Starting Counseling: Common FAQs
I’m nervous about starting therapy, is that normal?
It’s totally normal to be nervous about starting therapy. It can feel intimidating to sit with someone and talk about how you feel. The fear around that can feel overwhelming. Going to therapy even when you are nervous is not easy. It may take courage to take those steps. You reading this now shows that you are already stepping in the right direction.
Therapy is a space where you can be yourself and come just as you are, including feeling nervous. I’m committed to finding a way to care for your nervousness and ensure sessions are as comfortable as possible.
I’m here if you want to talk about it during a free phone consultation.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
Take your time to read through my website. If you sense that I may be a good fit based on what you are reading, you can Schedule yourself in my online scheduler.
During a free phone consultation, you can ask me what a typical session with me is like, or any other questions you may have that are specific to you. You’ll also be able to share what’s going on for you and we can determine how I could best be of service to you.
It may be helpful to think of the first few sessions as trying out the waters together. During the sessions, you’ll be able to start seeing what it’s like. My approach is not going to work for everyone. What’s most important to me is that you find someone who you feel is the right fit for you. We can explore that together.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING?
It’s normal if you don’t feel ready to share everything. During our sessions, you never have to talk about something you’re not comfortable talking about. I’ll be there to guide you towards discovering what feels comfortable for you to share. Working with pace, we can look at the tough stuff if you’re ready.
You can also share with me that you are nervous to open up about something and we can talk about that too. Whatever is present for you. Whatever you are going through. Bring that to session, and we can explore that together.
I’M SCARED THAT IF I OPEN UP, YOU WILL THINK I’M TOO SENSITIVE.
If you open up to me, I will not think you are too sensitive, I will think you are strong and a survivor. Many of my clients have had the same fear (that people would think they are too sensitive).
Working with my clients has shown me that the challenges you are facing are normal and natural.
You’re not being dramatic or “too much.” Nothing you can say will cause me to judge you.
I know nobody’s perfect, many of us are overwhelmed, we all have our imperfections.
Whatever it is you’re going through, I provide a safe space where you can feel heard and supported without judgment.
DOES WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THERAPY REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?
It can be concerning feeling like things you say or do in therapy could “get out.” So I want you to know that unless you are in danger or someone else is, your story is confidential and your time in the session is protected.
Your privacy and trust are of utmost importance.
You can rest assured that you can talk about anything without fear of that information getting out.
If you have specific questions about how confidentiality works, you can ask during your during a free phone consultation or anytime during our work together.
HOW LONG WILL THERAPY TAKE?
You might be asking about how long therapy will take because you are currently struggling and want relief fast.
If this is true for you, I want you to know that on average, my new clients start seeing positive effects after the first few sessions.
By that point, they feel like they have learned some ways to manage challenging stuff in their lives a bit better
The total duration of therapy varies from client to client. Some of my clients find 3-6 weeks to be enough to resolve immediate challenges. While other clients feel more supported by longer-term therapy.
We will work together to find the length of time that works for you.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE FIRST SESSION?
Overall, you can think of the first session as a structured assessment that helps me get to know you and the challenges that brought you into treatment. I’ll invite you to share more about yourself and we can also talk about what’s worked or not worked for your mental health in the past.
Some questions that I like to ask during a first session include:
What brought you to therapy?
What goals would you like to reach by going to therapy?
What’s going on for you in your life right now?
You can ask me questions as well. You might be curious about my experience or how future sessions work.
The most important part of a first session is that you see if you feel I’m a good fit for you. If you feel calm, heard, and cared for with me, we can discuss if you’d like to meet again.
HOW CAN I GET STARTED?
I’m here to talk during a free video consultation where you can share what’s going on for you and we can determine how I could best be of service to you.