Your First Visit

What is the first session like?

The first session is called the intake session. I typically begin by asking what brings you to therapy and then I ask a series of follow-up questions across a variety of subjects and of varying levels of specificity. I am trying to get a complete understanding of your presenting concern as well as an understanding of this concern in the greater context of your comprehensive life history. There is a lot of information that I'm interested in up front, so this session may feel like an interview at times. I take more of an active role in this first session and act as an investigator. In subsequent sessions, I flow between active, passive, and collaborative roles based on your needs. 

At the end of our first session, I introduce an exercise to assist you using your time between sessions in order to get the most out of our work together if you choose to continue. I ask if you have any concerns about issues that could interfere with treatment and I give you an opportunity to give feedback and/or ask me any questions. 

After our first meeting, I come up with a plan for treatment. This plan is not a strict roadmap, but rather it is a guiding force that evolves as we work together. I formulate a conceptualization of your case that is grounded in psychological theory. I make note of overall themes, recurring patterns in your personal and interpersonal life, and your key life conflicts. I'll share these observations with you. Despite having a plan, I don't have any particular expectations for the content of each session. When you come into the session, I want you to talk about whatever interests you the most.  I'll tell you what piques my interest and I'll encourage you to follow threads that I notice. If you think I'm not quite understanding something or I'm focusing too much on something that you consider extraneous or irrelevant, I am always open to amending my plan. Throughout the course of our work, we are painting a picture together.