Wondering what to expect?
We all find ourselves face to face with obstacles sometimes.
When we feel stuck, it's not always easy to know how to move forward. Getting support can sometimes feel just as scary as the obstacle itself. Your first session with a new counselor can be nerve-wracking, even if you've been in counseling before. Counseling is a unique experience, and can be very different from other relationships. I want to tell you a little about what you can expect so there are no surprises. I think a good place to start is for me to share a little about what counseling is and is not. |
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Counseling is:
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Counseling is NOT:
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Everything we talk about in therapy is confidential, which means I will not share any information with anyone without your written permission. There are only a few exceptions to this rule—I will reach out if a child or dependant adult is being abused or neglected, if I learn about another person in the mental health field who is hurting their patients, if a court demands my testimony, or if I can save someone's life by sharing. Aside from those situations, nothing leaves the room without your say so.
When you work with me, I do my very best to provide an environment of patience, understanding, and flexibility. Because I strive to be objective, I can provide new perspectives that may help you understand yourself, your family, or your children better. I work for you, not the other way around: you get to decide what is important to focus on, and you always have the final say in when and how your services end. I will never force anyone to be part of counseling.
At the beginning, I will work to understand what is getting in the way. Then, we will work together to set goals and make a plan of action to deal with those obstacles. Your ideas and opinions are always welcome, and there is no question that is not okay for you to ask.
When you work with me, I do my very best to provide an environment of patience, understanding, and flexibility. Because I strive to be objective, I can provide new perspectives that may help you understand yourself, your family, or your children better. I work for you, not the other way around: you get to decide what is important to focus on, and you always have the final say in when and how your services end. I will never force anyone to be part of counseling.
At the beginning, I will work to understand what is getting in the way. Then, we will work together to set goals and make a plan of action to deal with those obstacles. Your ideas and opinions are always welcome, and there is no question that is not okay for you to ask.
If you're feeling nervous about the idea of therapy, that's perfectly normal! Honestly, I usually feel a little nervous meeting a new person, too. One thing that might help is to write down any questions you want to ask or important things that you want to remember to talk about.
Not sure if you even need therapy? You might want to check out my FAQ page, where I have answers to a lot of common questions (including more details about how play therapy works). You will also find a lot of helpful information in my forms, especially the Informed Consent, which outlines a lot of important things to know. Forms are completed digitally, and you'll be sent a link to them after we get some basic information from you. My hope is that after we've had a chance to talk, you will have a clearer picture of the path ahead of you. |
Want to know what the office looks like? Just click below.