How do I get started with counseling?

This is a question I hear quite often when new patients call. So, I'll outline here, very simply, how it works in my practice.

When a prospective patient calls, I like to get a brief understanding of why they are interested in counseling and what they would like to get out of it.

I explain my diagnostic session process through which I discover the presenting problem(s), what the patient's hopes and expectations are for the counseling process, and the insight they have into their current situation. All of this will help me build a treatment plan for future sessions and ensure that the patient has every opportunity to focus on the goals they have set.

Another questions I hear often is "How many sesions will it take?"

The number of sessions anticipated to help a patient reach their therapeutic goals is virtually impossible to guess. I suggest you allow yourself the freedom to work as fast or as slowly as you need, with no time-limit. This process is for you, so be patient.

When the patient is ready to schedule a session, I will collect general information by phone such as name, address, phone number, and credit card information to secure their session time. Such information is kept in the strictest confidence, so there is no need to worry.

All that is left is to finally meet and begin the journey that will hopefully bring you closer to the life you want to lead!

Looking forward to working with you,
Karen Israel