All therapy begins by getting to know one another. We begin by building a working relationship and determine what goals or expectations you have. While discussing goals, we develop a plan that is personalized to you. The first few sessions are typically a place to gather history and background information.

Sessions are scheduled weekly in most instances and begin with updates on your progress. At the end of sessions you are given home assignments, experiments to try, or other activities. This integration of home and what happens in session reinforces the plans we made in the beginning. Some of experiments will be successful, and some will not. Even what is unsuccessful can be helpful, but we can only know this if you complete the assignments.

The process of going through this can be difficult at times. Having a therapist you feel you can trust, is non-judgmental, and you feel works in your best interest, is very important. It is also important to understand that you do the work. The therapist is a guide, a helper, and a mirror to help you uncover various things that may be difficult but you are the only expert on you. Learning new skills, going home, doing the assignments, and finding the strength to follow through is critical for anyone to find change and power in his or her own life.

You also have to be here in order to continue to journey. Setting and keeping appointments keeps us on track to allow for the changes necessary to attain your goals. Make every attempt to be on time for your appointment, take notes if you need to, and be fully invested so you get the most out of your therapy experience.

“This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
– William Shakespeare