Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect in my first session in therapy?
The first 1-2 sessions will consist of a diagnostic assessment and treatment planning. The assessment will be like an interview that focuses on your personal history, symptoms, and mental health concerns. The purpose of a diagnostic assessment is to ensure proper treatment and quality care. The treatment planning process is a goal assessment that will act as a blue-print during sessions. What are you wanting to gain from therapy? What type of help do you want? What changes are you hoping for? Identifying your needs in therapy will allow us to move in the right direction and help make the healing process more effective as your goals will be a factor in determining interventions.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
Your active participation and dedication are crucial to your success. After all, you and your therapist will usually only see each other for one session a week. It’s the work you do outside of your sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
How long will it take? How will I know when I’m “done?”
There’s no easy answer to this question. Everyone’s circumstances are unique, and the length of time needed for therapy will be different. It also depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment to attending sessions and doing any emotional “homework” your therapist might ask of you, as well as the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
How often will I need to go to therapy?
When you initially start therapy, you will meet weekly with your therapist or depending on your current needs. This helps launch you into “healing mode” and earnestly begin the process of discovery and problem-solving. After several months, you and your therapist may then decide that meeting every other week is the right frequency to keep you on your healing path.