Starting therapy is a big decision, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of curiosity and nervousness about what to expect. At Bridge to Balance, my goal is to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible from the very beginning.
A Free Consultation to Start
I offer a free 15-minute connection call before you book your first session. This is a chance for us to connect, talk about your goals, and see if we’re the right fit for one another. If we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your first full session.
Getting Set Up
Once your appointment is booked, you’ll receive an email from Jane with instructions for using my secure platform. In that email, you’ll find your intake paperwork.
Please complete this at least 24 hours before your session so I can prepare and we can make the most of our time together.
- Everyone attending must complete their intake forms if they’re coming in for couples or family therapy.
The First Session
The very first session is about building a foundation. Together, we’ll:
- Review consent and confidentiality
- Go over your personal history
- Explore what brought you to therapy
- Talk about what you hope to gain
Because there’s often a lot to cover, I offer two options for this first appointment:
- 75 minutes (recommended) gives us extra time to explore your goals and start the process without feeling rushed.
- 50 minutes: a standard session length if you’d prefer something shorter.
This is your journey, so choose what feels best for you.
Building Your Plan Together
During the first few sessions, we’ll start creating a treatment plan and setting goals together. Therapy works best when it’s collaborative, and this is where we begin shaping the path forward.
Different Session Formats
Here’s what you can expect depending on the type of session:
In-Person Sessions
You’ll check in with the receptionist, and I’ll meet you in the waiting area before we head into the office together.
Virtual Sessions
Since you’ll already have a Jane account for your paperwork, you’ll log in at your appointment and be admitted into the secure virtual room.
Couples & Family Sessions
These sessions follow a “diamond shape” structure:
- First session: everyone comes together to discuss goals and share background information.
- Second session: I meet with each person individually.
- Third session: we come together as a group to work toward your shared goals.
It’s important to know that in couples and family therapy, I don’t keep secrets between sessions. If something important comes up individually, I’ll bring it into the group work in a supportive and constructive way.
Final Thoughts
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but it’s also the first step toward creating meaningful change. I hope that knowing what to expect makes the process feel a little easier. If you’re curious, I encourage you to book a free connection call to discuss your questions and see if Bridge to Balance fits you.
