When you come to therapy for your first session, we will simply ask, "What finally caused you to pick up the phone and make an appointment?"
It's best just to start talking about what's going on, how you feel about it, and what you have tried to do so far.
We'll say, "Tell me some more about that" for awhile, until you have thoroughly gone over the main issues that brought you in. At first we also help with any traumatic situations, worries, fears or other types of acute stress you may be facing.
We also like to know about any previous therapy you may have had, medical conditions, family dynamics and medications. If you would like, we can develop a list of objectives also known as a Treatment Plan, or let the process evolve organically.
How Often Should I Go to Therapy?
The frequency of your sessions is ultimately up to you but for best results, we recommend that the first six sessions be at least once a week. (If you're having a crisis, twice a week or more okay until you feel better.)
After a few sessions, and depending on what's going on, you can continue once a week or reduce frequency. Where chronic problems exist, regular therapy helps shift dynamics over time so that momentum starts to move you in the desired direction.