FAQs

What is Therapy/Counseling?

Counseling is a space of mental and emotional healing, where you build a trusting relationship with a therapist who continues to educate themselves on mental health research and training. As no one person is the same neither are therapy sessions. Therapy is a collaborative and unique process, where your therapist does their best to meet you where you’re at, assess your needs, provide information on mental health, and give you the tools and space to help help you achieve your desired goals.

How long does therapy Last?

This is ultimately up to you. Some people who are struggling and need support may need to meet weekly while others prefer monthly appointments. If someone is doing well, there are can be check-ins every couple of months. It depends where you are on your mental health journey, your needs, and what is going on in your life.

What’s next?

Maybe you have read through the website and want to start therapy services. The next steps will include:

  1. Scheduling your free 15 minute consultation

  2. In the consultation, we will talk over the phone, and you have an opportunity to meet me and discuss any questions and expectations you have, we can talk about how things are set up for my practice, as well as see if this would be a good fit before starting services

  3. If we agree to proceed with services, you will be sent an email link to create an account with the HIPAA compliant, secure platform I use and can schedule your first appointment via your client portal

  4. You will be sent consent forms and an intake packet in your client portal that needs to be filled out and signed before the first appointment, preferably 24 hours before your appointment (so I can look it over before meeting with you.) Please read over the forms carefully; they contain a lot of important information you need to know.

  5. The first appointment (after the 15 minute consultation) will be an intake session, which means that I’ll get to know you, and we can create a treatment plan that fits your needs

What if after the phone call or first session I change my mind and don’t want to continue?

It is truly okay and common for someone to start the process of counseling and realize that they’re not ready, it’s not what they’re looking for, or maybe it’s not a good fit. Sometimes I have clients who I see for a couple of sessions and may not see them for months and then they decide to come back. Therapy is a fluid process and based on your needs, and it is okay to change your mind. I will be here if you decide you are ready or want to restart.

What if I do want counseling but I don’t find you’re the right fit as my therapist?

That is okay too! One of the beauties of therapy is that every therapist is different. It is so important to find the right fit. If we meet and you decide you want to continue therapy with another therapist, just let me know. I can help you with providing potential referrals and paperwork to transfer services.

How do I know if a therapist is a good fit?

Finding a therapist that is a good fit is essential and will depend on your preferences. For example, I would need someone calm, warm, and supportive who can also gently challenge me toward the change I am seeking. I need to be able to trust them, so I could be vulnerable to process and reflect on difficult things. I would need someone I don’t feel judged by, rushed, or pressured by their opinions.

As therapy develops you can get a sense for what you’re needing in therapy, and I encourage you to share your discoveries with your therapist. I find this information so helpful in personalizing therapy to each person that I see. It can take a couple of sessions to feel comfortable, and it is very common to feel nervous at first; you’re meeting someone for the first time.

What is Online/Virtual therapy or Telehealth?

Thankfully, technology has advanced to be able to support a more convenient, comfortable mode of therapy that’s online, rather than having to travel to an office. I use a HIPAA compliant and secure platform, where you will be able to have a client portal (that you can access from a computer or your mobile phone). The client portal allows you to make appointments and payments, receive and sign documents , message me, and access the secure video platform in which we will meet online.