FAQ

Athough therapy is based on individual need, the first session always looks similar. The first session is called an intake/ initial evaluation session. This session allows your therapist to gather information regarding your reasons for seeking out services and historical information that may be helpful or necessary to your treatment. You can expect your therapist to take notes during the first session. You will also begin discussing goals you have for counseling. However, it is absolutely fine to not have that figured out yet as well. 

Typically, I would suggest starting by reading their biography online. Look for things like specialties, treatment style/modalities and you may be able to get some information on their personality as well.  After that, I typically recommend going with your "gut" or your instincts. At Still Tides Counseling we do offer a free 10 minute consultation so you can meet your therapist prior to scheduling an appointment if you'd like. These are offered via telehealth (virtual) sessions only.  I typically recommend attending at least 3 sessions after you choose your therapist. This will give you some time to get a feel for the therapists style and personality.  Please also know that therapy is very flexible so feedback is always helpful in tailoring your sessions to meet your individual needs. If you have preferences, we are always open to feedback. 

Therapy should be client driven. You have every right to say you do not wish to answer a question or discuss a topic. As therapists it is our job to earn your trust over time. We want our clients to feel safe when they are in sessions. After client's settle into the therapeutic relationship, things organically begin to be discussed as we process through conversations. We will likely have more challenging conversations along the way but we encourage you to always provide feedback if there are preferences, things you wish to avoid discussing, etc.  Our job is to take you where you want to go according to your goals. You are the driver....we are just the passengers that ask alot of questions. 🙂

Therapy is very versatile for adults and children. Some people (including children) prefer simply face to face communication. Others aren't comfortable with that and would prefer we are working on a puzzle while we talk, coloring, playing a game, going for a walk (unless it's cold. I don't do cold, cold 🥶). Any and all of those are absolutely fine. That's one of my favorite parts of this job. We can be flexible and creative and personalize each session according to an individuals needs. If you know something works for you, please let us know. If it is within our abilities, we will gladly adjust. 

This is one of the biggest concerns I am questioned about. You do not need to stress too much about this.  Your therapist will help get the conversation going based off of the goals you set early on in your sessions. If you do not know what goals you want to work toward, we can help with that as well. We ask alot of questions. A common misconception is that we are here to give you answers.... we are not. We are here to ask questions to help you find the answers within you. You already have everything you need within you, its just hard to find sometimes so we help you in that discovery. We may offer thoughts or sugggestions at various times but ultimately you have agency over your choices. The only exception is in matters of safety. If you or someone else are in immediate danger, we have to make sure the focus is on keeping everyone safe.