1. Initial Consultation
In our Scheduling/Contact section, we outline how to book your free 15-minute consultation to get started with services. During this consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, get to know your therapist, and begin building rapport. The therapist will also gain an initial understanding of your needs and determine whether our services are a good fit. If both you and the therapist decide to move forward, an intake session will be scheduled and an intake packet will be sent via client portal to be completed before the intake session.
2. Intake Session
Your intake session is designed to build a comprehensive understanding of who you are, what brings you to therapy, and what you hope to achieve. During this session, your therapist will complete a biopsychosocial assessment to gather relevant information and begin developing a personalized treatment plan.
This conversation is collaborative and guided at your pace. You will never be expected to share more than you feel comfortable with.
During the intake session, we may explore:
Presenting concerns: What led you to seek therapy and what you would like to work on
Goals for therapy: What meaningful change or outcomes you are hoping to achieve
Mental health history: Past experiences with therapy, diagnoses, or symptoms
Substance use history: Current or past use of substances and how it may impact your well-being
Medication information: Current and past medications, including any relevant effects or concerns
Risk assessment: Ensuring your safety and well-being, including any current or past safety concerns
Medical and lifestyle factors: Sleep, health conditions, substance use, and daily routines
Family and relationship dynamics: Important relationships and support systems
Life experiences: Significant events that may have shaped your current situation
Strengths and coping skills: Tools and resources you already have in place
In addition to gathering information, your therapist will begin identifying patterns, offering initial feedback, and collaborating with you to establish clear, realistic goals for treatment.
By the end of the session, you can expect to have:
A better understanding of the therapy process
Initial goals for your work together
A plan for moving forward with ongoing sessions
For couples: The intake process may include both joint and individual components to better understand each partner’s perspective, relationship dynamics, and shared goals for therapy.
3. Session Setup/Frequency
Following your intake session, you and your therapist will begin the ongoing therapy process with a clear direction and shared understanding of your goals. The frequency of therapy sessions is tailored to your individual needs, goals, and stage in the counseling process. Most clients begin with a consistent schedule to build momentum and establish a strong foundation.
Weekly Sessions
Weekly sessions are the most common starting point and are often recommended at the beginning of therapy. This consistency allows for:
Building rapport and trust with your therapist
Maintaining progress and continuity between sessions
Developing and practicing new skills more effectively
Addressing concerns in a timely and structured way
Biweekly Sessions
As progress is made, some clients transition to biweekly sessions. This option may be appropriate when:
Symptoms have improved or feel more manageable
You are consistently applying skills outside of sessions
You are looking to maintain progress rather than build initial momentum
Flexible, Ongoing Approach
Session frequency is not fixed. You and your therapist will regularly assess what is most beneficial and adjust as needed. Some clients may also choose to schedule sessions on an as-needed basis after completing their primary goals.
4. How Long Therapy Lasts
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, needs, and the nature of the concerns you are addressing. Therapy is a personalized process, and there is no one-size-fits-all timeline.
Some clients benefit from short-term therapy, focusing on a specific concern or goal over a period of several weeks to a few months. Others may engage in longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns, process past experiences, or support ongoing personal growth.
What Influences the Length of Therapy?
Several factors can impact how long therapy lasts, including:
The type and complexity of concerns being addressed
Your goals for therapy
Frequency of sessions
Level of engagement both in and outside of sessions
Life circumstances and changes over time
Ongoing Collaboration
Throughout the process, you and your therapist will regularly review your progress and adjust goals as needed. Some clients choose to transition to less frequent sessions over time, while others may return to therapy at different points in life as new challenges arise.
