FAQs

What is it like to start counseling?

It’s completely normal to feel a mix of relief, anxiety, and hope when beginning therapy. Before your first session, you may feel nervous or unsure— you might not know what to talk about or worry your problems are “too big” (they aren’t) or “not big enough” (they are) for therapy. You’ll fill out a few forms to help your therapist understand what you’d like to focus on. During that first session, you’ll mostly be getting to know each other. Your therapist may ask about your history, what brought you in, and what you hope to gain from counseling. You set the pace— share what you’re comfortable with and ask questions like “What’s your approach?” or “How confidential is this?” Over time, as trust builds, many clients begin to notice patterns, feel more in control, and gain greater insight into their relationships, stress, and emotions. Just remember: progress isn’t always linear, but healing is possible.

Is what we talk about private?

Short answer, YES! Mental health providers are legally and ethically bound to keep what you say to us private unless you give us explicit permission to tell someone else. There are exceptions to this; if you tell us you are going to kill yourself or someone else, if you report child abuse/neglect or elder abuse/neglect. Your counselor will explain these limitations to you, fully, in your first session.

What if I don't like my therapist or don't feel comfortable?

That happens sometimes. You can talk about it (yes, even with your therapist, sometimes that leads to breakthroughs) and/or keep looking until you find someone who feels like a good fit. No good therapist will ever take this personally. Trust us, we want you to find the right fit!