Also called talk therapy, therapy, or counseling — is a process focused on helping you heal and learn more constructive ways to deal with the problems or issues within your life. It can also be a supportive process when going through a difficult period or under increased stress, such as starting a new career or going through a divorce.
During our first session, I will ask you to describe your current situation in detail. I will ask about how you are feeling stuck, what is causing your pain and what you hope to change by engaging in therapy. You can expect me to be inquisitive, thoughtful and respectful. I am interactive and will answer your questions. We will review my consent to treatment and privacy forms. Together we will develop a method for working together.
It is most common to schedule regular (weekly or every two weeks) sessions until difficulties begin to subside or your goals are reached. During severe crises, we have met with individuals more than once per week. Generally, more growth can be experienced through weekly therapy, but meeting every two weeks can provide ample time to practice new skills between sessions. We can discuss which option seems more appropriate for your unique situation.
Throughout our relationship, we will discuss goals and our progress in working toward those goals. Usually, once it has been mutually determined that goals have been satisfactorily reached or when you determine that you no longer need the supportive relationship, we set an end date together. Once that end date is established, we use our remaining time to consolidate growth and discuss the most helpful aspects of therapy.