Individuals who choose me as their psychotherapist can expect a 1.5-hour first session. In the first session, clients complete paperwork that explain how information shared in sessions is kept private and their ability to end treatment at any time. Next, I ask clients for their reason for choosing psychotherapy and their goals. Some people believe that choosing psychotherapy means that they are weak or crazy. However, many clients learn that those initial thoughts and feelings about being in psychotherapy are untrue. Clients seek mental health treatment for many reasons and some clients are surprised to learn that people enter psychotherapy feeling good already. Whatever the reason, being in psychotherapy is the client’s choice.

 

Some people enter therapy with unclear goals or no goals at all. However, one goal that is important for all psychotherapists and people in mental health treatment is making a strong and shared connection. The connection between a psychotherapist and client is different than a friendship. The connection is different because in friendships people share personal information and friends comment on each other’s problems with their personal beliefs. Psychotherapy is a conversation but the conversation is about the client and their concerns. Good psychotherapists do not force people to believe what they believe and avoid telling their problems to clients. Psychotherapy is about trust and making an environment that is safe for clients to share their beliefs and concerns.

 

In the first session, clients can expect many questions that explore areas such as their culture, education, physical health, passions, relationships, and concerns. Clients are in control of their sessions and can direct the conversation depending on their goals and concerns. My approach to psychotherapy is about receiving lots of client feedback because feedback helps me create a treatment plan that can meet clients’ goals.

 

After the first session, clients can expect to come to psychotherapy once a week or once every two weeks for 50-minute sessions. My approach to psychotherapy helps people become aware of and knowledgeable about their beliefs and experiences. I believe that treatment should help people create answers to their concerns, however, some people may have difficulties creating solutions or answers to their problems. If this happens, I often remind clients of things that they said in sessions, and together we explore their thoughts and feelings as potential answers to their concerns. Clients may discover through the exploration of thoughts and feelings that their concerns may not need changing at all. My approach is very much about understanding and helping clients find what is important to them, and matching their beliefs and values to the life that they want to live.

 

I often help clients create meaning by having them focus on experiencing their emotions and understanding how their body responds to their emotions. Sometimes emotions can be so powerful that they control a person’s thoughts and movements in their face and body. Clients may be unaware of how their emotions impact their physical movements and interactions with others. My approach to psychotherapy, helps clients understand their emotions and how emotions influence people’s thoughts and actions towards themselves, others, and situations. My treatment approach is about accepting all emotions and finding ways to experience the present. Being aware of one’s feelings and sensations in the present moment is also known as mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness in and out of sessions is a major aspect of my approach because mindfulness can help clients find their goals and potential answers to their concerns.

Mindfulness may even be a new skill for clients to accept their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.

 

My mental health treatment approach helps clients understand that not all concerns are explained by psychology. It may be important that clients see medical doctors or other health professionals because I cannot see inside the human body. Also, a client’s environment could be the cause of their mental and/or physical health concerns. Clients may also enter psychotherapy with spiritual concerns and this may mean helping clients find connections with people in their faith. Many people who enter treatment may be surprised to know that their experiences are normal and that they are not the cause for their concerns.

 

Life presents people with many problems and psychotherapy can help people overcome these problems. If I am the right psychotherapist for you, I hope we can create a strong alliance and an environment that is supportive and comfortable for you to share your concerns. Psychotherapy is short in length but the work that we do together can help you achieve your goals and make you more aware of how you experience yourself, others, and the world.