Guides
What Happens in a First Therapy Session?
You Do Not Need a Perfect Opening
My goal is to make our first session feel safe, comfortable, and grounded.
You do not need to prepare a speech, tell your whole history, or choose the most important issue before we meet. We can start with what brought you in, what has been hard lately, or what you hope I understand about you. If you need a moment to settle, we can take it.
Cannonball or Shallow End
I often think about a first therapy session like going swimming. Some people cannonball straight into the deep end. Others sit on the edge, dip their toes in the water, and take their time. Over the years, I have worked with people who have done both, and everything in between.
There is not a right way to begin.
If there is something you are not ready to discuss, you can say that. We can talk about what would help you feel more comfortable, or focus on a more immediate concern. A first meeting is not a test of how much you can share. It gives us a chance to begin a working relationship.
What We Can Cover
My job is to listen, understand what you need, and figure out how I can best show up for you. Whether you are ready to dive right in or prefer to wade slowly, I will adjust my approach as we get to know each other and discover what works best for you.
If you are bringing a child or teen, we can discuss their perspective and how family involvement might fit. If you are coming on your own, the work can include relationships, stress, identity, trauma, or whatever feels relevant. I draw on different approaches depending on the person; no single model gets the whole story.
The Setting Is Part of the Conversation
Virtual sessions are available when you are located in Texas. In-home sessions may be available around Killeen, Copperas Cove, and Temple when the setting and the work are a good fit. Either way, we need enough privacy to talk. If you are unsure which format to request, we can discuss that before scheduling.
I handle my own scheduling, especially because travel for home-based work takes planning. A free 15-minute introductory conversation is available if you want to decide whether to start. You can ask about practical details without having to explain private health information in an initial message.
After the First Meeting
You do not have to figure everything out in one appointment. We simply begin, get to know each other, and take the next step together.
To begin, send me a message through the contact page with a general sense of who would be receiving care and how you hope to meet. Keep private health details out of the form. We can start where you are, whether that feels like a cannonball or just toes in the shallow end.
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