Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Prioritizing your emotional and mental health takes courage and hard work. It is therefore understandable that you would want to experience positive results from therapy as soon as possible. Therapy can initially feel painful and uncomfortable, as you begin to unpack all that has been weighing you down.

Clients report that on average it takes 5 sessions, before they begin to feel comfortable and safe with their therapist. Once a strong rapport has been established with their therapist, clients report that they begin to experience the benefits of therapy, feeling lighter post-session, improved self-esteem and communication skills, more regulated emotions, and healthier interpersonal relationships.

It is important in the initial rapport building phase, or phases of crisis, you are attending therapy on a weekly basis. Once you have established rapport with your therapist, or gotten through a crisis phase, attending therapy on a bi-weekly basis may be the best fit for you. You can always discuss what your options are with your therapist.

One of the most important components of therapy is ensuring the therapist you are working with is the best fit for you. I recommend meeting with 2-3 therapists, before deciding who you believe will be the right fit to guide you on your journey. Asking therapists direct questions regarding their area of expertise, theoretical framework and cultural competency/humility should be done in the initial consultation to get a good sense of fitness. The strongest indicator will be your own gut instinct in regards to a therapist's ability to connect with you and ensure a sense of safety.

This is a valid question that any parent would have. The reality is that in order for therapy with your child/adolescent to be effective, they have to trust that their therapist is maintaining their confidentiality. An effective therapist will want to meet with a child/adolescents primary caretakers to ensure they are able to support the child/adolescent at home with skills they may be learning in session, and to support the caretakers in ensuring their child's well-being. Therapists are mandated reporters, and therefore if your child/adolescent discloses in therapy that they want to harm themselves, someone else, or that someone is harming them, the therapist is required by law to report.