1st Session- What to Expect

Majority of people don't even make it to the first session...

The anxiety of "what will the session be like" often scares new clients away.

I can remember my own fear and doubt about the process & the therapist, wondering how anyone could possibly help me.

Let's break down a first session-

The whole point of the first session if for you to decide if you would like to work with me, and for me to decide if I'm the right fit for you and your situation.

We go through an intake process where I ask you questions about life and growing up (let's be honest, lots of questions). After I gather history about your life, we discuss the current situation- or what brings you to therapy.

After I have gathered enough information, I give you a "game plan" which is what therapy will look like if you choose to work with me.

If I'm not the best fit for your situation we will explore possible options together. *I let all clients know if I'm not the right fit, I will help you find a therapist who is!

We then discuss frequency of therapy- I often allow a client to decide when and how much is right for them and their situation. Most clients meet weekly or every other week until treatment is completed.

You should leave a session feeling hopeful about the treatment plan proposed & your current situation.

You should have clear goals of our work together & how I can help.

You should leave feeling heard & validated in your experience.

You should feel a sense of compassion, nonjudgement & empathy from me as your therapist.

Overtime, as I build your trust, and we create a relationship we will address the concerns that brought you to therapy. Ultimately, if I did my job, you won't need me anymore.

And truthfully, that's the hardest part of my job- but so bittersweet!

Also- check out my Office Tour post, I hope having an idea of my office space will also calm any nerves about a first session. I also offer a free 15 min consultation via in-person or virtual to see if I'm a good fit for you.

Office Tour

Welcome to my office! Can you imagine coming in for your first session? Not pictured is the sound of rain, the ambiance of the rock lamp + lava lamp, and the room lit with a warm glow as we sit next to small fireplace and chat or play. A cozy + tranquil office is so important to me!

Money a barrier to therapy?

I offer a sliding scale- As a therapist, I want to help those who cannot afford traditional therapy fees, and so I enrolled with Open Path. I am thrilled to help people in this manner. One of the biggest barriers to mental health treatment is affordability for those who don't have insurance. My standard rate is $125 per hour (which is on the low end for Colorado). How does the sliding scale work? With Open Path, clients receive a 30% to 60% discount, depending on the fee they choose that works within their budget. I let clients pick their fee in the $40 to $70 range. I don't get involved in making them prove their income or anything like that. Most people are at $45 or $50, though people have picked $70 or $40. How and when do you direct clients to Open Path? When I get a prospective client who is asking about my sliding scale, I send them to Open Path. I explain how Open Path works, that they will have to pay the initial $65 fee to keep the website going, but that they will...

Looking for a therapist?

Welcome! I am so glad that you are here. It takes a lot of courage and strength to seek out a therapist to walk with you through whatever stage of life you are currently in. Through my own self-discovery, I have learned that we are all on our own unique journey towards tending to parts of us that have been mistreated or left behind by hurtful past experiences, which is why my therapeutic approach is individualized and collaborative, to meet each client's needs. It is my passion to further assist you in your journey of becoming the best version of yourself. More about Natalie Therapy Services: EMDR Individuals Children + Adolescents Couples + Families

Natalie Hanks. LPC

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