You've done it! You booked your first session, but you aren't sure what to expect now, and it's giving you butterflies in your stomach. Here is a brief outline of what you can expect in our first session together.

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Prior to having arrived at the office (or logged in for a virtual session), you'll have received an email from me orienting you to parking and C-train options, how to get into the bathroom, and encouraging you to help yourself to a Bubly or hot tea or water. There are also snacks on the table to help yourself to. At your appointment time, I'll come greet you (or log in) and our journey together will begin!

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The first appointment involves some administrative things to start - I'll ensure you've completed all the forms I sent prior to us meeting, and then before we get into anything at all we'll talk about Informed Consent - a very important ethical and legal part of the therapy process. You'll have signed a form providing consent, but it's important you understand what you signed. We'll review some key points such as the limits of confidentiality, your right to withdraw consent or from therapy at any time, booking and payment protocols, and I'll answer any questions you have about that side of things. 

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Then, together, we'll look at what brings you to therapy. What's been going on, and how it's been affecting you. I do this through a process called general assessment, and depending why you're coming to see me it may be a very structured process of me asking you specific questions in that first session, or I may collect the information more organically over several sessions. This information helps us get to know each other and allows me to begin to formulate a treatment plan. If there are questions you can't answer, or aren't comfortable answering, that's totally ok! Just let me know and we'll keep going. Remember - I am the guide on your journey, but you are in the driver's seat.

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Throughout our session I'll be taking notes - this is to remind me of the key things we discuss together. From time to time, I may invite you to review them together to ensure I've accurately captured your experience.

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A word about setting goals...

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Often times, early in therapy, clients are asked "What is your goal for therapy?". I've learned this often makes clients feel like they were put on the spot, or not prepared for this question, and causes a brief moment of panic. I've learned, both personally and professionally, that often the answer is "I don't know. I just don't want to feel like this anymore".

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And for that reason - I won't ask you what your goals are. If you have some - great! I'd love for you to share them when you're ready! But for now, to start, it's about understanding where you're at now, what your strengths are, where you struggle, and how we can move you forward. Goals tend to arise organically, and evolve frequently, so I don't want people to feel "locked in" with certain goals.