Getting started with therapy: A grounded path forward

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There is no limit to how much we can ‘heal’

So if you feel like you’ve plateaued in therapy, then that’s actually a very positive sign. It means you’re ready to experience deeper healing and breakthroughs.

Wherever you are on your healing journey, I know the path isn’t easy. It takes courage to ‘do the work,’ but I do believe the healing process can be exciting. Discovering what’s possible and experiencing the profound relief of healing opens the door of potential for so many opportunities.

All this to say, I am thrilled you are exploring options and considering collaborating with me in the process. Helping adults in their 20s and 30s integrate insights and experience deeper healing is what I do.

Here is a step-by-step overview of how to begin therapy with me.

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Determining fit and direction

Preliminary Step

The whole process starts with a complimentary 15-minute discovery call. During this initial meet-and-greet, you’re welcome to ask questions, and I’ll share a bit more about my style and POV as a therapist to help you determine if we’ll be a good therapeutic fit.

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establishing safety and rapport

Step 1: The intake phase

The intake phase typically takes 1-3 sessions. In these first few official sessions together, we’ll focus on exploring your goals, patterns, and the way your nervous system responds to stress. You do not need to prepare anything, and you definitely don’t need to be ‘polished.’ Simply show up raw and exactly as you are that day, and we’ll process whatever is going on together in the moment. 

What to expect in our first official therapy session…  

In your first session with me, we’ll go through your intake forms, explore your motivation for seeking therapy, and lay the groundwork for clarifying your goals. I’ll also explain the therapy modalities we may integrate, such as DBT, somatic awareness, parts work (IFS), attachment-based therapy, and (when appropriate) EMDR. 

During sessions two and three…

We’ll explore attachment patterns, relational dynamics, and protective survival strategies that may have developed over time, all while inviting gentle body attunement. My approach is highly grounded, and we’ll routinely practice drawing attention to how your body holds tension and reacts to emotional activation. 

Rest assured, I don’t throw around labels, and my goal is never to pathologize. The focus is always on understanding your nervous system, helping you process relational experiences, and exploring any subconscious patterns that may be influencing your present reality.

Moving from insights to integration

Step 2: Ongoing therapy

After the intake phase is complete, we’ll settle into a steady rhythm. I offer virtual therapy sessions for clients in New York and Colorado or in-person at my office in Boulder, Colorado. Each therapy session with me is 50 minutes long and may integrate…

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Mindfulness and emotional regulation
  • IFS-informed parts work
  • Somatic, body-aware therapy
  • Attachment-based psychotherapy
  • EMDR (when appropriate)

 

I do not typically assign homework. If appropriate and if you’re interested, I may occasionally suggest some ‘growth-work’ to help you practice integrating in-session insights into real-world situations, but the choice is always ultimately yours. This is your time. My commitment to this process is to accept you exactly as you are while providing reflection on patterns, non-judgmental curiosity, and sometimes acting as your accountability partner.

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continuing, adjusting, or concluding

Step 3: Integration and transition

In the same way there is no timeline for healing, therapy doesn’t have a set duration, but at some point – what you need will probably change. When you feel steadier, more regulated, more confident, and less reactive… or whenever you feel transformation well-underway, just let me know. I’ll help you decide next steps, which may include:

  • Continuing weekly sessions
  • Shifting to biweekly, monthly, or maintenance support
  • Or intentionally concluding therapy with a thoughtful integration phase to ensure lasting change

 

There is no pressure to stay longer than needed, and no expectation to leave before you’re ready. My only priority is to help you feel stabilized, empowered, and aligned with your goals for however long we collaborate together.

Ready to Begin?

Feeling curious, cautious, or hopeful? Maybe all three? If so, you’re in the right place. Therapy can be a life-changing process, and if you’re ready to begin, I invite you to schedule a complimentary, 15-minute discovery call via the link below. This no-stress, zero-obligation call allows us the opportunity to meet, get your questions answered, and determine whether continuing your healing journey with me is a good next step for you.

Additionally, please visit my Frequently Asked Questions page where I address questions regarding insurance, duration, frequency, fees, cancelations, and other helpful topics in detail.

Whenever you’re ready, I’m here.

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