Your first session
A plain account of the first hour.
Before you come
You choose in person or by video. Intake forms are on the practice's own secure portal, linked from your confirmation. There is nothing to prepare.
In the room
We talk about what is going on, what you have tried and what you want to change. I explain how ERP or CBT would work for you. You can ask me anything about how I work and the limits of confidentiality.
What this is not
It is not a test or an exam, and nobody hands you a checklist. You do not face anything you fear in the first session, and you do not have to tell me everything.
Length and pace
A session is 50 minutes. Your clinician sets the pace with you. We agree how often to meet and how to tell whether the work is useful.
How it is paid
Fees are given in writing before you start. The details are on the how fees work page.
How fees workWhen you leave
You leave with a clearer picture of the next step and a time for the next visit if you want one. If I am not the right fit, I say so and suggest where to look.
Three questions about a first visit
Do I have to continue after the first session?
No. You can decide afterward whether to keep going.
Can a parent come with my teen?
Teen sessions are one to one, and I meet with parents separately. On the first call I explain how Oregon's consent rules apply to your teen's age.
What if I feel worse afterward?
It can be tiring to talk about hard things. Tell me at the next visit. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, any time, or call 911 in an emergency.
Ready for a first session?
Get in touch and we will find a time that works around your week.