Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can expect a well-trained and compassionate clinician who will listen to you, ask challenging questions, and guide you towards the goals you wish to achieve. In addition to the session, you may be asked to do things in-between sessions such as journaling, reading, or practicing new behaviors. You may need to face difficult things, experience strong emotions, and change behavior. The best outcomes are when clients are intentional and determined. You may also feel more understood, respected and inspired. We hope you will feel less fear, boredom, or distress. Therapy can be a unique and transformative experience or a crucial step toward change.

Your first session is all about getting to know you and helping you feel comfortable. Your therapist will review your intake paperwork, explain important policies and what to expect from the therapy process, and begin exploring your goals for treatment. It’s a chance to ask questions, share what brings you to therapy, and start building a strong, supportive connection.

Most therapists recommend starting with weekly or biweekly sessions to build consistency and momentum in the therapeutic process. Over time, the frequency may shift depending on your goals and progress. Your therapist will work with you to find a rhythm that supports your needs and fits your life.

Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all—how long it takes depends on your goals, the challenges you’re facing, and the effort you’re able to put into the process. Some clients notice shifts within a few sessions, while others may need longer-term support. Your therapist will regularly interact with you about your progress and adjust the approach as needed to help you move forward.

It’s completely normal to wonder that—many people do. Whether you’re going through a tough season or facing long-standing struggles, therapy can offer support, perspective, and tools to help you navigate it well. You don’t have to wait until things feel “bad enough” to seek help. If something is impacting your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being, it’s worth exploring with a therapist.

Therapy and counseling are very similar and often overlap. Both involve working with a trained professional to explore your feelings, challenges, and goals. Generally, “counseling” is used for short-term support focused on specific issues, while “therapy” can be longer-term and more in-depth. But many professionals use the terms interchangeably, and the important thing is finding someone who meets your needs.

Therapy has helped many people find relief, growth, and new ways to cope—but it isn’t a quick fix, and sometimes it takes time to find the right approach or therapist for you. If you ever feel therapy isn’t helping, it’s important to share that with your therapist so you can adjust the plan together or explore different strategies. Your healing journey is unique, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Yes. For every child and young adolescent, we schedule a parent session before meeting the child. The reason for this session is for the therapist to get a broad understanding of the behaviors and/or emotions that are causing you to seek counseling for your child, discuss goals you might have, as well as gather a snapshot of the family and school life of your child. This is also a great time to ask the therapist any questions you may have about the counseling process.

Absolutely. Your privacy is very important to us. All information you share in therapy is kept confidential and protected by professional ethical guidelines and laws. There are only rare exceptions, such as if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others, where confidentiality must be broken to keep you safe. Your therapist will always explain these limits clearly.