What to Expect in Therapy?

Deciding to seek therapy, and going for the first time are big steps. Connecting with a therapist, like me, is an act of hope on your part. The implication is that you want to be in a better place than where you are now.

It is never a sign of weakness for anyone to see a counsellor or a therapist. On the contrary, it is a sign of strength and courage to acknowledge pain and suffering. Both men and women have tears. Everyone is permitted to cry.

In my office, you will feel safe. You may unburden yourself and know that I am totally focused on you. The counselling conversation centers on your life, difficulties, hopes, successes, and disappointments etc. From these experiences, you and I co-construct a better tomorrow, which is dependent on each specific client.

The First Free Phone Consultation

I offer a first, 20-minute consultation for free because I know that some clients have never been to a therapist before and have no idea what it feels like.

The first consultation is an opportunity to see if you have a good “fit” with me, your therapist. You need to feel comfortable talking with and being honest with me, and I also need to be sure that I feel competent to work with you on your specific issues.

Normally, I would ask you what brings you to my office, and you will tell me what you perceive is or are your issues and what you hope to gain from therapy. The first visit is like a discovery process. You communicate what you need or think you need, and I consider how best to help you. You and I discuss the future and we figure out together how best to get you there.

Subsequent Visits

Early on in therapy, I will ask you for your “best hope scenario” or goals from counselling. It is important that you set the goals so that we know what we are working towards. I practice solution-focused therapy, which I discuss more fully on my FAQ page. This means that sessions are purposeful, and we work together to figure out what your preferred future is and how to get there. Counselling is goal oriented, and together we create a path to a brighter future for you, the client.

Fundamentally, I have a firm conviction that clients are resilient and have inner strength that can see them through their rough patches. As we work together, I will look for what works in your specific repertoire of skills and coping mechanisms to tease out your preferred future.

I am not judgmental and I have unconditional positive regard for you. My job is to help you find your way to your preferred future. We start by figuring out the next small step that is right for you to take. Very often, small steps lead to concrete changes in your life that enable you to feel better. My best hope for you is that you will not only survive but thrive.

My goal is for you to not only feel better but also feel like you don’t need therapy anymore. Then we have both done our jobs well.

If you would like to talk to me and set up a free initial consultation, please visit my contact page.