Our First Session
Speaking about your mental health, sex life, and relationships with a stranger can be hard. It’s totally normal to feel nervous. I’m here to create a supportive environment for you (see section 2). Your comfort is my priority.
The first thing you will see on screen is me with a big smile. Also a cardigan. I love cardigans. You can expect me to have a welcoming energy and playfully saying ‘hello’ before your name.
From here, there are 2 ways we can go.
If there is something you want to get off your chest, or want practical help on immediately, we can jump right in. For example, some people want to prepare for a deadline coming soon such as a conversation, anniversary, vacation, valentines’ day, birthday, etc.
OR
The first session is me understanding your psychological and sexual blueprint (recommended strategy).
We’ll dive into your history, goals, values, and challenges on a deep level. I pay attention to the words you use, how you say them, and the scenarios that seem disconnected but often are not. Formally, this is called a Bio-psych-social assessment…but it will feel like an in depth and informal conversation.
At the end of this session, I will better know the next steps and can set the stage for solutions going forward.
The Middle Part of Therapy
At the beginning of each session, I will follow up on homework and ask what you are interested in tackling today. i.e. recent updates. If nothing specific is on your mind, I will lead the way.
The beginning of therapy involves a lot of information gathering but once I understand your blueprints, momentum will take over. Research shows that this middle part of therapy is the most effective because of this. It’s for the same reason, I recommend your first session be an accelerated 90 mins.
Custom Success Plans
This is an optional service for people who want something they can refer to independently or who want to take a break from therapy / meet less often.
I will design a custom road map based on the previous session/s. It will guide you simply and easily, providing certainty on next steps. This is a pdf that you can keep. With your explicit consent (never without), I can also write letters to your insurance provider, workplace, health professional, or personal contact.
Ending Therapy
All good things come to an end and there is never any commitment with therapy (which would be unethical). At a certain point, you may decide to stop. Usually my clients experience lots of progress and decide to come less often for maintenance. E.g. instead of meeting every 1-2 weeks, they might decide to meet ever 1-2 months.
I find this hilarious because it’s literally my job to put myself out of business.
We’ll have a conversation about winding things down. I will review your progress and give you tips for your independent success or make a custom success plan. WHatever you want.
It’s finally time for the best part, paperwork!
