1. A Low-Pressure Introduction
We start by simply getting comfortable. I’ll share a bit more about my therapeutic style and how I use CBT and DBT to ensure you feel confident in our partnership. This is a "two-way street"—while I am getting to know you, you are also deciding if my approach feels like the right fit for your personality and goals.
2. Mapping the "Big Picture"
We will discuss what brought you to therapy now. Rather than just listing symptoms, we’ll talk about your current "internal weather"—the patterns, stressors, or emotions that feel most urgent. Because I work exclusively with adults, we’ll focus on how these challenges impact your specific roles, whether that’s in your career, your primary relationships, or your sense of self.
3. Identifying Your "North Star"
By the end of our first meeting, we won’t just have a list of problems; we’ll have a direction. We will define what "success" looks like for you. Whether it’s reclaiming your weekends from anxiety or learning how to set a firm boundary with a family member, we establish the goals that will guide our future work.
4. A Practical Next Step
I believe you should leave every session—including the first one—with something tangible. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of our treatment plan and, often, a small "micro-skill" or perspective shift you can experiment with before we meet again.