Frequently Asked Questions

If you have other questions, please don't hesitate to call me!
What can we expect in the first session when we meet with a therapist?

Please arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment to complete paperwork. Appointments usually last 45-50 minutes. We will use this first appointment getting to know each other and deciding if I can help you.

CLIENT FORMS

 

  • Paperwork: Complete a basic information form about you and your partner. Review the privacy policy. Review and initial a statement about your rights and responsibilities in therapy.
  • Questions: We will talk about what brought you and your partner to counseling. Feel free to bring any notes you may have made before the first appointment.
  • At the end of the session: We will talk about specific approaches to counseling for you and your partner and discuss when you would like to meet next.
What if my partner doesn’t want to come to therapy?

One member of a couple may refuse to come to therapy. In those cases I begin working with the interested individual, focusing on what changes they can make for themselves and the relationship. Oftentimes, the change to the interactions in the relationship will motivate the other partner to join the couples counseling.

What can we talk about?

While some things may be harder to talk about than others initially, please know that after 30 years of providing therapy to people from all walks of life, there really isn’t anything I have not heard before. Each person in the relationship should feel free to express themselves and talk about whatever is important to them and I promise I will do everything I can to help you as a couple get to where you want to be.

You should always feel that I have listened to you, been respectful of your needs and that you are comfortable talking with me about anything.

How can I be sure you will protect our privacy?

Confidentiality is a basic tenet of the therapist-client relationship that is fundamental to the trust you place in me.  I respect, guard and uphold your privacy at all times.