I’m new to therapy. What can I expect?
Deciding to start therapy is a big step and it can feel overwhelming. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’ve worked with other therapists before, I want to make sure you feel informed and supported as we begin this journey together. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and empowered to explore whatever is coming up for you. Here’s what you can expect when starting therapy with me.
The First Steps: Scheduling & Paperwork
Once you decide to move forward with therapy, we’ll set up an initial session. Before our first meeting, I’ll send you some paperwork to complete, which includes basic demographic information, informed consent, and a few questions to help me understand what’s bringing you to therapy. This paperwork ensures that we’re aligned on expectations, confidentiality, and any logistical details like scheduling and payment.
The First Session: Getting to Know You
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I’ll ask about your background, what’s bringing you to therapy, and what your hopes or goals might be. There’s no pressure to have all the answers—this is simply a time for us to explore what feels most important to you. I also encourage you to ask any questions you have about the therapy process, my approach, or anything else that’s on your mind.
My Approach to Therapy
I believe in therapy that is collaborative, affirming, and rooted in deep respect for your lived experience. My work is informed by a liberation-focused, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed perspective, meaning I center your autonomy and aim to create a space that feels safe and nonjudgmental. Everyone is different so I tailor our work together to fit your unique needs and goals.
You can expect me to show up as a real person in our sessions—authenticity is an essential part of my approach. I believe healing happens in relationships, and I strive to create a space where you can be your full self, without fear of judgment.
Ongoing Sessions: Building a Therapeutic Relationship
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. Together, we’ll navigate what works best for you—whether that means exploring emotions, patterns, and behaviors; developing coping strategies; or simply having a space to process life’s challenges. Some weeks, sessions may be structured around a particular theme or goal, while other times, we may follow what feels most present and pressing for you.
I also believe therapy should be a space where you feel in control of your own healing journey. If something isn’t working for you—whether it’s the pace, the approach, or the topics we’re covering—I encourage open dialogue so we can adjust accordingly.
How to Prepare for Your First Session
You don’t need to come to your first session with everything figured out, but here are a few things that might help you feel more comfortable:
Find a quiet, private space if we’re meeting virtually.
Think about what’s bringing you to therapy and anything you’d like to share upfront.
Consider any questions you have about therapy or my approach.
Remember that this is your space—you can share as much or as little as you feel ready to.
Next Steps
If you’re considering working together, I’d love to connect and answer any questions you have. You can reach out to schedule a consultation or an initial session. Therapy is a space for you, and my hope is to support you in ways that feel empowering, validating, and aligned with your goals.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to walk with you through this process, at your pace, in a way that feels right for you.