The first session has one job: to help you and the therapist figure out whether the next session should happen. Everything else is a bonus.
Before the session
You will receive a HIPAA-secure intake portal link. The intake forms ask basic biographical information, current concerns, prior care history, and emergency contact details. Take whatever time you need. If a question feels too big to answer cleanly, write a placeholder and we will talk about it in person.
What we cover
The 30-minute consultation is conversational. I ask what brought you here now, what you have tried, what is on the surface and what is underneath. You ask whatever you want about my training, my style, my fees, and what working together would actually look like. The goal is to give you enough information to know whether to say yes, no, or maybe.
What you do not have to do
You do not have to have your story organized. You do not have to know what you want from therapy. You do not have to be in crisis to deserve the time. You do not have to commit to anything during or after the consultation.
After the session
If we both want to keep going, we schedule the first paid session. If either of us thinks another therapist would be a better fit, I share referrals to clinicians I trust. The consultation does not end with a sales push.