counseling faqs

I’ve never been to therapy before. What can I expect? 

First we’ll have a short fifteen to twenty minute phone call so I can learn a bit about what you want to address. You can also get a sense of me and ask questions. If it seems like we’re a good fit, then I’ll send you some intake forms to fill out and we’ll schedule your first session. 

Who should come to therapy? 

I think everyone can benefit! But I am not a hospital, so if you are feeling suicidal or in active addiction, you need an intervention that only a hospital or treatment facility can provide. It’s important to feel some level of stabilization and use of coping skills before starting therapy. 

What happens in the first session? 

In the first session you can share  more about the problem or issue you want to address. I will ask questions about symptoms and history, and we’ll have a conversation about what treatment may look like. Often, there’s a lot of story to tell. That can feel cathartic, but can also bring up some emotion. We will take it at a pace that feels manageable for you.   

How often should I come to therapy? 

Most people come weekly or every other week. It depends on your needs, as well as your available  time and budget. We can get quicker traction toward your goals with more frequency. The main thing is regular sessions so there is a routine and rhythm to build on.  

How long do I have to be in therapy? 

Sadly, I cannot give a specific answer to the length of therapy. It depends on many factors like severity and length of your problem or symptoms. Some people have more “layers” to their story to explore, understand and heal. 

I suggest preparing for a season of therapy, creating space for what needs to unfold for healing to occur. You’ll likely need more margin in your life for rest and time to process between sessions. 

Doesn’t EMDR make therapy go faster?

Not necessarily. EMDR is an eight phase process. The beginning phases look a lot like “talk” therapy where there is history taking, resource building and learning coping skills. 

EMDR is well researched and effective, but not a magic bullet. It is an experiential therapy that works with your brain’s associations to resolve unhealthy patterns and calm triggers. In this way there is an efficiency to the therapy because it works with the source - your brain. Any therapy takes time.

What is a therapy intensive? 

An intensive is an in-person multi-hour or multi-day session. Planning and preparation sessions are required before so you will know what to expect. The preparation sessions can be 60 or 90 minutes in person or via telehealth. It’s common for out of town clients to come in person for an intensive to address specific goals. Intensive sessions are billed at the hourly rate and require a deposit to schedule.

What if I’ve been in therapy before? 

You are welcome to continue your healing journey with me. Frequently, people who have done previous talk therapy elsewhere want to try EMDR. Whatever your circumstances, I honor the work you have already done and together we’ll assess where to start. If applicable, you can sign a Release of Information (ROI) form to give me permission to consult with any previous or current practitioners for continuation of care.