What she offers

 Many times, after we make our initial psychotherapy or couples counseling appointment, we feel great! We have a plan in place, we know hope is on the way! This alone can start the healing process.

I send electronic paperwork for you to complete before the first session. This introduces you to the practice and its policies, lets me know some basic information, and informs you of your rights as a client.

It is absolutely normal for people to get a little nervous waiting to be called inside (most offices have some sort of waiting area) the office for their first appointment. I mean, you are about to sit down with a total stranger and talk about FEELINGS! AHHHH! Often this is a person’s first time in treatment. So, nerves are expected.

I greet my new clients and offer water or coffee, show them where the bathroom key is, then bring them into the office. Clients can sit anywhere there is a comfortable seat, though most choose the sofa. Then we begin!

The first session assesses what is going on in your world. I want to get to know you, and the best way to do that is for you to talk. I’ll offer prompts, such as “what brings you in?” or “So you shared with me…tell me more about that” to get you started. The goal is to get a good foundation of your current circumstances, a history leading to your experiences, and your goals for counseling.

We will schedule a follow-up appointment, usually one week after the initial. This time gives you opportunity to process some of the things we talked about, and security that we will meet again.

After sessions, it is common to feel:

• Happy because you “got it off your chest”
• Tired, since sharing feelings can be exhausting
• Hopeful, as there is a solution in sight
• Disappointed, it may not have gone the way you expected
• Excited for the next appointment

 The “real work” begins around the 3rd session. We have a healthy connection. We have a direction. We are committed to making changes. We are making it happen.

However, change is not easy. There will be ups and downs. There are days when we can conquer the world! Then there are days we just want to hide in bed. This is normal, but change happens when we challenge the norm.

Growth can be uncomfortable. Share these feelings with me. We will work through it. All experiences tell us something about what is going on, and this is how we learn and grow. The more you share, the greater your experience.

During the treatment phase, my job is to keep you motivated to accomplish your goals. I’m like a personal trainer, but for your mind.

You hire the personal trainer to push you out of your comfort zone. The personal trainer motivates you, holds you accountable, and has the knowledge and experience to get you to your goals. You expect the challenge and see the reward from your hard work.

You can work out on your own, but we hire the trainer because he has more knowledge. He can push you harder than you can push yourself. The trainer is you coach and cheerleader all in one.

The more you work and challenge yourself in counseling, the better the results. I will guide you and offer you feedback. You get to show up, do the work, and see the results!