Individual Therapy for Adolescents and Adults

graur razvan ionut free digital photos futureMaking the decision to begin therapy can be difficult.  Whether you have been in therapy before or it is the first time, many questions may arise.  If you are even considering the need to talk with someone, I encourage you to contact us so we can figure out together if therapy is something that could be helpful for you.

What to Expect

Initial Evaluation:  Once you have called our office and have decided to come in, you will schedule the appointment for an initial evaluation.  That first appointment will last 90 minutes.  During that time, I will answer any questions you might have, we will complete all of the necessary paperwork, and I will conduct a thorough evaluation.  We will also discuss any problems or issues you are having as well as goals and things you would like to work on during our time together.  At the end of the appointment, we will determine how often your ongoing therapy sessions will take place (usually weekly) and how long they will be (usually 45 minutes or one hour).

Ongoing Therapy:  Before beginning therapy, it is essential to examine your own expectations and beliefs about therapy.  I find it helpful to first explain what I, the therapist, am NOT.

I am not here to tell you what to do, how to think, or what decisions to make.  Rather, I aim to help you to explore and gain confidence in yourself so that you can believe in and rely upon yourself to do, think, and decide what is best for you.   This process will require work on your part.  Expect assignments or homework between sessions.  This allows us to make the most of our time together.

I am not a fortune teller or psychic who can predict the future.  No one knows what the future holds.  But, through our therapeutic work together, it is my sincere hope that you will feel ready and able to face whatever the future may bring.

I am not perfect.  I am human being, just like you, with flaws.  I don’t claim to have everything figured out.  Along the same lines, I do not claim to have a “cure” for whatever you may be facing in your life.  I would urge you to be very suspicious of anyone who offers such a “cure.”  What I do provide is the willingness to sit with you, without judgment, and truly listen to everything you are willing to share.  Using my knowledge, training, and expertise, I will work together with you to help you through your struggles, make positive changes, and achieve your goals.