Individual Therapy

Contrary to popular belief, talking to a therapist is not the same as venting to a friend or family member. Instead, therapy provides a space for self-discovery. It is semi-structured, but the process is very dynamic. At the start of therapy, We may check on therapy homework, reflect on our previous session, and explore what you want to focus on in therapy. I will then follow your lead and find the right moment to introduce and discuss psychological processes vital for transformation fluidly as they relate to the topic at hand. After I have earned your trust, you are only responsible for actively and genuinely participating in therapy. As your therapist, I will take care of the rest of the process. At the end of the session, we will discuss your takeaways from the session, therapy homework, and your self-care plan. 

You will experience the power of therapy immediately when you feel seen, heard, and known unconditionally. However, therapy can be difficult initially, which is normal. Experiencing discomfort might mean you are right at the edge of your comfort zone. However, if you keep gently exploring, you might push through the resistance and into new, exciting territory. Also, therapy does not always follow a linear path. You will encounter the natural ebbs and flows of therapeutic progress. We will review and reflect on how therapy is going for you frequently to ensure that it meets your needs/goals. 

We try to make the process as simple as possible for you! After scheduling your first session, you will receive a link for our HIPAA-compliant online portal called “Simple Practice.” When you receive the link, you will be directed to enter basic information about yourself, review and sign informed consent forms, and select your payment method. You will also receive a link to your session for telehealth appointments, which you will click to start - no logins, passwords, or hassle. You will also receive automatic appointment reminders via text or/and email.

Each session typically lasts for 50-55 minutes. The appointment is reserved for you and you only. 

In the early stages of therapy, we recommend that you see a therapist once a week. This gives you plenty of time to connect with your therapist and get into the routine of therapy. According to research and clinical experience, weekly therapy results in:

1. Faster trajectories of change over time.

2. A greater likelihood of achieving therapeutic goals.

3. A greater chance of achieving therapeutic goals sooner.

Once you have made significant progress, you can choose to step down to every other week gradually and potentially once a month later on in your journey.

Most clients experience significant therapeutic gain in 8-12 sessions. However, therapy is a highly individualized journey. The length will be determined by various factors, including what you choose to address in therapy, the therapeutic outcome you seek, and the resources/support available outside therapy. Some clients opt to work through the initial crisis or pressing issue and leave, although some may return later. Others may choose to dive deeper into the roots of their distress. Some clients have chronic conditions or ongoing stressors and benefit significantly from continued support and guidance through therapy. Many clients incorporate therapy into their wellness routine in the same way they engage in physical activities regularly. 

Together we will explore the ideal duration of therapy for you at this point in your life. Unless there is a safety concern, ultimately, you have complete control over when you would like to graduate from therapy.

Therapists create a roadmap for your psychological transformation and constantly fine-tune it as they walk the journey with you. Every question, expression, and remark has a purpose, and they all serve as the signs pointing the therapy process in the right direction. While therapy is highly individualized, common interventions include, but are not limited to:

• tailoring interventions for the specific stage of therapy you are at

• offering empathic listening and reflection to set the stage for you to reach your own insights

• providing psycho-education on the topic

• asking the right questions to elicit more profound thoughts and feelings 

• providing observation of deeper themes and patterns that undergird what you share in therapy

• offering groundedness amid despair

• developing transitory activities to prepare you for vulnerable exploration

• adjusting approaches in response to your evolving needs and mental states

• gently redirecting the process to the complex topic that you may be avoiding unconsciously

• providing tools/techniques/resources responsive to your specific needs and strengths 

• celebrating all your victories and successes

• and many more!

I am so thrilled that you asked! Therapy is an investment of your time, money, and energy. As with anything else, you will get the best results if you prioritize it.  

1) Incorporate therapy into your wellness routine and make every effort to protect that time: life happens, and you may feel tempted to skip therapy at times. Unless it is beyond your control, we encourage you to reserve the time for therapy because consistency and persistence usually lead to more significant gains in the long run.

2) Trust the therapeutic and healing process: it takes time to harvest what you plant. You won’t magically feel much better after just one session. Some days you’ll leave with incredible insight and tools. On other days our conversation may stir up issues that are difficult to process. I encourage you to keep showing up. Let yourself tap into your strength that you did not know you possessed!

3) Engage in the therapeutic process outside of therapy: therapy is a continuous process of self-discovery and transformation. Changes occur both inside and outside of therapy. You will experience more success when you continue to 1) digest recently learned insight, 2) reflect on what you want to focus on for your upcoming therapy session, 3) work on specific therapy homework, 4) apply insight to daily living, and 5) implement strategies discussed in therapy in real life.