If you have never attended counseling before, there can be some anxiety associated with not knowing what to expect from the process. Even if you have seen a counselor or therapist before, there are a lot of different ways to approach counseling. My hope is to demystify what the experience will be like.
First and foremost, you can expect that I will attend to our relationship. It is difficult to talk with someone you do not know about personal concerns and I am understanding of this reality. People often fear that they will be misunderstood, or worse, judged for their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. My goal is to facilitate a supportive environment so that you feel comfortable being your authentic self.
Although I approach the work in a very active and collaborative way, you will not find me telling you what I think you should do. Rather, I will work hard to understand your perspective, your concerns, and your values, and to help you consider avenues for growth. Many people enter counseling feeling quite stuck, and one of my goals is to help you get unstuck so that you can best move forward.
Finally, there are some misconceptions about what it means to be a client. Be assured that while many people entering counseling do have current or previous mental health diagnoses, you do not have to have a diagnosis to engage in counseling.
If you have additional questions about my training, experience, or approach to counseling, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to our work together.