What to Expect

Psychotherapy is based on numerous factors which, in dynamic balance, can help participants achieve:

  • Insight

  • Increased clarity

  • Resolution of issues (both current and past)

  • Greater Confidence

  • Increased self-esteeem

  • Decreased anxiety and/or depression

  • Cessation of troublesome symptoms

  • Improved relationships

  • Greater health and vitality

  • A fuller life experience

In your initial sessions, you will experience some combination of the following:

  • Comprehensive discussion of the reason(s) you are seeking treatment

  • Assessment of safety – such as risks for self-harm, relationship harm, family violence, etc.

  • Review of your history – including but not limited to: developmental, family, relationships, education, career, health, prior treatment(s), etc.

  • Exploration of your dreams and goals

  • Exploration of your strengths and resources

  • Specific assessment and identification of acute symptoms for issues such as eating disorders, PTSD, dissociation, ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, etc.

In your initial sessions, you will experience some combination of the following:

  • Especially in the early stage of therapy, a minimum of weekly sessions are useful for building rapport and comfort and establishing a solid sense of continuity in the therapeutic process.

  • When symptoms are acute (and that means different things for each person), more frequent sessions can be helpful. Intensified frequency (such as twice weekly or more) can result in a greater sense of goal directedness, feeling more supported, more ease in interrupting unhealthy patterns of behavior, and a deeper involvement in one’s therapy process.

  • Over time, decreased frequency may feel like a natural transition once therapy goals are clearly established and/or initial concerns have been resolved. Sometimes every-other-week appointments may also be preferable due to scheduling needs.