Tips for Therapy

  • For your first appointment:

  • Complete your intake paperwork in advance.

  • Read the Policies/Procedures and Consent forms before the appointment.

  • Arrive to every appointment 5-10 minutes early. Take this time to use the restroom, get grounded for your session, and review what you want to discuss.

  • Be prepared for each session. Come with a list of issues you wish to discuss. This allows me to organize the session for maximum benefits.

  • Journal between appointments. You may want to jot down ideas, questions, or observations you’ve made. It can come in handy when you’re deciding what to discuss in therapy.

  • Have a therapy notebook. You may want to write down insights or suggestions gained during our sessions.

  • Follow through with homework exercises. If you’re unable to complete them, understand why and discuss this with me.

  • Business first. Make payments, schedule next appointment, or discuss changes in your financial situation at the beginning of the session. This allows us to focus the rest of the time on the presenting issues.

  • Safety is important. Discuss any suicidal or homicidal ideations early in the session. I want to make sure we have adequate time to fully address it.

  • Be ok with crying. No need to apologize. There is a reason why every therapist’s office is stocked with tissue boxes.

  • It’s acceptable to question or challenge anything I say. You ultimately decide your values and belief system. I’m here to offer alternative thoughts.

  • Share anything you think is important. It may cause guilt or shame. My job isn’t to judge. It’s to help you feel better.

  • History matters. Some events in life may seem irrelevant but can be critical to your issues. Feel free to discuss them.

  • Speak up if anything doesn’t feel right. I am careful not to say anything harmful or offensive. However, I am human and known to have made a few mistakes in my life.

  • Laugh. Therapy can be emotionally draining. Find moments to laugh at yourself or situation. It’s even ok to laugh at me!

  • Don’t worry about the time. My bladder will tell me when we’ve reached our time. I will let you know.

  • Be willing to change. Remember why you decided to start therapy. If everything remains the same, then the situation remains the same.