I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Are people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then, even first responders and other therapists. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, and for whatever reason, they aren’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you implement those strengths and learn new skills to manage what is happening now.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
What should I expect coming to you?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
- Step 1: The initial call (15 minutes)
When you make the initial call or schedule for an initial consultation, before we talk about anything else, I will ask you what you are looking to achieve through therapy to ensure I am the right therapist to help you with what you are looking for. This is where our relationship begins.
If we agree that I am the right therapist for you, we will then talk about payment, what treatment will look like and schedule our first session.
I will email you the intake paperwork for you to complete before the first session.
- Step 2: The first session (90 minutes)
This is when I fully explain treatment and continue to understand your needs.
When you come for your first session, we will review the intake paperwork, take care of payment, I will explain the course of treatment and the format of sessions, and we will begin the assessment so I can better understand you and how to help you achieve your goal(s). At the end of the session, we will document our session together so you know what is in your record, and schedule our next session.
- Step 3: Development of a treatment plan/course of treatment (45-60 minutes)
As we continue with our next session, we will review our last session and develop a treatment plan/course of treatment. We may decide to do EMDR, or we may decide on another modality such as CBT.
- Step 4: Action on the treatment plan (varies from 45-90 minutes)
This is where we get into the treatment and where you will start to see results. We will review the treatment plan throughout treatment as well to ensure we are on the right track.
- Step 5: Termination (30-45 minutes)
We will have decided how you will know you are ready to terminate therapy with me during the development of the treatment plan. This step will include tips on how to help you stay feeling well.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
