What to Expect in Therapy
So you’ve made the big decision to invest in yourself and explore therapy, but not sure what to actually expect in therapy?
In Part 2, I have included a brief idea of what to expect in your first appointment with me.
(Part 1 was about the benefits of investing in yourself by utilizing self-pay vs insurance. Read that article here: Investing in You! Part 1 )
First Session
First session is our most important session. This session, I learn how I can help you build stronger foundations. You will be asked to fill out an intake form. While it doesn’t teach me every thing there is to know about you, this form gives me just enough information to be able to work with you effectively and to understand important aspects of your life, concerns, and hopes for therapy.
In the first session, we will also discuss the logistics of therapy: scheduling, fees, payment, etc. and sign any other required paperwork – this is the stuff that isn’t fun, but necessary for the professional relationship that we are entering.
*If discussed, Please have any pre-assigned paperwork that I have given you completed prior to attending first appointment.
How Does Therapy Work?
Therapy and Counseling are processes in which we work together in order to identify and work on the issues that you bring into our sessions. I utilize a collaborative approach between myself and my clients. To me, I believe this is an essential piece to the process as you are the expert in your life!
One of our first steps in this process is establishing what your goals for counseling are and creating a plan for treatment together. Through our work together, we will evaluate our progress and, if necessary, readdress our counseling plan, goals, and methods.
For this to be effective, it will require a commitment to therapy on both of our parts to work towards your identified goals. It requires your active involvement, willingness to change your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and openness to sometimes push yourself beyond your “comfort zone”.
How Long Does Therapy Take To Work?
Therapy is a process, and your understanding and appreciation of the therapeutic process is essential. Therapy does not work over night. There is no “magical pill” that fixes everything. There is no prescribed amount of time that it takes, as every person, situation and relationship is different. In general
Sometimes change will be relatively easy, other times changes maybe slow and deliberate. I will encourage you to stick and stay with the process, if there are concerns about the amount of time it is taking, process those feelings with me.
Who needs to attend?
It is up to you! While I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, it doesn’t mean that I am limited to only seeing couples and families. Engaging in your own personal growth therapy can be highly rewarding.
I will note that specific work towards Relationships/Couples/Premarital concerns, it is best completed with both individuals present; only one individual participating could lead to further dissatisfaction or dissolution of the relationship. Therapy may promote change in relationship patterns, which in turn may produce conflict and or unpredictable responses from others in your social systems. It is best we address any relationship concerns as a relationship!
Any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask me. I look forward to us working together and helping you reach newer heights of love and happiness in your life.
Best Wishes,
Lori Torres, LMFT
If you still haven’t decided if I am the right fit for you, call today for a free 15 minute phone consultation. 980-349-8119
Towers Counseling Services 