How does the process start for individual therapy, counseling, coaching, or mentorship?

(If you are seeking couples counseling, please visit this page to learn about how this process begins.)

The process begins with reaching out. It takes courage to make contact but once you do you will immediately feel a sense of relief that you have taken a step toward easing your suffering and achieving your goals.

If you choose, we can begin with a free fifteen-minute phone consultation where I will get some idea of what you are struggling with and if I believe I can potentially help you. If all goes well with that, or if you choose to bypass that part of the process, we will make an appointment for an initial consultation.

In choosing a therapist, counselor, coach, or mentor, experience and training are certainly essential. But the most important factor in deciding who to work with is whether you feel safe and connected to this person. During the first session you will begin to get a sense of whether you are comfortable working with me and whether you want to continue after this point. I do all that I can to make you feel safe and comfortable, but the decision is completely in your hands.

In this first session I will begin my Evaluation Process. This process generally lasts from 3 – 5 sessions. During this process I ask many questions to gather as much information about you that I can in this short period of time. We will discuss your current issues, your goals, your family history, your proudest accomplishments, and other aspects of your life story.

At the end of this evaluation, I provide you with a Provisional Assessment. It is provisional because I still barely know you, and it could change with the passage of time. In this assessment I give my impressions and understanding of what you are struggling with and the causes of that struggle. You participation in this part of the process, letting me know which of my viewpoints you see as accurate or not.  Then, with my suggestions, we collaborate on coming up with a plan going forward.

Though each plan is unique in terms of the goals we set and how to get there, therapy, counseling, coaching and mentorship usually involve at least a weekly commitment.

Hopefully, at the end of this initial stage of our work together you will feel confident and optimistic that you are in good hands and that you will be able to not only overcome your difficulties, but will be able to have the great life that you deserve.