Individual & Couple Therapy 

Initiating therapy can be an emotional and unnerving experience. Many people do not know what to expect and can be apprehensive about beginning the process. My goal is to help you through the entire therapy process, from the first phone contact to the last session and beyond. Here's a general outline of the process to help you understand what to expect.

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First Contact

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The first contact is typically a free phone consultation to discuss your needs and what you're looking for in therapy. You can self-schedule a phone consultation through my secure patient portal or call me directly at: (707) 595-3012 to get started. 

 

During the phone consultation I will ask some general screening questions such as the reason for seeking therapy, the type of therapy you're looking for (individual, couple, etc), if you've been in therapy before, and any other relevant questions. I will outline my fees and insurance information, and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If you're unsure about scheduling an appointment or don't think I am a good fit for you, that's okay! We can agree to follow up later, or I can offer referrals to other local therapists that may be able to better meet your needs. If you decide to pursue a first session, we will review availability to book the initial intake appointment.

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Intake Documents

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I request you complete the intake forms prior to our first appointment. The easiest way is to complete them online via my patient portal, for which I can grant you access after our first contact. I can also email the documents if that's best for you. If neither options work, please arrive 10 mins early to complete the documents before your appointment. I will review these documents with you at the beginning of our appointment time. 

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First Appointment

 

During the first appointment, we will review your reasons for seeking treatment, and complete an intake assessment. We will identify areas of concern, formulate initial goals to develop direction of treatment, and discuss the therapy process. I will review informed consent with you and explain basic policies, such as confidentiality, cancellations, what to do in an emergency, etc. 

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I strongly encourage you to ask questions and discuss any concerns or potential obstacles to treatment. This can help you decide for yourself if therapy is a good fit for you at this time. If you choose to continue in the therapy process, we will book a regular weekly appointment time.

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The initial appointment can run from 60 to 90 minutes (however the fee is the same as a regular therapy appointment). Please plan accordingly. 

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