INITIAL CONSULTATION

An initial no-fee phone consultation allows us to consider whether I might be a good fit for your concerns. It gives us an opportunity to briefly talk about what brings you to counseling, how I might be able to support your growth, and the logistics of my practice. If it looks like we would work well together, we will proceed with scheduling an appointment (see “what to expect from our sessions”, at the bottom of “how I work”).

If you have been in therapy before, you may find it helpful to consider:

• What has worked for you in the past

• A particular therapeutic approach you are interested in at this time

• What you are looking for in a therapist

If you have not been in therapy before, you may find it helpful to consider:

• What brings you to try counseling now

• What concerns you may have about starting this process

• Questions you may have about what to expect

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

Individual counseling is a personalized approach rooted in a genuine, safe, and open conversation. I rely on the best theories and practices available, which I tailor to you and your specific concerns. Counseling is a collaborative process where, together, we come to a clearer understanding of what has led to your current difficulties and identify specific goals for our work together. In the process, we might discuss any number of topics, such as your:

• mood

• self-image

• difficult life experiences

• relationships

• work

• family

• cultural background

• and other topics as they might impact your life and concerns

While sometimes greater understanding of oneself in and of itself can be freeing and produce significant changes, often counseling involves trying out specific strategies, such as new ways of engaging with one’s thoughts and feelings or communicating with others. These strategies are usually learned in session and applied in your daily life between sessions. 

What allows for change and growth is a combination of developing deeper self-knowledge and learning new and more flexible ways of approaching life, with the guidance of a supportive therapeutic relationship.