What to Expect

Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time, looking for a new therapist, wanting to start therapy again after a break, or if you’ve tried therapy before, and it didn’t work out how you expected—welcome! Starting therapy can be both exciting and anxiety-provoking, so I hope this page will help you know what to expect.

When you arrive for your first session:

  • Come on into the waiting area. We don’t have a receptionist, so you won’t need to check-in.

  • There is a restroom in the back of the waiting area next to the bookshelf.

  • I will come downstairs to get you at your appointment time.

  • If we are meeting virtually, you will receive a link (by email) to my HIPAA-compliant video platform. The link will take you to my virtual waiting room, and I will let you in at the time of your appointment. Please have a photo ID nearby for your first virtual appointment.

Waiting Room

My Office

During the first session:

  • At the beginning of our session I will share a bit about how I practice therapy, and we will briefly review your paperwork and answer any questions you may have.

  • I will invite you to share what led you to reach out for therapy and what changes you are hoping to see as we work together. If you get stuck or don’t know where to start, that’s okay—I will ask questions along the way!

  • At the end of the first session, we will review your goals, summarize a plan for moving forward, and schedule your next session.

What comes next:

  • Typically, I see clients weekly or bi-weekly to start in order to build momentum—we will collaborate to decide what works for you and what will help you reach your goals.

  • Sometimes I will suggest homework—mindfulness practices, new behaviors/mindsets to try, resources to read/watch, or things think about between sessions.

  • At any point, if you have questions or concerns, please let me know—this is an important part of the therapy process!

Together, we will…

  • Clarify your values

  • Increase self-compassion

  • Cultivate new problem-solving skills

  • Develop new perspectives

  • Identify small changes that will help you lead a more
    peaceful life

  • Process trauma that feels ready to find some movement

  • Discern what boundaries feel helpful in your relationships

  • Ask tough questions about yourself and the world around you 

  • Untangle the patterns and stories that hold you back

  • Uncover inner wisdom you didn’t know you had

  • Find new perspectives that will offer new choices and possibilities

  • Celebrate the times you showed up exactly how you wanted to and held a boundary, felt authentic in a relationship, were able to regulate your nervous system, were kind to yourself, or just felt good in your own skin

  • Confront the times you wanted to show up differently than you did—we will be honest about harm that may have been done, repair that may be needed, and come up with a plan for next time