What to Expect
Reaching Out
The first step is to submit a brief counseling inquiry through the secure contact form.
After reviewing your inquiry, I will contact you to discuss next steps.
When helpful, I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation call.
Before Your First Session
Before your first appointment, you will receive several forms to review and complete through the secure client portal.
These may include:
• Informed consent and practice policies
• Privacy information
• Basic contact and demographic information
• Counseling history
• Information about your current concerns
• Other forms relevant to the type of counseling you are seeking
Developing a Counseling Plan
Counseling is a collaborative process.
We will work together to identify meaningful counseling goals and develop a plan for moving forward.
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The first session is primarily about understanding what brings you to counseling and beginning to hear your story.
The Counseling Process
Depending on your needs and goals, sessions may include:
• Exploring thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns
• Understanding the impact of past experiences
• Identifying relationship patterns
• Learning and practicing new skills
• Developing healthier coping or emotional regulation strategies
• Processing painful experiences
• Exploring beliefs or assumptions that influence your responses
• Identifying strengths and resources
• Developing practical strategies for change
• Reviewing progress and adjusting counseling goals
Some sessions may feel encouraging and energizing.
Others may involve difficult or uncomfortable conversations.
Growth is not always a straight line.
Counseling provides a place to honestly examine what is happening, recognize progress, address obstacles, and continue taking meaningful steps forward.
Between Sessions
Meaningful growth often extends beyond the counseling hour.
Depending on your goals, I may invite you to notice patterns, practice a skill, reflect on a question, complete a worksheet, have an intentional conversation, or try a different way of responding between sessions.
They are opportunities to begin applying what we are exploring in counseling to everyday life.
How Long Will Counseling Take?
There is no single answer to how long counseling will take.
Some clients seek support for a specific concern and participate in counseling for a relatively brief period.
Others are addressing complex, longstanding, relational, or trauma-related concerns that may require more time.
The length and frequency of counseling will depend on your concerns, goals, progress, and clinical needs.
We will periodically review your progress and discuss whether the counseling process continues to be helpful and appropriate.
Ending Counseling
Ending counseling is a normal part of the counseling process. It's actually the goal.
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From the beginning of counseling, we will strategize and monitor your readiness to use your tools and support system on your own.
