by Brittany Burch, LCSW-S, LCDC
In our first session, I'll orient you to my approach to therapy and I'll answer any questions you might have. We'll review why you are seeking counseling services at this time in your life and identify how you would like to see your life in 6 months. I always say 6 months - some changes happen quickly, some take more time, I cannot predict. But if your life felt better in 6 months what would it look like? Feel like? How would you know? Like any trip you're starting out on, you want to know what direction you're headed, and how you'll know when you get there, or at least closer to your destination.
Next we'll make sure I'm the best therapist to help you with your goals. I have a lot of experience helping people with a lot of different struggles: depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, traumas, addictions. And experience helping clients adjusting to the good changes: welcoming a new baby to the family, preparing for a marriage, moving in with your sweetheart, starting a new job. Even the good stuff that we plan for can be challenging! And if I'm not confident that I'm the best therapist to help you, I'll refer you to someone who I think has the skills and experience you need. The therapist/client relationship is like any relationship - it has to be a good fit and work well for both parties.
Our session will be 45-50 minutes long, typically. Down the road, if you want to schedule a 75 minute session, we can plan that ahead of time. Therapy is hard and rewarding work so we'll use that time to lay a good foundation for the sessions ahead. I prefer to see my clients weekly at first, to get some traction and momentum. When you're able to use the skills we practice in my office in your daily life, we'll transition to twice monthly, then monthly, then if needed, periodic check ups. I often joke that my job is to work myself out of a job - I want you back in your life feeling better, more confident and living a life you've worked hard to live.
Last, we'll set up your next appointment and you'll pay for the session - my practice is pay-as-you-go so that you're in your budget and I am focused on services, not accounting. I provide receipts if you're submitting them to insurance companies for out-of-network providers. Then I'll wish you a good week and will look forward to seeing you next time!