What to Expect During Therapy

Starting therapy can feel uncertain — so here’s a clear sense of what someone can expect when you work with me.

Therapy isn’t meant to last forever.
Every person is different, and sometimes therapy takes time, but most people come for 3–10 sessions depending on what they’re going through. In that time, we focus on understanding what’s happening beneath the surface, building practical tools for mental health, and helping you feel grounded, capable, and more like yourself again. After that, many clients come back for occasional check-ins when life feels heavy or they want support staying on track.

I get curious about you.
One of the most meaningful parts of therapy is learning why you think, feel, and react the way you do. Together, we explore your patterns, values, stress responses, and the experiences that shaped you — not to label you, but to help you make sense of yourself with compassion. When you understand yourself, different choices become possible.

We build tools you can actually use.
Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship challenges, or just feeling stuck, we’ll work on skills that fit your life. This might include grounding strategies, emotional regulation tools, cognitive techniques, nervous-system work, values clarification, or building healthier boundaries — all tailored to your goals.

You don’t need to come prepared.
You can show up exactly as you are. Some days you may talk a lot, other days you may need silence, structure, or gentle guidance. I’ll meet you where you’re at.

The goal?
That you leave therapy knowing yourself more deeply, feeling more equipped, and having a clear sense of your next steps — with support available whenever you need a tune-up.
During therapy, you can expect to be truly listened to. In our first session, we’ll spend most of the time getting to know each other. I’ll ask questions to understand your story, your thoughts, where you are in your mental health journey, and what you hope for moving forward.

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Therapy is a space to talk through your experiences and acknowledge your feelings. When it feels right for you, I may introduce techniques such as guided breathing or meditation. You can also expect practical tools and strategies you can use in daily life.

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My goal is to help you build confidence, learn helpful skills, and eventually feel less reliant on therapy. Most people find that 3–10 sessions gives them what they need to feel grounded and equipped, though everyone is different. And of course, life can throw curveballs — “touch-base” sessions are always welcome whenever you need extra support.