What can I expect from therapy?
There are risks and benefits from therapy. You may experience feelings of anger, frustration, or sadness, however the benefits may far outweigh the risk. You may be able to develop skills for improving your relationships, learn new ways to cope with stress and anxiety, understand how you may be influenced from a past driven present, and improve self esteem and work through trauma grief or loss.
What happens in the first session?
Your first session will give you an opportunity to experience what it is like to work with me. We will focus on what brings you to therapy, what you would like to get out of working together, establish frequency of meeting. We will review the following: informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, your client information and history. We may assess any additional resources or referrals you may need.
How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Trust your own experience and notice if you feel at ease following our first session. If you are seeking a warm, nurturing, and safe environment for therapy with occasional expressions of humor, this will be the experience conveyed from me. I will challenge you when necessary, but first and foremost create a atmosphere of acceptance.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
