Therapy Process
If you are new to therapy, I would like to provide to you with a very brief overview of my process, step-by-step, so that you are familiar with each and what is accomplished
Step 1
Initial Contact
You have decided to take action. You reach out to me initially through the “Contact” page or have completed a more thorough form in the “Chart My Course” section. Once I receive your submission, it will be reviewed and I will get back to you with next steps. If I believe I am able to help you, I will reach out to you and answer any questions you may have and then provide you with a link to the Client Portal!
Step 2
Client Portal – On-Boarding – Initial Good Faith Estimate
Who doesn’t love paperwork? Unfortunately it must be done. Through the client portal, you’ll have access to all the forms that need to be completed prior to starting, they are legally required to be completed and reviewed before I can provide any services to you. Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to ensure they are written in plain, easy-to-understand English with minimal psychobabble! You will also receive a Good Faith Estimate which estimates the expected number of sessions and associated costs. Once you’ve reviewed and signed the forms and you decide that you want to move forward, we will then schedule the comprehensive assessment.
Step 3
Comprehensive Assessment
After on-boarding, we will meet during our scheduled appointment and I will walk you through a structured interview with the goal to better understand your presenting problem, I’ll be asking you about your background to include your family, relationships, education, occupation, worldview, your beliefs and more. The assessment is structured for 90 minutes in length. This step is critical. It’s difficult to know where you want to go or how you’ll get there, unless you have a better understanding of where you’ve been and where you are. Many times the assessment is used for education and resource exploration as well.
Please note, you will be charged the rate for this Clinical Comprehensive Assessment. Payment is due prior to starting the assessment,
Step 4
Revised Good Faith Estimate – Therapy Agreement
After we’ve completed the assessment, I will give you a revised written estimate which will provide you with a brief summary of the assessment, the identified problem, how many sessions are needed/expected, how much each session will cost and service totals, along with a brief summary of the therapeutic interventions that I may use. If you agree with the estimate and are ready to being, I will have you sign a Therapy Agreement Form and then we’ll be on our way!
Step 5
Collaborative Treatment Planning
We will then move to complete a collaborative treatment plan, the road-map which will guide our sessions. We will identify the problems and goals that you want to accomplish along with a few objectives (actions you will take) to reach your goal and interventions (what I will do) to help you complete your objectives! We will also explore, strengths, weaknesses, barriers and resources. This plan can be modified at any time and will be provided to you.
Please note, you will be charged the rate of the Standard Individual Session. Payment is due prior to starting the session,
Step 6
Beginning Phase
Your problem will be defined and clarified. We will review the historical influence and contributing factors. We will assess you personal level of awareness and complete a skill/coping assessment. You will receive tracking documents and other therapeutic forms and assignments for your personal use which will serve as your record of you time in therapy. We will begin identifying, exploring and developing solutions for immediate application. This phase typically is 3-5 sessions in length.
Please note, you will be charged the rate of the Standard Individual Session. Payment is due prior to starting the session,
Step 7
Mid-Phase & Check-In
You’re doing the work and are focused on your goal. I’ve introduced the specific therapeutic interventions that I will be using to help you cross that finish line. We will also assess your progress and make any necessary course corrections. This phase is typically 6-10 sessions in length.
Please note, you will be charged the rate of the Standard Individual Session. Payment is due prior to starting the session,
Step 8
End Phase
At this point, we are nearing the finish line and the minor shifts you’ve made in previous sessions are starting to create major changes in your life. We will review and process your “in-between” sessions, evaluate your use of coping skills and other methods and techniques you’ve learned in therapy and prepare to transition out. This phase is typically 11-13 sessions in length .
Please note, you will be charged the rate of the Standard Individual Session. Payment is due prior to starting the session,
Step 9
Transition Phase
This is it! You’ve successfully completed your treatment plan! Your goal has been reached and the original problem you came in with, has either been resolved or considerably reduced in intensity for you to be able to function satisfactorily. You’re ready to fly solo! We can also discuss regression/relapse planning and other preparation steps moving forward.
Please note, you will be charged the rate of the Standard Individual Session. Payment is due prior to starting the session,
Step 10
Discharge & Follow Up
You have been equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be successful in your life and now have a strengthened level of confidence to be successful on your own. If you would like me to follow up with you, we can set up a brief check in schedule. Congratulations!
It’s been a privilege working with you.