What to Expect
What will therapy be like?
Seeking therapy is both brave and vulnerable, and it's perfectly normal to have some apprehension about what our time together will look like. I find that having a blueprint of what to expect makes folks feel more prepared and less anxious.
First, we will setup a free phone or video consultation so you can decide if we are a good fit. When we meet in video sessions, I send a link to the meeting room directly to your email. I recommend coming to this session with a few questions for me to help you decide if we are a good fit.
If you think we are a match, great! We will setup a teletherapy session at a time that works for both of us. I will also send you some paperwork to fill out before we meet. If you don't think we clicked, that's okay too. I can always provide you referrals to help you find someone you click with.
In our first therapy session together, it's required by law that I explain to you how I protect your privacy and your rights as a client. We will also discuss other protocols that govern my practice. Once we are on the same page about policies, the first few therapy sessions are spent with me getting to know you. So that I can best help you, I need to understand who you are, what brings you to therapy, and what your goals are.
Sessions are 50-minutes long. Depending on your goals, we will agree to initially meet anywhere from one to three times per week.
My therapy style is very laid back. The relationship between therapist and client is a unique one that exists nowhere else. It's a blank slate that offers an outside, nonjudgmental perspective. It's also one of the only times you are completely listened to without need for reciprocation from the other person.
I understand that a lot of our initial time together will be spent with you deciding if you can trust me. If there is something you don't want to talk about I will respect that. Your safety in our relationship is of the utmost importance to me. And just so you know--I believe you can process trauma without remembering or talking about all the details.
If you have feedback for me, I want to hear it! Didn't like something about how the last session went? Or a session several months ago? Please tell me so that we can make our time together as productive and safe as possible.
Long-lasting change and quick fixes don't normally go hand-in-hand in therapy. Psychodynamic therapy is a longer-term therapy, as opposed to some other therapies that are shorter term but might not get to the root of the problem.
We will continue to check in about progress towards your goals. Feeling more equipped to handle what life throws at you, experiencing symptom relief, improved relationships, and increased peace/mindfulness/emotional regulation are all signs that therapy is going well.
One of our main goals is to get to a point where we will say goodbye! Most people are not in therapy forever. The time spent in therapy is dependent on your goals and needs.