FAQs
I’m nervous about starting therapy. Is that normal?
When starting therapy, it’s very common to feel nervous. It can be difficult to have faith that therapy will bring you relief. The fear around that can feel overwhelming. Taking steps to seek help for the challenges we face is a huge step. It takes courage to realize we can’t face our issues alone.
Therapy is a space where you can be yourself and feel safe from judgement, including feeling nervous. I’m committed to finding a way to care for your nervousness and ensure sessions are as comfortable as possible.
I’m here if you want to talk about it during a first session.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Take your time to read through my website. If you sense that I may be a good fit based on what you have read, use my online scheduler to set up an appointment.
During a first session, you can ask me about how I have helped other people like you before, or any other questions you may have that are specific to you. You’ll also be able to share your concerns and stresses. We can decide together how I can help.
It’s important to me to provide a non-judgmental space where you can be yourself and stay open to any feedback and questions you may have. There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to Therapy. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns.
What are some of your beliefs?
As a Therapist, I embrace the following philosophies:
- I believe that you deserve to feel better
- I believe that sometimes small steps in the right direction end up being the biggest steps in the end
- I believe that the biggest thing standing in your way is the fear that life always has to be the way it is now
- I believe that Brene Brown was right when she said, “Owning your story is the bravest thing you’ll ever do”
- I believe we can stop feeling shame when we share our story with someone who can hear it with empathy and understanding
What if I don’t want to talk about something?
If something feels overwhelming or even terrifying to discuss, that’s actually very normal. It can often feel difficult to talk about some things. During our sessions, it will always be up to you if you feel ready to talk about something or not. It’s my job to give you space to slowly start to work through the tough stuff. Gradually and at a pace that feels comfortable to you, you can share what you feel ready to share
You can also share with me that you are nervous to open up about something and we can talk about that too. Whatever is present for you. Whatever you are going through. Bring that to session and we will explore that together.
I’m scared that if I open up, you will think I’m too sensitive.
If you open up to me, I will not think you are too sensitive, I will think you are courageous and human. Many of my clients have had the same fear (that people would think they are too sensitive).
I know that what you are going through is common through the many years of working with people like you.
You’re not being dramatic or “too much.” Nothing you can say will cause me to judge you.
I know we all have our imperfections; we all struggle, we all have our strengths and weaknesses.
Whatever it is you’re going through; I provide a safe space where you can feel heard and supported without judgement
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
You might already know that you want to share sensitive information about your loved ones with me and you don’t want them to find out what you’ve said. I want you to know that unless you are in danger or someone else is, your story is confidential and protected.
Your privacy and trust are of utmost importance.
You can rest assured that you can talk about anything without fear of that information getting out.
If you have specific questions about how confidentiality works, you can ask during your during a first session or anytime during our work together.
How long will therapy take?
You might be asking about how long therapy will take because you think that therapy will be an overwhelming process.
If this is true for you, I want you to know that on average, my new clients start seeing positive effects after the first a few sessions.
By that point, they feel a little more confident in themselves
The total duration of therapy varies from client to client. Some of my clients find 6-8 weeks to be enough to gain insight into their relationship challenges. While other clients feel more supported by longer term therapy.
We will work together to find the length of time that works for you.
Do you only work with people of the LDS faith?
No, I work with clients from any or no religious practice.
Do you work with men in individual therapy?
I do!
What can I expect during the first session?
Overall, you can think of the first session as a free-flowing conversation through which we start getting to know each other. I’ll invite you to share more about yourself and we can also talk about what’s worked or not worked for you in the past.
Some questions I like to ask during a first session include:
- What brought you to therapy?
- What’s present for you in your life right now?
- What do I need to know about you to understand your current challenges?
The most important part of a first session is to notice how you feel during and after the session. If you feel supported, seen, and at-ease with me, we can discuss if you’d like to meet again.
How can I get started?