TAKING THAT FIRST STEP...MAYBE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING! My role is to help you "Take that first step", to find the pathways at lead to your personal growth, recovery and healing... I make it a point to be on-time for all my client appointments I initiate introductions, to get settled in and answer any initial questions ` I will review your preliminary admissions paperwork and..... Explain/discuss with you what to expect in the counseling and psychotherapy process I also emphasize confidentiality and respectful communication with all my clients I typically help Identify with you the presenting problem(s) that bring you to our initial session and will.... Gather an initial psychosocial history and conduct a brief mental wellness exam Together we will formulate an initial Treatment Plan and Goals for you. We then set follow-up appointment(s) with frequency and projected duration Sometimes, I may give you an initial homework assignment .....and finally summarize and close our session

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In working with me in therapy here is what you can expect: • You set your own goals. As your therapist I am there to help you identify your own goals and find healthy ways to work towards them. My role is to assist you in your healing journey and provide guidance, but you decide what goals you want to achieve. • You don’t have to share anything before you’re ready. If as your therapist I ask you something and you’re not comfortable sharing, that’s okay. You can just explain that you’re not ready to talk about it. Building trust in therapy —like any relationship— takes time. You may open up more as you become more comfortable. • Therapy is about more than your feelings. Yes, you will be able to talk about your feelings, but therapy is about more than that. You’ll learn to question your negative thoughts and look at ways to change your behaviors. As your therapist, I may encourage you to confront things you’ve been bottling up. This is challenging, but this is part of the process and important for your recovery. • Sometimes, you’ll get homework. To really get the most out of therapy, sometimes you will have “homework.” This isn’t like the type of homework you get at school. It’s practical things like “write down how you feel each day,” or “introduce yourself to someone new.” This homework can help you learn new coping skills, identifying feelings and more.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Experienced, respectful and non-judgmental. Active listener and problem-solver. Identify and reinforce individual strengths Insightful, offer alternatives and useful feedback Invested in my client's success

About Rick Karges

Appointments