Helpful Information About Therapy, Its Benefits, and More

The first session is conducted as a two-way interview between the therapist and client. This is designed to assess current symptoms and issues as well as whether the therapist is a good fit for the client. It is important to keep in mind that this initial meeting does not guarantee that we will continue working together, as a referral may be necessary for a different level or type of care. It is important to know that therapy is a process full of steppingstones that can lead to a new story, which requires patience and pacing.

I do provide a free, brief phone consultation to share basic information like fees, current availability, and to set up your client portal. I will also briefly discuss your reason for seeking therapy to ensure I am the right fit or if you may need a referral. This conversation normally does not exceed 15 minutes.

Generally, there are laws that protect information that is shared between a client and his or her therapist. The information discussed in a therapy session is not disclosed without a client's written permission except under the following circumstances:

1. If a client threatens to harm himself or herself, the therapist is required by law to notify the proper authorities.
2. If a client is threatening to harm or kill another person, the therapist is required by law to notify the proper authorities and inform the intended victim.
3. Suspected abuse of a child, disabled persons, or the elderly. In this instance, the therapist is required by law to report to the proper authorities immediately.
Trust between a therapist and client is imperative for establishing a strong therapeutic relationship. My role is to provide support, educate, and work collaboratively in creating a preferred story for you without judgement or criticism. Like any relationship, trust takes time, and hopefully I am given the opportunity to show that I can handle what you share with me.

Due to the individualized (tailored) nature of therapy, it is difficult to determine how long therapy will last. It is important to remember that the work outside of therapy is just as important as the work during therapy and can greatly impact the number of sessions that are necessary. It is also recommended that all clients participate in a minimum of 3-4 weekly sessions in order to build rapport and begin to establish a healthy and positive therapeutic relationship – an imperative element for effective therapy.

Therapists can provide support, education, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for relational, mental, and emotional issues. These may include: depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management etc. Many people also find that therapy can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.
Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications and listening skills
• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Often, clients are curious about my personal story and wonder how I can relate to or help them without having shared experiences. Thankfully, the education, research, tools, and experience I have acquired over the years as a therapist has guided me in successfully helping others from various backgrounds. In many cases, having a different background has allowed for an unbiased and new perspective for clients.