What to Expect
Let's Get STarted
The process of getting started with therapy is often marked by doubt and disbelief. You may be second guessing yourself, or trying to convince yourself that you are making a big deal out of something small. If you're hoping your pain/struggle will go away on it's own, or if you are worried about what others will think about you seeing a therapist, I want you to know those feelings are completely normal.
It's also completely understandable if you are anxious or hesitant about contacting a therapist. It takes a lot of courage to sit down with a stranger, ask for help, and make space for your story. I commend you for reaching out to get the support your deserve, and will welcome every part of you into therapy (including the anxious, scared, angry, doubting, and resistant parts).
First Things First
It's hard to know if I am the right therapist for you unless we sit down and interact in person, which is why I offer a free initial consultation. This is a chance for us to meet, explore your concerns, answer your questions about therapy, and decide if we will be a good fit.
“My focus is you; the relationships that have shaped your life, the trauma that has disrupted your life, and your deep inner wisdom that knows where you need to go.”
To schedule your free consultation please call, email or complete an appointment request form at the bottom of this page.
If you decide you want me as your therapist after our consultation, we will schedule our first session and I will send you an email inviting you to my client portal, where you will review and sign the forms in my intake packet. These forms are legally required, and are an important part of therapy because they explain your rights as a client, outline our agreement of services, and help provide me with important background information. I always make room to discuss these form in your first session, so bring your questions and concerns.
What Happens From There?
Once we begin working together sessions are typically scheduled one or two times per week for either 50 or 80 minutes. These details will be worked out as we develop a plan to address your particular concerns.
My office is located in the heart of Fremont, an eclectic neighborhood just north of downtown Seattle. There are a lot of great coffee shops in the area, and you are welcome to bring coffee/tea or anything else that makes you comfortable.
Though we will identify important issues that you want to address, therapy is a week-to-week process of paying attention to your life. Therapy is your time, which may be an easy or difficult thing to get used to. Depending on where you are, your sessions may be full of laughter, tears, grief, joy, stories, and/or silence (often in one session :).
As a trained interpersonal psychotherapist, I utilize many different theories to help you connect with your truest self. Often this includes focusing on the 'here and now' of our relationship as it develops, using our experience together as a way to reflect on the relational themes causing pain in your life. Because relationships are a major force that have shaped your neurobiology and you experience of the world, it is helpful to understand how you relate. This can also mean exploring past themes, especially as they relate to your family of origin and primary care-takers.
I'll also invite you to notice your emotions as they present themselves during therapy. This moment to moment noticing of your bodily sensations is a way to track the epigenetic and neurobiological legacy of trauma in your body/bran connection. Because trauma hijacks the brain and triggers the body, traumatic stress if often stored in your nervous, muscular, digestive, immune, and respiratory systems. Often your body can tell the story better than your memory, and here is a good place to use the creative arts to express the 'unsayable' parts of your story.
I have found it valuable to let my clients know up front that things may get worse before they get better. Often times starting therapy feels good. You feel the power of your self efficacy and your decision to care for yourself, and creating space to 'be who you are' is empowering. But as we engage long held beliefs, address problematic thoughts, and work through painful stories it can be an intense experience. This is not a reason to be concerned, rather it is an opportunity to practice new skills and further your journey of healing and integration.