How I Work
The first session: What do I expect?
If you have never been in therapy before, you may feel some initial hesitation, nerves, or anxiety about what happens during the course of the therapy hour. Feel free to ask any questions about the therapeutic process, the course of psychotherapy, or any other questions, pertaining to psychotherapy. Usually what happens in the first meeting, is a discussion of the reason you are seeking services, and some discussion of how you made the decision to make the initial appointment, and some relevant history. In order to make a comprehensive assessment, the first one or two sessions will be mostly filled with questions, to gain some background information on your situation.
Confidentiality
Psychotherapy is a private process that often involves discussion of very sensitive issues and legally and ethically, you have the right to confidentiality. Without your explicit consent, I am prevented by law from discussing information you share during your sessions with anyone or even the fact that you are seeking services.
Knowing and trusting that anything you say will be safely contained in the therapeutic space is essential to meaningful therapy.
However, there are exceptions to the limits of confidentiality as designated by the licensing board, the Board of Behavioral Sciences. They are listed below.
The exceptions to the limits of confidentiality:
If you are believed to be a danger to yourself or to others. I may be required to break confidentiality in order to protect you or the person(s) you are threatening to harm to.
I am legally mandated to report reasonable suspicion of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.
A court may compel me to testify about what is discussed in therapy if court-ordered to do so.
Your therapy records may be made available should your attorney introduce issues in court relevant to why you are seeking services.
Your insurance company may receive detailed information regarding your therapy if they are requesting this as a condition of reimbursement.
*Please feel free to ask questions and inquire about your rights to a confidential process. A more detailed explanation is also included in your informed consent form*
Forms
Your first session forms will be emailed to you (with your permission) after our initial phone consultation. Please bring these forms completed to your first appointment. Feel free to ask questions about the paperwork or the process of therapy. We will go over the forms during our first appointment, your goals, and any expectations you may have.