Counseling can be vulnerable and new, so it’s natural to be nervous. It can be scary to think of opening up or crying in front of someone new, perhaps fearing that it will be awkward and uncomfortable. The fear around that can feel overwhelming. Getting the counseling we need can be challenging and although it’s normal to be nervous, that doesn’t make it feel great. It takes courage to continue getting the help you need.

Counseling is a space where you can be yourself and feel safe from judgment, including feeling nervous. We’re committed to finding a way to care for your nervousness and ensure sessions are as comfortable as possible.

I’m here if you want to talk about it during a free phone consultation 218-553-0969

It can be concerning feeling like things you say or do in therapy could “get out.”

So I want you to know that unless you are in danger or someone else is, your story is confidential and your time in the session is protected.

Your privacy and trust are of utmost importance to me.

You can rest assured that you can talk about anything without fear of that information getting out. If you have specific questions about how confidentiality works, you can ask during your free 15 minute phone consultation or anytime during our work together.

I use HIPAA compliant secure video conferencing to make counseling sessions convenient and confidential. You can use this platform from a smart phone, your computer, a laptop, or a tablet! Additionally, no information will be shared with outside parties without your signed consent.

Please note, the only exception to this is per mandatory reporting laws – meaning if I feel you are in IMMEDIATE danger to yourself or someone else, or someone is trying to harm you – I am required to report it.

This is further detailed in your intake paperwork and I am happy to answer any questions.

Take your time to read through my website. If you sense that I may be a good fit based on what you are reading, you can call me.

During a free 15 minute phone consultation, you can ask me about how I have helped other people like you before, ask how I work as a counselor, or any other questions you may have that are specific to you. You’ll also be able to tell me what’s up and we can decide together how I can help.

It may be helpful to think of the first few sessions as super low pressure chats. During the sessions, you’ll be able to see how you feel working with me. My approach is not going to work for everyone, but what’s most important to me is that you find someone who you feel is the right fit for you. We can explore that together.

If you open up to me, I will not think you are crazy, I will think you are unique and human. Many of my clients have had the same fear (that people would think they are crazy).

Through my own life journey and working with my clients, I can promise you’re not alone in your experiences, even though they are unique to you.

You’re not being dramatic or “too much.” Nothing you can say will cause me to judge you.

I know many of us are overwhelmed. We might be emotionally drained from the ups and downs and we may have normal reactions to abnormally challenging experiences.

Whatever it is you’re going through, I provide a safe space where you can feel heard and supported without judgement.

If something feels overwhelming or even terrifying to discuss, that’s actually very normal. It can often feel difficult to talk about some things. During our sessions, you’re the expert in your own life and needs. You’ll never be alone and I’ll be right there with you to process the tough stuff. We will collaborate on understanding what you feel ready to open up about.

Together we will work through any difficulties. You can also share with me that you are nervous to open up about something and we can talk about that too. Whatever is present for you. Whatever you are going through, bring that to session and we can explore that together.

You might be asking about how long counseling will take because you are currently struggling and want relief fast.

If this is true for you, I want you to know that on average, new clients start seeing small amounts of growth after the first few sessions.

By that point, they feel a little more calm and hopeful that healing is possible.

The total duration of counseling varies from client to client. Most of our clients tend to stay with us for longer than 12 months to be enough to work through the deep issues that are holding them back. While other clients may feel more supported without longer-term counseling.

We will work together to find the length of time that works for you.

Overall, you can think of the first session as a two-way interview where we can ask each other questions so we can begin to get know each other. I’ll invite you to share more about yourself and we can also talk about what’s worked or not worked for your mental health in the past. Some questions that I like to ask during a first session include:

* What brought you to counseling?
* What goals would you like to reach by coming to counseling?
* What is important for me to know about you to understand your current challenges?

You can ask me questions as well. You might be curious about why I’m a counselor or how I’ve helped other clients like you. Bring it!

The most important part of a first session is to experience what therapy is like with me. If you feel secure, accepted, and cared for with me, we can discuss if you’d like to meet again.

I’m here to talk during a free 15 minutes consultation where you can tell me what’s up and we can decide together how I can help. Call or Text me to get your FREE 15 minute consultation at 218-553-0969