Types of Sessions Offered
Individual Sessions
For Adults ages 18 and older -
It is not unusual for people to feel a bit anxious about coming to therapy, so it can help to know what to expect. During the first session, your therapist will ask questions to get to know you, learn about what is important to you, clarify the reasons you are seeking therapy, and help you define your therapy goals. People often find that by the end of the first session, it is a relief to have shared their struggle and be taking a strong step toward finding solutions. During subsequent sessions, your therapist will focus on listening and understanding you, provide emotional support, and work together with you to gain insights into any difficult life events or patterns that have caused problems for you. At times your therapist will ask questions to help you more deeply understand your strengths and challenges, provide education about psychological principles, offer suggestions of things to think about or try, and work with you as a “team” to overcome barriers, reduce mental distress, and create a more fulfilling life.
For Children ages 5 to 18 -
Many of the points above also apply to sessions with children. However, the therapists will use play therapy, or other communication tools, that are appropriate for the age of your child.
Couples Sessions
At times, even the best relationships can run into difficult problems that are hard to resolve and cause psychological distress. Couple’s therapy can often be helpful. A therapist can support each individual’s expression of personal needs, concerns, and perspective with the goals of: restoring and strengthening the foundation of love and connection that first brought you together, developing relationship skills, and reaching goals that you and your partner choose. Therapy goals differ for each couple, but often include communicating more effectively, resolving difficult conflicts, and increasing intimacy, fun, and companionship.
Evaluation / Testing
Psychological testing can help answer questions or clarify a diagnosis such as ADHD, autism, or learning issues. During the first appointment you will meet with the psychologist to talk about your concerns and history of symptoms. If psychological testing seems appropriate, a testing session will be scheduled. Testing involves answering questions, doing puzzles, or completing questionnaires; sometimes there is a computer-based task as well. There is nothing to study for because the testing helps identify how you learn, process information, and think. The psychologist will provide you with the results, diagnosis, and recommendations, as well as a written summary of the findings.