How Therapy Works
Starting therapy is a big step, and we want you to feel supported from the very beginning. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’ve worked with a clinician before, our goal is to make the process clear, welcoming, and collaborative. From your very first appointment, we’ll work together to understand your unique story, set meaningful goals, and create a path toward growth and lasting change.
Before your first visit:
Before your first appointment, you’ll receive an email invitation to create your telehealth account with TherapyPortal. From there, you will receive intake and informed consent documents to review, complete, and sign. Once submitted, you’re ready to request your first appointment and connect with your clinician.
Intake-Part One:
Your first session begins with a review of the intake documents, as well as our practice policies and procedures. This is also your chance to ask any questions you might have.
From there, your clinician will guide you through a mental health diagnostic assessment. This includes exploring your current experiences, symptoms, medical and mental health history, and other areas of your life that will help us build a clear picture of your needs. A thorough intake often takes one or two sessions to complete.
Intake-Part Two:
After your assessment, your clinician will share a diagnosis (if appropriate) and treatment recommendations, which may include additional services or supports that could enhance your progress. From here, you’ll begin identifying your goals for therapy.
Together, you and your therapist will work to clarify where you are now, where you’d like to be, and what steps will support your growth. Goal setting is central to our work—it guides your treatment plan and helps us ensure you’re making progress that feels meaningful to you.
Subsequent visits:
Once your goals are established, the real work begins. Each of our therapists brings different expertise and modalities to the table—ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches to trauma-informed care, relational therapy, and beyond. While the approaches may vary, all of our clinicians are active, engaged, and collaborative partners in your healing—not the type to just nod and say “mhmm.”
Therapy isn’t always easy—it often means stepping outside of your comfort zone and practicing new skills. But when you do, the results can be transformative. At the end of sessions, your therapist may suggest “homework” to help you put insights and strategies into practice between visits. Clients who commit to practicing outside of sessions often see the fastest, most lasting progress.
Treatment Goal Review sessions:
From time to time, we’ll pause to review your goals and measure your progress. This allows us to celebrate wins, identify what’s working, and make adjustments if needed. Clients are often surprised at how much they’ve grown in a relatively short time—these check-ins are some of the most rewarding sessions for both clients and therapists.
Termination session:
The ultimate goal of therapy is to equip you with the tools, confidence, and resilience to maintain your growth independently. When it’s time to graduate from therapy, we’ll review your progress, highlight the skills you’ve developed, and discuss resources to help you sustain your changes.
Therapy is never meant to be forever—but remember, you are always welcome to return if new challenges arise. Our goal is for you to feel empowered, capable, and ready to move forward with lasting confidence.
Your journey doesn’t have to wait—reach out today to schedule your first session and take the next step toward growth and healing.
