I’ve never been to therapy. What should I expect at my first session?

When you arrive for your first visit, you will be greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable staff. They will get you checked in and let the therapist know you have arrived. The therapist will greet you and take you to a comfortable and private office. The goal of the first session is to get to know you and learn what you would like help with. The therapist will listen and ask questions to make sure to have a good understanding of your situation. By the end of the session, you will have a sense of what to expect and some recommendations for next steps of treatment, as well as some suggestions for things to begin working on at home.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone can benefit from having a dedicated time to think through their difficulties and get some feedback from a neutral observer. Our clients come from a variety of backgrounds; what they have in common is a willingness to take their problems head on and make real changes.

What is your approach? What does therapy look like?

We utilized a variety of evidence-based approaches to therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response-prevention (ERP), acceptance- and mindfulness-based techniques, and interpersonal therapy. Your therapist will give you feedback on your issues and actively suggest exercises and things for you to do between sessions, based on research evidence of effective interventions. You will find therapy to be a supportive and non-judgmental place where you receive useful feedback and interventions.

Do you take health insurance?

Yes. We are contracted with several health insurance providers. For more information, see the Rates and Insurance section.

Is what I discuss in therapy confidential?

With a few exceptions, everything you discuss in your therapy sessions will stay between you and the therapist. It is important for you to feel confident that you can safely discuss anything you need to in order to get the most out of therapy. Your therapist will respect your right to privacy and confidentiality. For more information, see our Policies and Procedures section.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective, but it alone cannot solve all challenges. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Your therapist can help give you perspective regarding your condition and what treatment approaches might be best.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your situation, your desire for personal development, your commitment and follow through, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place. Our goal is to help you feel better as quickly as possible and develop skills that will be useful in the long run.