You wake up worried about the day ahead before you even get out of bed. At work, you're scared of making mistakes, it feels like everyone's waiting for you to mess up. When friends invite you out, you say “yes” but inside, you're nervous about going. At home, instead of relaxing, you keep thinking about awkward things you said or did, wondering what kind of impression you left on everyone. It feels like your brain won't turn off these thoughts that make you feel not good enough, and it's exhausting. These anxious thoughts are undercutting your confidence and affecting both your professional and personal relationships.

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

The first assessment session is designed to be a supportive and exploratory introduction to therapy. This session is all about creating a safe, welcoming environment where you can openly share what brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. We’ll discuss your current concerns, whether they’re related to stress, relationships, past experiences, emotions, or general life challenges. I want to hear about what you’re going through in your own words, and there’s no need to go deeper than what feels comfortable at this stage. During this session, I’ll also ask questions to learn more about your background and experiences, such as significant events or relationships, personal history, any previous therapy you may have had, and even general aspects of your daily life that may impact your mental health, like work, hobbies, and routines. This helps us understand the larger context of your life, giving a fuller picture of where you are today. We’ll also discuss any patterns or themes you may have noticed in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—things like frequent worries, repeated stress triggers, or emotional responses that concern you. Understanding these patterns is key to identifying areas of focus, but there’s no pressure to have everything “figured out” right now. This session is more about gathering information to get a holistic view of your experiences. At the same time, this is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about therapy. I’ll explain my approach, whether that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, trauma-informed methods, or other techniques, so you know what to expect. You’ll also learn about the overall structure and pacing of sessions, so you can understand how we’ll move forward step-by-step. By the end of the assessment, we’ll have a sense of how we can work together toward your goals and whether my approach feels like a good fit for you. We may outline some initial objectives, but these are flexible and can evolve as therapy progresses. Ultimately, this first session is about building trust, ensuring you feel heard and respected, and setting the foundation for a therapeutic relationship that supports your journey toward healing and personal growth. This assessment session marks the beginning of a process tailored to your needs, one where you’re in control of the pace and depth, with the aim of creating a partnership that feels safe, comfortable, and genuinely supportive.

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

With 36 years of experience in private practice, I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of clients, each bringing unique stories, strengths, and challenges. Over these years, I’ve learned not only what makes therapy successful but also how to create a space where real, lasting change can happen. I’m dedicated to truly listening—to hearing not just the words you say but understanding the emotions, concerns, and hopes behind them. I approach every session with openness, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude, offering a place where you can feel safe to explore any topic without fear. My commitment to trustworthiness means that what you share is always respected and protected, building a relationship that is supportive and secure. With optimism and genuine care, I help you navigate your goals, identifying and addressing any resistance to change that may be holding you back. Together, we work through obstacles with a direct and compassionate approach, so you can reach your goals more quickly and with clarity. My focus is always on helping you achieve meaningful progress and empowering you to make the changes you want to see in your life. In our work together, you’ll experience therapy that is guided by experience, rooted in empathy, and dedicated to fostering real growth in a safe and positive environment.

About Richard Babin

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