What to expect from counseling, mental health, psychotherapy, therapy in San Rafael, CA or Online in California

What to expect from counseling, mental health, psychotherapy, and therapy in San Rafael, CA or online in California

So you have some names of therapists and are ready to make some calls. You have a better understanding of the difference between therapy and counseling after reading my blog on “FAQs about counseling, therapy, psychotherapy, and coaching”. But now what should you expect? You may have some thoughts or images based on what friends or family have told you or even what you have seen on TV, in the movies, or on social media. You may be eager to get started, or hesitant to make the call.

My name is Michelle, and I am here to help you understand more of what to expect and to find a therapist in San Rafael, CA or online in California.

What to expect from your first consultation with a therapist in San Rafael, CA or online in California.

Think of the first consultation, often by phone, as a “meet and greet” to decide if you want to meet and talk further. Prior to this phone call, summarize your issues or problems and think about what goals you have for therapy. Consider if there is a particular way of working that is appealing to you-talking only, including an awareness of the body, or utilizing creative expression, just to name a few. All types of therapy have strengths and limitations. If you have been in therapy before, think about what worked well for you and what didn’t, and what may be important now to include in the work.

In this initial phone call, you will not have time to share a lengthy history of the problem or who you are. Nor may you fully have your goals for therapy determined. You also may not have any idea what would change or help your problems/issues and that is okay, that is why you are calling for help. Refer back to my other blog about “Questions to ask a therapist.”

In this first consultation you should expect a warm, validating, and empathetic response to your struggles. You may be asked some brief clarifying questions about the nature or length of the issue or problem. You should be asked what you are looking for in a therapist or your thoughts about what might help you. The therapist should be sharing their approach to the issue, how they would go about treating the issue/problem, and an approximate length of treatment. Other details about fees, length and frequency of sessions, and availability should also be discussed if not known from the therapist’s website.

At the end of this consultation, you should have some initial feelings about a connection to the therapist, a sense of safety, and if this person has the skills to help you make changes and heal.

My name is Michelle, and I am a therapist in San Rafael, CA and online in California. I know how difficult it can be to call a stranger and share some intimate details about what you are struggling with. I do my best to listen deeply and make a potential client feel welcome. I want to truly understand what a potential client is looking for and to see if I am a good match for what they need. I like to work deeply with clients to support mind, body, and spirit healing as they encounter anxiety, depression, stress, or the effects of trauma, grief, illness, or life transitions.

What to expect in the first session with a therapist in San Rafael, CA or online in California.

In the first session, there is an establishment of the “container ” for therapy. You may review how confidentiality is handled, communication between sessions, benefits and risks of therapy, telehealth parameters, cancellation policy, how payment is handled, etc. There are many details that are important to know and understand. Some of these practice policies may have already been sent to you in written form as “informed consent” and “practice policies.” Certain highlights may be reviewed in person. It is important to ask any clarifying questions in the first session, and ongoing as they arise. I personally send clients written informed consent, practice policies, a demographics and brief assessment form, and online payment options ahead of the first session through a confidential online portal.

The first 1-3 sessions are a continued time for assessment and exploring the nature of the issues/problems, to obtain some history, to begin developing goals for treatment, and most importantly for the therapist and client to develop rapport, safety, and understanding of each other. I like to obtain information about the nature of the issue/problem, some initial history, important relationships, physical health concerns, what supports the client has, and their strengths. I like the personal history to unfold organically over a number of sessions and throughout the course of treatment.

For some types of therapy, sessions are more structured and directive. For other types of therapy, sessions are more open-ended and exploratory in nature.

I work collaboratively and interactively with my clients to address their issues and concerns. We start by identifying some initial goals for therapy, knowing these will be reviewed and revised periodically. I understand and work with the therapeutic relationship as an important aspect of making change and healing.

In any given session, there is time to share about the last week or what is of concern. Then funneling into identifying a piece of work for that session, time for acknowledging a transformation, and how to integrate the change at home. I often work somatically, bringing in an awareness of the body as a place of wisdom for healing. Thus, in the first few sessions, as the client shares an emotion, thought, or issue, I help them connect with mindful awareness to the body’s way of expressing the above.

By the end of 3 sessions, you should be able to answer if you feel a connection to the therapist, a sense of safety, and that this person has the skills to help you make changes and heal. You have an idea of your initial goals and how they will be met.

How long does someone work with a therapist in San Rafael, CA or online in California?

The length of time to work with a therapist all depends on the nature of the problem(s) or issue(s), the theoretical orientation of the therapist around how change occurs, the specific therapies used, and the client’s goals for the therapy.

Therapy can be short term-6-12 sessions focused on symptom reduction and solutions. Or can be medium to long-term over many months or years. Generally, long-term work focuses on understanding and healing the wounds developed in childhood with significant attachment figures. This early development, especially if it results in trauma, may contribute to having unintegrated parts of the Self, and self-limiting core beliefs about oneself and the world.

Since I often work with those who have experienced trauma from early childhood, from an unexpected or traumatic loss, or from medical interventions, I mostly offer medium to long-term work. I see clients weekly for a 55 minute session.

A Free Consultation with a Therapist in San Rafael Or Online in California

You need to understand what to expect from a therapist in San Rafael or Marin County, and now you have a better understanding of that and also how I work specifically. You can learn more about me here. Your comfort with the relationship is vital for the success of the therapy. You deserve A warm, compassionate, skilled, and qualified therapist to alleviate your suffering and help you deeply heal.  

 If you are looking for a therapist in San Rafael or an online therapist in CA, click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

 My specialties include trauma therapy, coping with grief and loss, cancer survivor support and coping with chronic illness, women in mid-life transition