Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session we will just get to know one another. Predominantly I will be asking a lot of questions about you. Some may seem irrelevant but it's important I have a full picture of your life as best I can. It can be an emotionally draining session as there isn't a lot of processing but I know it took a lot to reach that point where you were ready to start therapy and then we are discussing some of the most difficult things that have happened in your life. Just keep in mind, I only need the cliff notes for this session just to have an idea of what areas we need to focus on. From there we will discuss frequency of sessions and a specific plan for treatment. I will reach out before our session to discuss scheduling as I have found it helpful to make sure we can even follow up again before having such an emotional discussion.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I have worked with a wide variety of clients and issues. It's given me a diverse tool kit for problem solving and also helped me refine my skills with using those specific tools. I have a style that is a little different from your typical talk-therapy. It can be re-traumatizing to discuss traumatic experiences with anyone. A benefit of how I work is that you don't need to discuss what happened in detail. I'll ask questions just to get a basic idea of what is going on but we are predominantly focussing on you in that moment that happened and just showing your brain and your body that time as passed, you survived, and you don't ever have to go back to that place again. Think of it as "updating the system". That said, if there is something you need to share that you've never told anyone before, I promise you there will never be judgment. I've heard it all! The work of releasing yourself from shame is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and those around you.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I love working with young adults who are "sick and tired of being sick and tired". Many of my clients have read all of the self-help books, have been to therapy before and have learned a lot of skills. They are slightly skeptical whether or not they can ever be free but at a point where they are willing to do the bravest thing of all: hope. My clients also say they appreciate that I don't "bs" them. I am kind and intentional with my words, considering your individual communication style, but I'm also going to hold you accountable and am not going to just tell you want you want to hear. A lot of my first sessions include the statement, "I need more coping skills! I have a lot but they aren't working anymore!" To which I always reply, "Maybe the problem isn't that you don't have enough skills. Maybe you have too much to cope with?" And we begin the journey of unburdening.