What can I expect in the initial appointment?

Frequently Asked Questions:

When we meet for the first time, I begin gathering information about you and your reason(s) for seeking counseling. I will be asking some questions about your background, what you are going through (current situation), about your family history and ways you have been coping. This is also an opportunity for us to get a sense of what it is like for us to work together. If, at the end of the first session, we decide for any reason that your needs would be better served by someone else, I can provide you with referrals that may better suit your needs.

How long will it take?

It is not possible for me to answer this question as the length of treatment varies from individual to individual. After I learn more about the issues you would like to work on, I might be able to provide you with some idea of how long we might be working together.  Ultimately, it is up to the client, with assistance of myself, to help with determining how frequent sessions should be.

What if I need or am already on psychotropic medication?

What can I expect in a therapy session?

Sometimes medication combined with psychotherapy is part of the treatment plan. I would recommend psychotropic medications be prescribed by a psychiatrist as they specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. If you are already currently prescribed medication(s), please continue to be compliant with it unless otherwise instructed not to by your psychiatrist or primary care physician.

During sessions, you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life.  We, myself as your therapist and you, will gradually build rapport and work together to help resolve or cope with the issues.