Kerri Legette McCullough is a National Certified Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia & District of Columbia, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland. She is an approved supervisor for the District of Columbia as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families who have experienced a variety of traumas.

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

In a first session with a therapist like me, clients can generally expect a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. The primary goals are to establish a rapport, understand the client's reasons for seeking help, and begin developing a therapeutic plan. Here’s what typically happens: Introduction and Setting the Scene: The therapist will introduce themselves and explain their approach, confidentiality policies, and session structure. This helps set the client at ease and clarify the professional boundaries and expectations. Information Gathering: The therapist will ask questions about the client's background, current issues, and what they hope to achieve through therapy. This might include discussing their mental health history, family and personal relationships, and any specific challenges they're facing. Setting Goals: The therapist and client will collaborate to identify goals for therapy. These can be broad or specific, and they provide direction and purpose for future sessions. Therapeutic Contract: The therapist may discuss the frequency of sessions, duration of treatment, and policies around cancellations and communication outside of sessions. Building Rapport: A significant part of the first session is about building a therapeutic relationship based on trust and understanding. The therapist will be empathetic and may share how therapy can help address the client's concerns. Confidentiality: The therapist will explain the limits of confidentiality, ensuring the client understands when information might need to be shared (e.g., risk of harm). Client’s Role: The therapist will encourage the client to be open and honest in sessions and to play an active role in their therapy journey. Next Steps: At the end of the session, the therapist might provide initial thoughts or resources and will discuss the plan for future sessions.

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

Active Listening: Skilled in active listening, ensuring clients feel heard and validated, which is crucial in understanding their concerns and the nuances of their experiences. Non-Judgmental Attitude: Maintaining a non-judgmental stance, providing a space where clients can share openly without fear of criticism or bias. Adaptability: Being adaptable in therapeutic approaches, recognizing that each client is unique and may require different techniques or methods for effective support. Strong Communication Skills: Effective in communicating ideas, feedback, and therapeutic concepts in a way that is accessible and understandable to clients. Cultural Sensitivity and Humility: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences, is essential in providing inclusive and relevant support.

About Dr. Kerri McCullough