What to Expect
Consultation call:
A consultation phone call is how we get the process started. Consultation calls have two purposes:
1. To make sure that you and I are a good fit to work together, and
2. Getting all your upfront questions answered.
I will come with some questions to make sure we’re a good fit and that we’re on the same page. I would also love to answer your questions and talking through any concerns you might have about getting started with therapy.
Consultation calls last about 20 minutes, and stay focused on the “big picture” of what has you reaching out for therapy instead of lots of specific details. Easy peasy! Plus, they’re free.
If we both decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your intake appointment during this call. If not, I will do my best to get you a referral(s) that could be a better fit.
The intake session:
This is the next step after a consultation call is to do our intake session. This is where we talk more in-depth about the specifics of the things that are bringing you to therapy.
Before we get to that appointment, there are some things that have to happen, including:
Getting you set up on my secure client portal, where all paperwork lives and where we typically meet for sessions.
Completing intake paperwork before your intake session can occur. In this paperwork includes:
More “admin” items, such as contact info, payment info, etc.
Screeners and assessments to give me information on specific symptoms that are present for you
Your somewhat in-depth history and story to give me background and context on you and your situation.
This process and paperwork can take time and sometimes be uncomfortable, so I always encourage people to give themselves plenty of time between the consultation call and intake session to be able to pace themselves through the intake paperwork.
Therapy sessions:
Even though we will be working online together, you can be assured that I take all precautions to keep our time together private and secure on my end.
I currently only work with clients on a weekly basis. Over the years I have seen that clients that begin/do most of their work biweekly don’t tend to get to their goals they come in with because the work just takes too long. If you feel that this won’t work time-wise or financially, I would be happy to connect you with a provider that could be a better fit in these areas.
We are here to work toward the life you want, so don’t be surprised if we are actively doing things in sessions. These could be practicing relaxation techniques, learning new coping skills, or engaging in other types of exercises. These things will help reach the goals you’ve set, which is why you’re here.
I often give you “homework” to do between our sessions. It is essential that we do work both inside our sessions together and in the time between them. Our work is most successful when you practice the skills from our sessions in the real world outside of therapy.
To be as transparent as possible, sometimes you might meet my dog. While my space is private from other humans, sometimes my overbearing and caring insists on saying hello.
We are probably going to share some laughs, along with some tears. I think humor is an incredibly powerful healing tool, and so are tears. If it’s an important part of life it’s an important part of therapy, and I don’t shy away when things get real.