Getting Started with a Mental Health Counselor


What to Expect in Therapy

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You may be carrying a lot right now, and the thought of sitting down with someone new might feel overwhelming. That’s completely natural. Many people wonder what the process will be like, what they’re “supposed” to talk about, or whether they’ll feel understood.

My goal is to make therapy a place where you can exhale, and where you don’t have to have everything figured out before logging in on day one. You don’t need the right words or a clear plan. If all you know is that something in your life feels heavy, that’s enough to start. Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you.

Our First Sessions

When you come in, we’ll spend time getting to know each other. You’ll have space to share whatever feels most important right now. If you’re unsure where to begin, I’ll help by asking questions so we can find a starting point together. There’s no pressure to “perform” or to say everything all at once.

Early on, I’ll also want to learn about what brought you here. Maybe it’s stress, anxiety, or a sense of being stuck. Maybe it’s painful experiences from the past that still echo today. Maybe you just want to feel more at ease with yourself or your relationships. Whatever your reasons, they matter, and they’ll guide the direction of our work.

What Therapy Feels Like

Therapy isn’t about being told what to do or being given quick solutions. It isn’t even about building skills or solving problems. Instead, it’s about creating space for your story to unfold, and making sense of how your past and present connect. Sometimes this means looking at old patterns that no longer serve you. Other times it’s about finding new ways to cope with challenges in the here and now.

You can expect our sessions to feel collaborative. You won’t be sitting across from someone silently taking notes or judging your choices. Instead, you’ll find someone who’s curious about your experiences, who listens closely, and who works with you to uncover new perspectives and possibilities.

Common Concerns

You might worry about opening up. Many people do. Therapy moves at your pace, and you’ll never be pushed to share more than you’re ready for. You might also wonder whether therapy will really make a difference. That’s understandable. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but over time, therapy can help you feel less alone, more understood, and more equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

Therapy is not about giving advice, fixing you, or offering a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about walking alongside you as you make sense of your experiences and discover the changes you want for yourself.

Moving Forward

As we work together, you may notice shifts—sometimes small, sometimes more noticeable—in the way you relate to yourself and others. You may find yourself better able to handle stress, more compassionate with yourself, or clearer about your needs and boundaries. These changes build gradually, through the process of being seen, understood, and supported.

If you still have questions, that’s completely normal. You don’t have to have it all figured out before reaching out.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Schedule a free consultation here.


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