Matching therapist and client for the
best experience.
Are we a good fit?
It can be discouraging when you see a new therapist and it’s not a good fit. So, I strive to give you a transparent look into how I practice, since therapeutic fit is important for both of us. It is a strong relationship that can make a huge difference in our work together.
What to expect from me as your therapist
So, before taking that first step, here are a few things to consider about me based
on my professional style, personality, and education:
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Professional yet personable.
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Although I am professional and take my job seriously, I am more casual, have a sense of humor, and take a "what works" approach. I genuinely take interest in your well-being and care for your experiences without judgment or bias, while being culturally considerate of all persons. My clients often say that I am easy to talk to, warm and genuine, knowledgeable but approachable, and always confidential. I am basically myself inside or outside of session, while respecting and empowering you to be yourself as a person.
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Direct yet gentle.
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My style is gentle and empathic, yet direct and honest. This means that I will not be dishonest with you or try to minimize the issues, yet I will affirm and honor your experiences in a calm and kind manner. I try my best to balance compassion while also pointing out discrepant thoughts and behaviors, offering genuine insight as appropriate. I strive to hear and listen to you and your struggles, while fostering change.
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Challenging yet compassionate.
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After we have established a therapeutic relationship, I may ask hard questions to encourage you to think deeply and reflect on the areas where you may need to grow. There will be moments when it can feel distressing but you have the choice to decide how deep you want to go in your therapy. At other times I may gently push you a little out of your comfort zone, or simply process feelings, problem solve current issues, or just hold space for you as your go through your pain and unanswered questions.
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Practical yet empathetic.
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I actively participate in our work together and strive to validate feelings while gently encouraging you to gain awareness and insight. This may mean working on yourself outside of therapy, engaging in deep reflective or trauma work, doing assigned homework, and putting the insights you’ve gained into practice. In addition to processing emotions and past experiences, I have a straightforward approach to helping you make changes in your life, while empowering you to bring up anything you’d like to share.
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Imperfect yet authentic.
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As a human I will make mistakes. However, I am determined to provide space for you to experience your emotions and thoughts unapologetically and a safe environment where who you are is appreciated. If there is ever a time you feel like I missed the mark, I hope you feel safe enough to bring this to my attention so I can get back on track with you. To ensure you get what you need from therapy, I will at times seek feedback from you to see how things are working or if there’s anything that needs changing to help you reach your goals. Of course, I elicit your feedback at any time.
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PLEASE NOTE: I will not be a good match for every client, so if you need to speak with me prior to therapy please do so. The therapeutic relationship and the approach I use is of utmost importance for treatment success.
Respecting & Affirming Others
I fully embrace providing the best care that affirms the dignity, worth and value of all individuals, regardless of where any person is on their journey
or how we may differ. I am committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere
of openness, trust, and safety where all attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors
can be freely explored and discussed without judgement.
How to get the most from therapy and what to expect the first time.
If you feel we may be a good fit (Please read "Are we a good fit" if you haven't ), the following highlight what to expect in the first session. Policies and practice information is on the "Need to Know" page.
How to prepare for your first therapy session
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Prepare for first session.
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Best way to prepare for your first session is to familiarize yourself with the overall expectations about how I practice and my policies so you are prepared in advance. Then you can ask any questions that you may still have when we meet or you may choose to have a consultation if your questions are not answered on the website. This also helps you to get as much out of the first session, which is usually very full to begin with.
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Take notes:
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Jot down some notes about what you want to talk about so you don’t forget them. Most questions are answered on this website or on the documents you signed, but if you have additional questions please feel free to ask at the beginning or end of our session, regardless. You can ask me about my experiences, history, credentials, schooling or any other questions as well. I have included a list of specialties and my approach (therapies) in more detail on its own page but you may have more detailed questions about how I will work with you.
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If doing Telehealth:
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If doing telehealth counseling/therapy, find the right place for your session., free of distractions, comfortable and private. Please have all your technology set up in advance so you are not scrambling to figure things out at the last minute, taking up your session time. If I don't hear from you I will call you.
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If coming into the office.
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If you are doing therapy in person, my office is in a suite shared by other tenants that are not psychotherapists. We have an inside restroom for your convenience and I share the lobby. You will come in and take a seat and I will be with you shortly.
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Communication.
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You will do all of your communicating with my business office through Aspire Counseling out of Tucson for billing, admin questions, scheduling and so forth. My assistant is Sandy and here is her contact information. I do not do crisis or emergency calls. I do have a list of local and national crisis hotlines on my "need to know" page should something arise. Also, if an emergency, please go to the nearest ER.
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Keep in mind that there’s no right or wrong way to prepare for your first therapy session.
What to expect the first session
The first session can feel overwhelming even if all your questions have been answered. In fact, some report the first session was bit of a blur. It may be difficult to know what to say and you may be overwhelmed and emotional, or numb and not feel like talking. Opening up gets easier over time so please hang in there.
This appointment will involve going over the legal documents you signed and clarifying any questions you may have. I will ask about your history, family of origin, previous treatment, health, symptoms, goals for treatment among other things. I try to get the assessment completed and if possible and appropriate, I will give you "homework" since much of therapy is your work outside of session, if you are willing to do so.
Usually, we don't get a lot of "therapy" completed this first session as I do ask a lot of questions (assessment) so I can get to know you and what your story is. Actually, this assessment is crucial to and a part of therapy. If I don't know you or what is going on I won't know how to help you. I will touch on past and current experiences, feelings, thoughts, relationships, problems and more, and offer feedback as to what I have heard and observed.
If we have time, I will also ask what you want to get out of therapy, developing your therapy goals and having you agree to your treatment plan. As with most anything in life, "You get out what you put in ". Help me to help you!