“YOUR HEART KNOWS THE WAY. RUN IN THAT DIRECTION.”

RUMI

WHAT TO EXPECT

Whether you are new to counseling or returning after a hiatus, a lot of different emotions may be coming up for you as you begin the process. It’s common to feel nervous, scared, overwhelmed, unsure, and all of the above (plus a few dozen other feelings).  I’ve created this page to validate your feelings and hopefully provide you with some peace and comfort about the process. Here are some things that might be helpful for you to know.

LET ME VALIDATE YOU FOR A SECOND

First, whatever thoughts and feelings you are experiencing are completely valid. Of course, you’re feeling a bunch of different emotions and thoughts about seeking counseling. It’s natural. I remember the first time I saw a counselor in college. I had no idea what to expect. My limited knowledge of counseling came from “Ordinary People,” “Girl Interrupted” and “Good Will Hunting.” Suffice to say, I thought all counselors wore wool cardigans with elbow patches. Still, I was afraid I wouldn’t know what to say or I’d cry the whole time (which I did and it was more than okay). I was afraid of the unknown, what I didn’t know, and what I might learn about myself. I questioned whether my problems were valid and if I really needed to see a counselor. The answer was yes and yes. You might be grappling with the same questions, thoughts and feelings right now. Bottom line: You matter, your feelings matter, and your experiences matter. This is a big step and some big feelings may come with it.

THERAPY IS HARD … AND FUN

Therapy is hard because facing your own stuff and digging deep and growing and changing take lots of work and energy. Sometimes after sessions you may feel depleted. Other times you’ll feel renewed. Between sessions you’ll be reflecting on what we talked about in session, working on your goals and taking action in your life. Counseling is also fun. Yes, you read that correctly, I said fun. When you find the right counselor, one who makes you feel heard and seen, you’ll actually look forward to coming to sessions. You’ll also grow to love learning about yourself and creating meaningful change in your life. We’ll make art together, breathe together and laugh together.  Plus, I have tissues and tea. Bonus points.  

YOU ARE BRAVE

I’ll say it again: You. Are. Brave. Really truly. And I hope that doesn’t come across trite because I mean that in the most genuine possible way. Seeking counseling is a true act of courage. It takes a lot to make that first step. It isn’t easy to sit down with someone you just met and share with them your thoughts and feelings. It isn’t easy to say what you’re doing isn’t working and it’s time to change. It isn’t easy asking for help. Believe me, I used to be the queen of “Not Asking For Help.” But my life got a whole lot better and easier when I started to lean on others. Go ahead. Lean in.   

WHAT YOU GAIN

• Feel more connected to yourself and others
• Awaken your intuition/inner wisdom
• Increase your ability to cope with difficult feelings, thoughts and behaviors
• Improve confidence, self-love and compassion
• Feel more grounded and at peace
• Grow and learn more about yourself
• Discover your voice
• Advocate for yourself and your needs
• Self-awareness
• Empowerment
• Clarity
• Hope
• Healing . . .

FIRST APPOINTMENT

Probably the biggest unknown and the thing that clients worry about the most is the first appointment. What actually happens? So the first appointment, or what we sometimes refer to as an intake appointment, is really like a “get to know each other” session. It’s an opportunity for us to learn about each other and see if we’re a good fit. You’ll fill out some paperwork prior to our appointment so that I can learn more about you and your history. During the appointment, I’ll first share information about myself, my approach, my experience and some policies of my practice, and then I’ll turn it over to you. This is an opportunity for you to share whatever’s on your heart. We’ll talk about what brought you to counseling and what you want to work on. If you’ve been in counseling before, we’ll talk about what’s worked and what hasn’t worked for you. But most importantly, I want to know who you are at your core. What identities you hold that are important to you, what brings meaning in your life, who’s your support system, what’s your family like are just a few examples of things we might explore in the first session. It really is a conversation between us that happens organically.

SUBSEQUENT SESSIONS

The sessions that follow our first meeting together will be more in-depth and exploratory. My work with clients is collaborative. At the start of session, we’ll always check in with each other to see what’s coming up for you in the present moment and address any issues or insights that have surfaced since last session. I typically will have something planned for us to discuss or an activity to engage in, but I always invite the client to decide what they want to explore in session that day and we craft a plan together.