Have a question? See if the answer is below.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST VISIT?
During the first session, I’ll lead the way by asking a few dozen questions about you. I’ll inquire about your health, your family of origin, your current relationships, etc. I want to find out what makes you who you are today. Then we will take a look at what is troubling you and figure out my role in helping you solve it.
HOW OFTEN AND FOR HOW LONG DO I NEED TO SEE YOU?
Generally speaking, I begin by seeing clients once a week. Although during times of crisis, clients may request to be seen more frequently. As time goes on I often stretch out the time between therapy sessions, while increasing the amount of homework. Just as you know when you are distressed, you will know when you have found balance and peace. We will achieve answers that give you direction. How long that takes is different for everyone. Together we will decide what is best for you.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
Honesty and openness are necessary for our success. Your ability to be transparent with me depends on how much you are able to trust me. That’s my job: to be trustworthy. I don’t expect you to go where you are not comfortable. As we begin to build a trusting, caring relationship, you will feel free to talk about things you may never have been able to talk about with anyone before. As you tell me your story, I will help you make sense of it. As we move along, I will give you new behaviors to experiment with or reading/writing assignments. It is your willingness to participate and do so honestly that will determine how much benefit you gain.
WHAT IF YOU CAN’T HELP ME?
If we discover that we are not a good match, or if I am not experienced with the concerns you are presenting, I will help you locate a therapist or treatment program in the area that can better serve you.
DO YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICINE?
No, I do not. Only a medical doctor can prescribe medicine. At your request, I will provide information to your primary care physician or help you find a psychiatrist to work with you on psychotropic medications.
HOW CONFIDENTIAL IS OUR THERAPY?
The law protects confidential communication between a therapist and his client. Beyond that, you have my guarantee that I will not relay anything that you tell me to anyone else without your written permission. However, there are exclusions in which I am legally obligated as a “mandated reporter” to release information in order to protect. These exclusions are:
If a client intends to harm himself or herself.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person(s).
Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse.