitude of  self-love and gratitude, moving from surviving to thriving and well equipped with coping skills, tools for relaxation, and a positive self-appraisal which will help you to have a new outlook and perspective on the life you want to cultivate. We will meet once a week  to work on whatever issues are presenting in your life. 

Each session will be approximately 50m in length. 

 Research shows that short periods of intense work, usually 5-20 sessions, with a therapist are more conducive to long-term positive outcomes. When new challenges arise, you can utilize the skills you have previously developed  and if that is not enough, reengage in therapy to address those specifically targeted areas of concern. 

 When considering any therapist look for someone who is empathetic, who listens well and with whom you feel you will connect and be able to speak openly and  honestly. In order to do the work and produce positive results, a strong therapeutic alliance is essential. There are many resources for finding a therapist including referrals from your primary care physician, asking friends for recommendations or looking online at websites such as Psychology Today. After reading though my website and advertisement, if you feel we may be a good fit, please call for an appointment. 

I believe that we all have times in our lives when supportive listening, coping skills development, and space to process and work through the challenges of life are necessary. Together we will work to identify the things that are going well in your life as well as those areas that need attention and re-working. We will inventory strengths, as well as areas of growth. Therapy is a collaborative process. Only you can decide to make changes in your life, work, and relationships but I can walk alongside you in that journey and offer a safe space for healing, listening, refection and re-imagining.

I believe that each time we commit to changing what isn't working for us and to our own continued growth, we unlock our potential for happiness, vitality and the capacity to love fully, starting with ourselves.

  Q: What if I come to counseling for the first time and don't feel like I connect with my therapist.

A: The first session of therapy is typically intake paperwork, assessments and forms to fill out. It may be hard to gain a good read on your therapist at the very first meeting. It typically takes a few sessions to decide if the two of you will be a good fit. If after giving the therapeutic relationship a chance to grow, it’s not working for you, it is your right and in your best interest to find someone with whom you feel comfortable. Feeling supported, heard and understood is the foundation of productive therapy. I am open to these types of conversations and  will not be offended if you would like to begin therapy with someone else. I am are here for your growth and well-being. 

Q: I have never been to therapy before and am nervous to start. How should I act in therapy? What will my therapist expect of me?

A: When you come to therapy, bring yourself as you are right now! Your therapy sessions are a safe space to explore your inner world as well as the issues currently presenting in your life.  My expectation is that we will work on all of this together, beginning where you are right now.