What to Expect

We all need support for life’s challenges. And, there’s really no reason to go through it alone. That’s why it’s my mission to create a place for you to be heard and feel accepted. The therapeutic relationship we build together can foster insight and change. And it can help you feel better, more empowered and resilient. Here’s what to know about our first appointment together. For even more questions, see my frequently asked questions.

What safety precautions are you taking to make clients feel safe during the coronavirus pandemic?

Most of my client visits during COVID-19 have been virtual either by phone or HIPAA-compliant video conferencing (telehealth).

Do I need to fill out any paperwork?

Yes, I have intake forms that gather baseline information for our work with one another. You can download, complete and email these in advance of our meeting, or arrive a few minutes before your first session to fill them out. These forms also explain HIPAA policies and how I protect your information and keep it private.

What is the first meeting like for therapy or a consultation?

During our initial meeting, I ask a lot of questions to help me learn more about you and what brings you in to see me. I also do a lot of listening and will take some notes.

I ask questions about what exactly has been happening and what may have been causing those difficulties or feelings. I also ask questions about your life, including about past difficulties you may have had, your relationships and friendships, and medical and educational history. As part of the medical history, I ask you if you are having any physical symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, or pain.

We discuss what your goals are for therapy and how we might work together to achieve them. You can also ask any questions you may have about me and the work we do together. Our initial meeting will last around 50-55 minutes.

What is the first meeting like for a psychological testing appointment?

Similar to the initial meeting for therapy, I schedule an initial meeting before each evaluation to learn more about you, why you’re seeking a psychological evaluation, and set up a testing protocol specific to what you or your other health providers want to learn. We also discuss questions about what you think might be going on and what you hope to learn.

Testing can be used to rule out a diagnosis, to identify new areas to explore with therapy, and to answer questions you might have about symptoms you’re feeling. I use your feedback and input to guide the testing and select specific tests to answer those questions. After the testing is complete, I schedule a feedback session to discuss the results with you. You can read more about the collaborative assessment approach I use. The initial meeting lasts 60-90 minutes.

What should I expect at a therapy or consultation appointment?

When we work together in therapy, we meet regularly for sessions that last about 50 minutes. What exactly we do in therapy will vary depending on your goals. In general, I ask you to talk about whatever is on your mind at the time. There will be times when I simply listen in order to learn more about you and the situation you’re describing. There will also be times when I ask you questions or when I talk about specific strategies you might use to help deal with some pressing difficulty. At other times, I offer my observations and ideas about what you’re telling me. Learn more about my approach to psychotherapy.

What should I expect at a testing appointment?

Psychological testing appointments can vary in length depending on which tests will be given. At the initial appointment, we will go over which tests will be administered, and those will be completed in one or more separate appointments. Some tests you can take online or from the privacy of your home. Others are given in-person. No advance preparation or study is needed for these tests.

Ready to get started?

If you’re ready to schedule your first appointment, contact me at 512-627-3583. If you have questions visit our frequently asked questions or schedule a 15-minute consultation with me, so we can get to know each other.