How long will I be in therapy?
Length of therapy can vary depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Some people come to therapy with a specific issue or concern, and brief therapy may be the right fit. Often, that can last eight to twelve sessions. Some people come to therapy to explore issues that seem to run a little deeper. They might engage in therapy for several months or even years.
What is your Intake Process?
After our initial contact, we will ask for your email address and send you a link to our online portal through Therapy Notes so that you can conveniently complete the intake paperwork before our first appointment. It will ask for the necessary information about you including your demographic information, and some personal history. Additionally, you will have an opportunity to review and sign your therapist’s business policies and procedures, as well as the informed consent and confidentiality agreements. We keep your credit card information securely on file so that the payment process is convenient for both you and your therapist. Completing your paperwork before your first session is important as it will allow your therapist to review the information you would like them to know about you before you meet.
What can I expect from my first appointment?
Many people feel nervous before their first appointment, wondering what their therapist will ask, or what they should tell their therapist. Your therapist will primarily want to hear the reasons you made the appointment, what you have already done to try and solve the problem, and what you hope to accomplish in therapy. To better understand you, your therapist will likely want to know how things are going in the important parts of your life (relationships, work, school, etc.) as well as information about your background. If you and your therapist decide to continue working together, you will begin developing goals for therapy. If you do not feel comfortable with your therapist for any reason, please say so, and your therapist will be happy to provide you with a referral to another therapist.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-based treatment used to reduce psychological stress. When disturbing, difficult, or frightening life experiences happen, normal coping mechanisms can be overwhelmed. The memory is inadequately processed and stuck. This results in one having the same feelings, thoughts, and responses as when the event happened. This leads people to think that the negative event says something about who they are as a person. EMDR helps these memories to be processed and helps people no longer define themselves by the negative events in their lives. EMDR can also be used to increase confidence and strengthen one’s ability to self-sooth and perform optimally.
To learn more about EMDR therapy, please visit www.emdria.org