The most important factor in the effectiveness of counseling is your relationship with your counselor. Some important factors to consider are logistics, such as in-person or virtual, location, hours of availability, and cost. Modalities or counseling techniques may also be important if you are seeking a specific experience in counseling. Some counselors utilize a variety of techniques based on their assessment of each client’s needs, while others focus on one or two specific modalities. Most importantly, you should be with a counselor that you trust and feel safe working with. While many counselors may be a great fit for others, vibes are essential when picking someone that fits your unique needs. 

Getting started requires just a few steps! Use the Contact Me page to reach out and schedule a 10 minute consultation session. This will give us a few minutes to decide if we would be a good fit to schedule a first session based on your needs and availability.

First sessions are 55 minute standard sessions, but they are meant to help me understand more about you and your goals for counseling.

I usually start the session by doing a short review of intake paperwork and signed disclosures. I give new clients an option to lead a first session themselves or opting for me to guide them with questions if they are not sure of where to start. We will close the session by reviewing a some logistics, such as how to reschedule an appointment or what to do in case of a mental health emergency.

Review the Directions page for more information on arriving to the office and checking in for the appointment.

As a person centered counselor, I deeply believe in your autonomy to guide sessions based on your needs. Typically, I will start by asking a short question about your overall wellbeing and then ask what you would like to discuss. If you are unsure, but we have previously left some topics open-ended, I may present a few options for topics based on those prior conversations.

Based on my perception of your needs, I may give you space to talk and process without interruptions, or I may ask questions to help us explore more on the topic or better identify needs for coping skills or changes. If I take us in a direction that does not work for you, please let me know so I can adjust to best meet your needs for the session or your overall treatment.

Maybe! Diagnoses may be required for insurance billing purposes, which means we will spend more time in the intake sessions with a focus on diagnostic criteria to focus on identifying any relevant diagnosis, if applicable, if you want to seek reimbursement through insurance.

If you are specifically seeking clarity around a previous diagnosis, want to rule out a diagnosis, or want to confirm a suspected diagnosis, we can discuss your options in session. Some diagnoses we can explore together in session to validate your experiences and create a treatment plan to support your needs. Some diagnoses are better evaluated through a formal assessment process. I can provide some options for outside assessment, but I do not complete lengthy, formal diagnostic assessments.

If you have questions about your diagnoses at any point in treatment, please let me know so we can discuss it together.