What
to Expect
On
the phone, I can answer any questions you have and get a sense of what your
concerns are. If you choose, we can
schedule a time to meet.
At
our first appointment, I’ll invite you to talk in more detail about what you’re
dealing with and how you’re hoping therapy will help. I’ll share with you my thoughts and ideas
about how I may be of help to you.
The first
couple sessions involve an assessment of your needs and is a time when you can
consider and decide if you are comfortable continuing our work together.
Sessions
are 45 minutes long. They are usually
scheduled once a week, though can be more or less frequent as needed.
Risks
& Benefits
Psychotherapy
is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the
personalities of the psychologist and client as well as the particular concerns
you bring forward. There are many different approaches I may use to help you
address the concerns you have.
Generally, it is a collaborative effort between us and requires active
effort on your part.
Because the
process of therapy often involves discussing the unpleasant aspects of your
life, risks include experiencing uncomfortable feelings such as sadness,
anxiety, guilt, anger, frustration, and/or confusion. Risks also include having to handle
potentially difficult consequences of decisions you come to in the course of
the therapy process (e.g., deciding to confront someone or to make a life
change).
On the other hand, the benefits
of therapy include feeling less distressed, having fewer symptoms, feeling more
satisfied in relationships, having greater personal awareness and insight,
managing stress more effectively, and resolving specific problems. Because therapy is a highly individualized,
personal, and fluid process, there are no guarantees about what you will
experience.
We
can discuss any questions you have about my approach to therapy at any
time. If any doubts persist, I will be
happy to refer you to another mental health professional. |