The decision to start therapy is an important and personal one. It involves being ready enough to look at concerns head-on, explore possible solutions, and make a commitment to personal responsibility and change.
People seek therapy for a number of reasons, including:
- Problem-solving help
- Relationship improvement (connection/intimacy, communication)
- Stress and distress management
- Reduction or elimination of depression, anxiety or agitation
- Guidance for coping with transitions in life
- Self-fulfillment and personal growth
Most people have tried a number of ways to solve their problems before starting therapy, and may feel quite discouraged by the time they call for an appointment. Therapy can provide a fresh look at old (or more recent) struggles, help build a sense of strength, and foster movement toward healthy change.
The first appointment lasts one hour and is called the intake appointment. When you arrive at my office, I’ll ask you to complete intake paperwork view paperwork/forms here that will tell you some important things about therapy. If you choose to use insurance coverage, please bring your insurance card with you.
During the first appointment, I will primarily want to hear about the difficulties that brought you to therapy, what you have already tried to do to fix the problems, and how these difficulties impact your day-to-day living. I’ll want to hear about your strengths and struggles, support network, any past therapy experiences, and background. If you have medical problems or take medication for any reason, please bring a list of your medications with you to the first appointment.
Generally I am able to give you my preliminary recommendations near the end of our first meeting. Sometimes it takes more than one meeting, based on many factors. For example, when I meet with a couple, the assessment process takes more time, as it involves a session with the couple and then with each individual separately.
If I recommend therapy and it seems like a good fit for us to work together, we would then schedule a next appointment. Therapy sessions are 50 minutes long, unless we decide in advance that sessions of different length would be more appropriate. If you decide you want therapy but do not want to work with me, I’d be happy to refer you to a therapist who may be a better fit. I will recommend a different therapist or program if I think the other therapist or program has specific expertise or style that can better meet your needs.
If we work together, we will collaborate on a plan for therapy that is based on strategies that are most effective for your particular concerns. We’ll discuss how often we will meet, an estimate of length of therapy, specific goals, etc. As therapy progresses, we will keep tabs on goals and progress so we know we are on the right track, and can then plan for ending therapy when you meet your goals.
If you have any questions or want to schedule a first appointment, call me at 708-620-2829 or email me using the form below.
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