Appointments:

 Lifting that 500 lb. phone to make your first appointment can be awkward.  Sometimes we enlist someone else to call around for information and availability.  I'm happy to answer those questions, but the individual seeking treatment must make their own appointment.  It's the first step toward getting better.  

I have appointments available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.  My first appointment begins at 1:00 PM, and the last begins at 4:00 PM.  I very rarely see people outside of those hours.  

At our first appointment we will spend time getting to know each other, and broadly outlining the issues that you would like to work on.  At the end we will save some time for me to let you know how I might be helpful, and to try to determine if we are a good match for working together.

At our second meeting and perhaps even the third, I will collect more detailed information about the history of the problem you want to work on, your family of origin, your health, your current support system, employment history, etc.  This is important information, so I will make careful notes.   If you have worked with a mental health care provider before, please bring his/her name, address, and phone number.  I will ask you for permission to consult with her/him so that I can get a feel for what has worked for you in the past.  This information is important so that I can accurately place the problem in the context of your life, and to be able to accurately define what we are working on.

Changing to a more satisfying and healthy life takes a while.  The uncomfortable parts of your current life have taken many years to develop.  We can't fix them over night.  It is very important that we meet weekly, at least at first, to develop trust and a plan.  The rate of recovery depends on you.  In our meetings we will discuss new ways to react to problems.  How quickly you test them in the real world varies from person to person.

From time to time I will ask you how you feel our work together is going.  Please don't hesitate to let me know what you would like to do differently.  I don't believe in "one size fits all" therapy, and I want you to have what works best for you.