Individuals choose to come to therapy for a variety of different reasons.  You may be currently experiencing a specific crisis in your life or want to address a long standing issue which has been holding you back from the life you want.  Therapy can be a place for personal growth, focusing on one’s thinking and perspectives, as well as someone objective to talk with about life’s everyday complications.

During the initial session we will take a thorough look at your current concerns including how long you have had the concern, how and to what extent the concern impacts your life, and any other precipitating factors.  We will also complete a personal and family of origin history so as to take into account medical issues, mental illness, substance use, violence, and religious issues where applicable.  Due to the importance of the information gathering component for this session we allow up to 90 minutes for an initial session.

We will then together create goals for therapy which are client driven.  This allows for both client and therapist to have clear expectations for therapy, easily identify as progress occurs, and modify goals or discontinue treatment when appropriate.  Termination of therapy is the client’s decision; however we generally like to be notified in advance so as to arrange for a closure session for the therapeutic relationship.  

An individual may enter into therapy with a concern related to family relationships.  While the individual will remain the focus of attention, it may be helpful to bring in other family members, but that will be discussed with the individual if the need arises.  In other cases, except where there are safety concerns, the family relationship itself may require so much attention for all members to function appropriately that we may suggest transferring to couples or family therapy.   

It is unknown how many sessions are necessary to complete therapy and is often dependent on progress of therapy goals, readiness for change, and willingness to implement new strategies. It is also not uncommon for an individual to attend a series of sessions, take a break, and then return to address different concerns or take progress of the original concern to a higher level.   

Finally, payment is expected at the end of the session.  When utilizing medical insurance to cover the cost of services, co-payments and deductibles will be collected prior to the therapist filing the insurance claim for you.  All other service fees can be paid in cash, check, or credit card.