Getting Started

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I understand finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. It is also an investment of your time and money. Prior to scheduling an in-person session, I like to provide a chance for us to get to know each other. The phone consultation is  a 15-20 minute call to understand what concerns bring you to therapy, answer any questions you might have, and share information about my practice and approach to therapy. 

Together, we can determine if I'm the right therapist to meet your needs. If we decide to move forward, we would schedule an in-person session. If it is determined that I'm not the right fit, I will be happy to refer you to other colleagues. 

To schedule an initial telephone consultation, please email info@shkcounseling.com. 

Before our first in-person session,  I will send you an email through my secure client portal inviting you to review and complete my practice paperwork. This includes consent forms, confidentiality agreements, and a questionnaire for me to gather some background about you (it is similar to the paperwork you might complete at the doctor's office).  

This is the time for us to get to know each other. Our work together will begin with an initial assessment of two to three weekly sessions.  During this time, we will discuss your history, current situation and concerns, and your goals for therapy.   By the end of the assessment period, I will share my initial impressions and recommend a treatment plan.   

The success of therapy is believed to be connected to the relationship developed between the client and the therapist. The initial sessions are an  opportunity for you to determine whether you feel comfortable and safe opening up to me. I will also assess whether I am the right therapist to meet your individual needs.

If either or both of us determine this is not a good fit.  I will be happy to send you a list of therapist referrals. 

Following the assessment period, you and I will start to establish treatment goals and determine markers of success to ensure you are getting what you need out of the therapy sessions. We will also determine the level of frequency of sessions moving forward.