2. What does getting started in therapy even look like?
There are usually a lot of questions and uncertainty before starting therapy that some people find themselves frozen, unsure of what to do or how to get started. In this article, Eddie Shin, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Healing Ground Counseling will lay out what getting started in therapy looks like and how you can get started on your healing journey today!
Have you found yourself wondering how to even begin therapy? Did the thought seem too daunting? Rest assured, you’re not alone!
I hope to clear this all up so that you can find peace in knowing that getting started on your healing journey can be simpler than you thought.
The first question you’ll want to ask yourself is, “Do I want to have a free 15-minute consultation with my potential therapist or do I just want to get started?” By answering this question, you’ll be able to know which path to take, both of which are great!
If you want a free 15-minute consultation, as offered by your potential therapist, it can be done virtually, by phone, or in-person. This is a good time to ask any questions that you may have, either for them or about the therapy process itself. The consultation is an opportunity for you to get to know your potential therapist and see if their a good fit for you. It is wise to write down and ask any questions that you may have. Most individuals ask about what the therapy process looks like, what kinds of methods that the therapist uses, how long the treatment process can take, and even what makes them passionate about being a therapist!
It is pretty typical for the therapist to ask to schedule a first session at the end of the consultation. This isn’t to put you on the spot, but as a way to support you in making the first step on your healing journey. They’ll usually offer what they have available and then you can go from there. They can also email you a list of upcoming appointment times upon request.
Toward the end of your first session with your therapist, it is common for them to find a consistent time and day to meet, where they can reserve the spot just for you. They may give you a few options to pick from, depending on availability, and you can book that spot moving forward so that you have a scheduled session either every week, every other week, or every month, all depending on what you’d prefer.
Viola! You’ve gotten started on your healing journey!
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If you’d like to just get started, you can either email me at eddie@healingground-counseling.com to see what is available and schedule an appointment, or you can schedule using this link to access my calendar.
When requesting an appointment for the first time, you can press the Request an Appointment button in the link above and click on either “Initial Consultation” or “Intake Psychiatric Diagnostic Assessment Session.” After the first appointment, you would choose between “Psychotherapy,” “Family psychotherapy,” or “Individual Psychotherapy with Neurofeedback.”
Once you’ve clicked on what you’re wanting to book, you’ll gain access to the times that I have available and can request an appointment.
Just as a friendly reminder, all intake paperwork will need to be completed at least 24 hours prior to your first appointment. That will get sent to you via Simple Practice to your email.
If you’d like to learn more about the services that I offer, feel free to check them out below:
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Treatment
If you have any questions or comments, please either leave them in the comments section below or contact me here. I look forward to supporting you in your healing journey!
