WHAT TO EXPECT
So, you want to engage in counseling (a.k.a., therapy)? You can expect the following five steps:
Step 1: Reach out!
Contact me via phone call, phone text, email, or any combination of these – whichever feels most comfortable for you. My phone number is (470) 239-0686, or you may visit the Contact page on this Website.
I always answer whenever I am free and within reasonable times each day – even seven days a week. If you call and I do not answer, please do not feel discouraged. It may be that I am in session with clients. Feel free to record a voice message. My voice message system is confidential, meaning that only I have access.
Step 2: Initial Phone Consultation (Free and Confidential)
If I answer, then we can hold a complimentary (free-of-charge) phone consultation which takes roughly 20 minutes. Either that or we can schedule a time and day for it. During the consultation, I will have a few questions – and you may also ask me questions – to make sure that I am a good fit for you.
By the end of the phone call, people have a good idea about whether they want to work with me. If you decide to do so, you and I then schedule an initial intake session. I strongly believe that you should feel comfortable with the counselor you choose and hopeful about the counseling.
Step 3: Initial Session
In the counseling or psychotherapy profession, it is standard practice for the initial session to be an intake session. The intake session typically is 75-90 minutes long. During this intake, we complete a bit of paperwork plus exchange further information about each other.
By the end of this session, we want to make sure that you have answers and a plan – this may provide you with hope or something to look forward to.
Step 4: Therapy Starts
Following the initial intake, you define the problem areas to be worked on. In our treatment plan, we will list the areas to work on, your goals, the methods we will use, the time commitments we will make, and some other things. I expect us to agree on a plan that we will both work to follow.
Step 5: We Work Together
It is my view that counseling works best as a partnership between us. We will work together to better your situation in a satisfactory manner.
Counseling or therapy is a process. Unlike visiting a doctor for a shot, counseling requires your very active involvement – your best efforts to change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
From time to time, we will look together at our progress and goals. If we think we need to, we can then change our treatment plan, its goals, or its methods.
Counseling services are best provided in an atmosphere of trust. You expect me to be honest with you about your problems and progress. I expect you to be honest with me about your expectations for services, and your compliance with and any barriers to treatment.
At times I will be the expert in psychology, teaching you skills that could benefit you, applying specific techniques, leading the structure of the session, etc. Other times, I may be a tour guide during the process for you to find your own answers and solutions.
Sometimes the answers lie inside you – hidden beneath murky layers waiting to be peeled off to reach them. Even though I do not always have all the answers (no person or therapist does – for that matter), if we hang in there together, eventually we will find them.
Ready to invest in yourself? Start your journey toward wholeness and well-being!