Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the first therapy session?The first session is about orientation, for both of us. We'll talk about what's been weighing on you, what you're hoping might be different, and what's shaped your life up to this point. I'll ask questions, you'll ask questions, and by the end we'll both have a clearer sense of whether working together makes sense and what that might look like.You don't need to arrive with a polished narrative. You don't need to know exactly what's wrong. Showing up is the work. How do I prepare for my first appointment?There isn't a right way to prepare. If it helps, think about what has been most present for you lately, what you keep returning to, what you keep avoiding, and what you'd like to feel differently about. Beyond that, find a private space and give yourself a few minutes before the session starts to settle.You don't need notes, a summary, or a clear agenda. We'll figure out where to start together. How do I know if we're a good fit?A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most reliable predictors of whether therapy works. The consultation is specifically designed to help you assess fit before committing. You'll get a sense of how I work, whether you feel at ease, and whether the approach sounds right for what you're carrying.If after the consultation or early sessions you feel we're not the right match, I'll tell you honestly and help you find someone who is. The goal is that you get the support you need, not that you stay out of obligation.What if we're not a good fit?It happens, and it's not a failure. If at any point it becomes clear that another provider would serve you better, that's a conversation we can have directly. The goal is that you get the right support, not that you stay in a therapeutic relationship that isn't working.