How does therapy work?

A note on treatment and discharge planning.

Start
Our first session is really about connection. We'll take time to get to know each other and talk about what's been going on for you lately. During the first few sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to share your story, get to know your therapist, and discuss your goals and treatment plan. These initial meetings help establish rapport and determine if the therapy relationship is a good match. Effective long-term progress relies on these foundational steps before moving into deeper work.

Treatment
Once the initial sessions are complete, therapy shifts into actively working toward your goals. This phase focuses on gaining insight, learning skills, expressing emotions, and practicing strategies to support meaningful change. Your progress depends on both the work done in sessions and your engagement with exercises or skills outside of therapy. I’ll provide guidance and support, but your active participation is key to lasting results.

Maintenance and Completion
After treatment goals have been achieved, sessions may transition into a maintenance phase. During this time, session frequency is gradually reduced while monitoring how well progress is sustained. If challenges arise, sessions focus on managing obstacles and reinforcing strategies. When maintenance goals are consistently met, therapy can conclude, but clients are always welcome to return if new concerns arise or if a review of skills is needed. Returning to therapy after initial completion typically allows for faster progress, as the foundation has already been established.