Initial Sessions and Therapy Process: Our first few sessions typically involve information gathering, defining your reasons for seeking therapy, deciding whether to continue working together, setting initial therapy goals, and completing necessary forms. Usually, I will spend a few minutes during the first session discussing my approach to therapy and my policies. Ideally, we will identify a day and time to meet that will remain your set appointment time each week.

Therapy is very much a collaborative effort. For new patients, especially those of you who may have never been in psychotherapy before, the process may seem intimidating. It is important that you realize that change takes time, it may be subtle at first, and setbacks may occur along the way. I will support you through this process but also hope to challenge you to take chances during and between therapy sessions—I believe this process will allow you to come closer to achieving the changes you seek.

There is no guarantee that a specific result will emerge from therapy; however, our mutual goal is greater life fulfillment. Therapy usually ends after mutual agreement about readiness and goal completion. However, your participation in therapy is voluntary, and you have the right to terminate at any time. Although I typically meet with patients once a week, sometimes meetings are more or less frequent depending on individual needs.

My Therapy Approach: Everyone coming to me presents with unique needs and for this reason I individualize my approach to suit each person.

My approach may focus on any combination of the following:
• Strengthening coping skills
• Reducing and managing symptoms
• Developing more satisfying relationships
• Ending destructive behaviors
• Increasing self understanding

For more information on the benefits of psychotherapy, click here.