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I deeply respect and honor the steps you are taking towards healing. Entering a therapy space is a courageous act and a profound gesture of self-compassion. For those new to counseling, the unknown can be intimidating and may naturally lead to some hesitation. To ease any concerns and to help you prepare, I have outlined what you can typically expect during our initial session together:

Creating a Safe Space:

From the moment we begin, you will be welcomed into a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. This space is designed for you to feel comfortable sharing your concerns, exploring your feelings, and discussing your hopes for therapy.  My goal is to ensure you feel heard and understood.

Informed Consent Process:

It is essential that you are fully informed about the therapy process. We will go over the informed consent, which outlines the benefits and risks of therapy, as well as the limits to confidentiality. Understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision about participating in therapy and ensure that you are comfortable with the process.

Understanding the Therapeutic Approach:

During our session, I will explain my counseling approach and the theoretical frameworks that guide my practice. This includes an introduction to the ethical principles that underpin my work, helping you understand how they relate to and enhance the therapeutic process. This discussion is intended to help you determine whether my approach aligns with your needs and personal goals for therapy.

Compassionate Inquiry:

In our initial session and throughout our therapeutic journey together, I employ compassionate curiosity to deeply understand the challenges you face. This approach delves beyond the surface to explore the underlying 'why' of your experiences. As part of this process, I conduct a comprehensive strength-based psychosocial assessment covering various critical areas and builds upon your inherent strengths. It helps us to identify both the challenges and the resources you bring into therapy, which are essential for crafting a tailored therapeutic plan. These insights support fostering resilience and promoting a profound, sustainable recovery.

Collaborative Goal Setting:

Finally, we will discuss and outline your therapeutic goals. Whether you are seeking to resolve specific issues or looking for broader personal growth, setting clear, collaborative goals is a key component of the therapeutic journey. This process ensures that the therapy aligns with your personal values and objectives, making it a truly personalized and therapeutic experience.

 Areas of focus can include and are not limited to:   

• substance use
• severe anxiety
• sadness and depression
• post traumatic stress disorder
• effects of systemic injustices and violence.
• behavioral addictions
• tolerating and managing difficult feelings such as anger
• managing stress
• major life transitions
• grief and loss following the death of a loved one and can also include loss of a relationship, status, a job
• relationship conflict 
• coping with burnout