New Clients
Getting Started
Once we have scheduled an initial session, we will forward you a link to our client portal where you can complete the paperwork online.
The paperwork consists of a contract and informed consent for the therapy, along with a questionnaire inviting you and your teen or young adult to share what’s going on in your lives that has caused you to reach out, and some of the hopes and goals for the process.
Please complete the paperwork at least 48 hours prior to the session to give us a chance to review the information.
First Session
Our first session involves a brief review of the paperwork and the opportunity to ask any questions you have for me. Then we will spend time on why you’re here, why now, and what you hope will be different in your life as a result. At the end of the session, I will ask you your thoughts about working together. Research shows that the relationship is 70% of what makes the process effective, so it’s important that you feel there’s a fit.
Subsequent Sessions
Subsequent sessions are spent working on the plan or whatever might have come up for you since the last session that needs attending to. While I am structured in my work to ensure you maintain a sense of safety and direction, there is also plenty of space to dig deeper into your learning and the unexpected gifts of new realizations and opportunities.
Most of our clients meet weekly for six months to a year, although this can vary depending on presenting issues, history, and the amount of therapy undertaken in the past.
Policies
Late cancellations and no-shows: We have a 24 hour cancellation policy which means that non-emergency cancellations must be communicated by you and acknowledged by us a minimum of 24 hours before the start of the scheduled session.
If less than 24-hours notice is given and because the appointment time is reserved for your family, it is necessary to charge unless we agree that an emergency has occurred.
When you make an appointment, you are getting exclusive access to our time and expertise that no one else will have for that period. Of course, we understand that sometimes things come up and you cannot make it, so our cancellation policy is designed to provide you some flexibility while also protecting our time.
Please note that the cancellation window is only intended for occasional use and not as a regular scheduling-management option. In order to maintain a regular timeslot on the calendar, clients are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of their scheduled sessions.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and their therapist. Success requires a high degree of trust with sensitive subject matter.
Our education and licensure as a therapists has taught us well in State and Federal laws surrounding confidentiality. We are also members of both the NBCC and the ACA, and adhere to their respective codes of ethics in our work.