The first one or two sessions are considered an evaluation period. We will discuss your concerns and goals for counseling. By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include and a treatment plan to follow, if you decide to continue with therapy.

 

We will meet regularly based on the goals we develop. Sometimes sessions will be weekly, twice a week, twice a month, or less frequently. Sessions typically last 45 minutes, but we may decide to meet for a longer session if needed. EMDR sessions are often scheduled for slightly longer than a regular therapy session. We will regularly review your progress and goals. Your questions and feedback about the process are necessary and valuable. We may decide to include family members or significant others in your work and will discuss it if warranted.

 

I  use a variety of techniques in therapy to help address your concerns and goals. These techniques include:

• talking about your thoughts and feelings
• interpretation
• cognitive reframing and challenging unhelpful thinking
• problem-solving
• awareness exercises
• visualization and relaxation
• identifying triggers
• finding alternative behaviors
• journal-keeping
• exploring past relationships and experiences
• reading books
• reviewing therapy notes
• artwork
• psychological testing
• EMDR

 I will often ask you to complete homework since a significant part of the therapy process often occurs outside of our session.

 

If I propose a specific technique that may have special risks attached, I will inform you of that, and discuss with you the risks and benefits of what I am suggesting.