Your first visit will be an intake process. It will involve collecting information about you and your background as well as gathering an understanding of the reasons you have come. It is also your opportunity to ask any questions that you may have about me or my approach to therapy in order to feel comfortable deciding to move ahead. Fees and cancellation policies will be discussed, as well as what to do in an emergency.
Your sessions are your space. You are free to discuss whatever wish and to determine what your goals to be. My role is to support you in reaching those goals and to listen, helping you to process, without judgment of any kind.
Therapy is a process. It involves establishing a trusting and open relationship with your therapist, which depending on your personality and personal history can happen very quickly or may take time. You will only have to discuss things you feel comfortable with and will not be forced to take any action or discuss any topic which you don't want to.
Therapy is an active process, meaning that you will need to work to challenge your thinking and actions. Occasionally, you may even be required to do reading or other homework in between sessions in order to see progress. I can guide and support you. However, making lasting changes requires effort and determination on your part.
Therapy is a process driven by you guided by your therapist. The goals will be decided on by you. The process will be guided by the therapist based on the way you learn and interpret new information. You can expect work to take the form of dialogue, reading, journaling, written exercises, breathing, and mindfulness techniques. and thought experiments. You only have to participate in activities in which you feel comfortable. I enjoy incorporating creative techniques with creative-minded people. I am happy to provide evidence-based reading materials and websites for those who prefer that approach. What works for you depends on who you are and I am happy to work with you in the way that suits you best.
Still not sure? I am happy to answer any questions that you have about me, or about therapy in general. If I am not the right resource for you I will be more than happy to guide you to other great resources that I know in the city.
