WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VISIT

Expect to talk about what led you to seek counseling. Then expect to talk about how you are coping as a result. The initial session is to obtain a clinical diagnosis (e.g. Clinical Anxiety, Clinical Depression, etc.) for the insurance company. This involves exploring the problem and how you are coping. Are you having medical symptoms? Do you cope with substances like alcohol? Are you missing days from work as a result of your stress? And other questions to help the therapist to better understand how to help you. Sometimes it takes more than one session to obtain a diagnosis.

Following the initial session(s) are treatment sessions that involve exploring the problem even further, the possible root of the problem and ways to improve the way you cope.

The expectation is also that you will communicate to the therapist what is helpful and what is not so that the therapist may make the most of your visits. It may be helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings in between sessions and bring them to the session but it is certainly not mandatory. This may help you and your therapist to know where to focus your time during the session.  If at anytime during your treatment you become unsure of what is expected of you or the process of therapy itself becomes unclear please let your therapist know. This will allow the therapist to explain things so that you feel more comfortable throughout the process. You are encouraged to ask for a copy of your treatment plan so that you are clear about what your diagnosis is and how specifically your therapist plans to help you. We hope to make this journey of healing, wholeness and wellness, clear.