If you have never been to therapy before, you may be wondering what to expect when you arrive for your first appointment. I will welcome you to my office, offer you water or coffee, have you fill out a couple of forms and then we will begin. I like to get an idea of what it is you are struggling with at this time that brought you into therapy. I will also get a brief overview of what your life is like, the important people in your life and some general history about you and your family. We will wrap up the first session with designing a therapeutic plan that fits your lifestyle and will help you reach your goals as quickly as possible. I will also provide you with some quick and easy to apply tips or coping skills to give you some immediate relief from what you are experiencing.

During regular sessions you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 50 minutes, but some people request longer sessions. Usually weekly sessions are best. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the counseling sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping a journal. For therapy to work, you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the counseling sessions.

Some people find that as few as 8 sessions may be all that is needed. For others, progress happens over several months. Deeper issues may take years to heal. I am usually able to give a rough estimate of treatment length after about four sessions. The good news is that at any time you can suspend counseling and take your growth with you. Counseling can also be restarted at any future date without any significant loss of momentum. People will often see a therapist “as needed.”

What is shared between a counselor and her client is protected by law. Most people highly value the safety this provides. There are a few important exceptions. Examples of these are suspected child abuse, elder abuse and threats of physical harm to self or others. Your name or the fact that you attend counseling will also never be revealed. Even if some one called and asked if you were a client, I cannot reveal any relationship with you at all.

Don’t wait any longer, let get started! Call me today to schedule an appointment at 949-922-8661. I look forward to speaking with you!