My First Session
Before the appointment
Prior to your first appointment, I like to have an informal discussion over the phone. This can help me prepare appropriately for our first meeting.
I will want to hear a brief summary of the presenting problems and the kind of help you are seeking. I will also want to know if you have had any previous experience in counseling or therapy. I will give you an overview of my approach to counseling. We can then discuss appointment times and availability and schedule your first appointment.
I will also confirm the office address, directions for finding it, and instructions on how to fill out the forms in the “New Client Packet”, which I will email you ahead of time. You can complete the form before you arrive, or in my waiting area prior to our first session.
The first session
During the initial session, you will have a chance to tell me about the problems that brought you in for treatment. You can also take the opportunity to tell me what you hope to achieve through the counseling process. I will ask you some specific questions about your presenting problems and your previous experiences in counseling or therapy. Toward the end of the first session, I will explain my evaluation process for all new clients and we can decide together how to proceed.
What to bring
- Your new client packet form(s)
- Anything you think would be helpful to tell your story.
Things to be aware of
In general, the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a mental health professional is protected by law, and I can only release information about our work to others with written permission, however, there are a number of exceptions which are outlined in the new client documentation, and we will discuss in the first session.
Schedule an obligation-free discussion today. Complete the form on our contact page.