What to Expect

You’ve tried talking to friends and family…

Some tell you what to do.

Some tell you to “get over it”… or it’s “not that bad.”

Some try to change the subject.

Or maybe you don’t talk to anybody about what’s going on.

You think…

“They’ve got enough problems of their own.”

“They really wouldn’t understand.”

“I don’t want to upset them.”

Therapy is a comfortable place to talk.

Wouldn’t it be great to talk to someone without the need to edit anything??

Without having to worry they’re going to judge you?

Someone who’s trained to help you solve your problems… not just tell you what they think you should do?

We won’t leave without a map and a flashlight!

You’ve probably seen movies where a client talks as the therapist sits stone-faced and nods until he looks at his watch and says, “Well, our time is up.”

That ain’t me.

At the beginning of every session, we’ll set an agenda of the topics you want to make sure we don’t miss talking about that day. We’ll then work through the agenda together.

With some subjects – let’s say, the loss of a loved one – you might just need to talk. I’ll listen without judgment.

For other topics – maybe a disagreement with your boss or a bad bout of procrastination – it will be more of a conversational, problem-solving session.

I might ask questions to help you identify thoughts adding to your distress. You might say, for example, “Every detail of this project has to be perfect. I might fail if it’s not.”

I might ask about similar projects you’ve done in the past. Were they perfect? What happened when they weren’t? That might help you find a more realistic way of looking at the situation.

Or maybe you just need some practical skills to get going…

I’ve got a whole bag of tricks for that.

We’ll plan to practice…

As our session draws to a close, we’ll summarize what we’ve talked about that day.

You’ll note the insights you had.

We’ll review the new skills you’ve learned.

Then, we’ll create a plan for action and practice between sessions.

In the beginning, I’ll make suggestions. For example, you might try some procrastination-busting skills I’ve taught you. Or if we talked about a loss, you might do an art project in your loved one’s memory.

It won’t be long before you can create your own plans that work best for you.

I want to know what YOU think!

I want therapy to be an effective and positive process for you. That’s why I will ask you for feedback at the end of every session.

Was there something I said that didn’t sit right with you?

Did you feel like you weren’t given enough time to express yourself?

Do you feel like you’re not making progress as quickly as you thought you would?

This will give me a chance to make important changes so that therapy is more productive and meaningful to you.

Let’s get started!

Find a comfortable spot on your couch and a relaxing cup of tea.

I have an easy-to-use patient portal where you will sign in for your session.

And I might have a quick questionnaire for you to fill out when you get started… so we can monitor your progress.

I want you to feel good about this, so let me know if you have any other questions.

Just reach out and we’ll set up your FREE consultation: (917) 524-9839.