Common Questions
Everyone’s journey in therapy looks different. Typically, people start to notice improvements after 8-12 sessions. However, shifts in mood and behavior are usually happening even before we notice them ourselves. Your therapist will talk with you about what your timeline may look like based on your goals for therapy.
Individual therapy sessions are usually between 45-50 minutes. The initial assessment (first meeting) may last 50-60 minutes.
Therapy can either be in-person or online, depending on what is more convenient for you. To meet online, you must have a quiet, private space. That way you can have the same privacy that you would with your therapist in person.
You and your therapist will set goals for your work together. From there, your therapist will help you learn more about yourself, your emotions, and your behavior. With that information, you will learn about new and different ways of interacting with yourself and others. First, you’ll practice with your therapist. Over time, you’ll be able to practice with others until it becomes easier for you.
If you are interested in therapy, you are a good fit! Therapy is most helpful to those who are ready to make a change in their life. If you’re ready to try something different to meet your needs, you’re ready for therapy. If therapy in our clinic may not be the best fit for you or if other resources can support your work in therapy, your therapist will discuss these resources with you.
You and your therapist will decide how often to meet. However meeting weekly is typical. Most people start to see changes after 1-2 months of work. How long you stay in therapy will be a decision that you and your therapist will make together, depending on your goals and progress over time.
At your first meeting, you and your therapist will start to get to know each other. You’ll have the chance to ask your therapist as many questions as you would like. Once you’ve gotten to know who you’re sharing with, you both will discuss why you’re coming into therapy right now. In the first meeting, it’s helpful to hear about your challenges and hopes. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, history, family history, medical history, and psychological history. All those questions will provide a solid foundation to understand your unique experience. That will help your therapist provide you with information about what therapy will look like for you specifically.
From there, you and your therapist will meet regularly to help you reach your goals. Each session, your therapist will let you lead the conversation. This helps guide the conversation towards the roots of your challenges in a natural way. Your therapist will help you learn about your relationships, emotions, history, and culture to help you recognize how you have been getting your needs met and learn new ways to get your needs met.
