The First Appointment

Trust takes time to build. Finding the right therapist is a process, and we will naturally evaluate our "fit" over our first few sessions.

In your initial Intake Appointment, my primary goal is simply to defuse tension and help you feel at ease. I typically begin by asking if there is anything you would like to leave the session with that you did not feel you walked in with. From there, we will gently explore your current concerns and the impact they have on your day-to-day life.

I’ll ask what you’d like to see change in the situations you’re describing, or what you feel you need most from our therapeutic space. Are you looking for a safe place to be heard, help identifying problems and forming action steps, increasing understanding of yourself, or a mix? We will always go at your own pace, and you only ever have to share what you feel comfortable sharing.

Over our first few sessions, I will gradually gather a fuller picture of your life—including your mood, physical and mental health, relationships, and history. We do this simply because challenges never happen in a vacuum; understanding your whole world helps us focus on what will actually help.

At the end of the first session, I’ll be able to give an initial impression of how I think I could help, based on what was shared. Goal setting, and breaking down those goals into mini-goals or action steps, evolves over time and collaboratively, once we both have a clear understanding of what you want to address.

Let’s get started. Click Here to book a first appointment, a 10-minute phone call, or email me if you have questions.