It makes a lot of sense to feel hesitant — starting counseling is a big step, and my priority is going at your pace.

Here’s what to expect:

• I’ll briefly go over confidentiality and its limits.
• I may ask a few general background questions and what’s bringing you to counseling, but you don’t need to go into anything you’re not ready to share.
• I’ll give you a sense of how I might approach your concerns using evidence-based methods.
• You’re welcome to ask anything — about my training, counseling process, or what to expect.
• At the end, I’ll check in to see if you’d like to think it over, or, if it feels like a good fit, we can talk about scheduling and next steps.

There’s no expectation to commit or start counseling. You don’t need to explain or decide anything during the call — if you choose not to continue, that’s completely okay, and you don’t need to say why.

It's normal to have these concerns.

My job isn't to judge or tell you what's wrong. Instead, my role is to understand your concerns with curiosity, care, and respect. I take time to understand your unique experience, what matters to you, and what kind of change you're hoping for — and then we can collaboratively find a way to work forward.

If something doesn't feel right in our conversation, you're always welcome to say — or not. You're in control of what you share and when.

I’m often struck by how many people carry similar struggles, yet each one worries they’re the only one, or that their concerns are too strange to say out loud.

The connection between you and your counselor matters — it’s one of the most important parts of the process.

The consultation is a chance to see how it feels to talk with me, without any pressure to continue. You’re welcome to take time after the call to think it over, and it’s absolutely okay if you decide not to move forward. You don’t need to explain or justify your decision.

My priority is that you find someone who feels like the right fit. If that isn’t me, I’m always happy to recommend other therapists who might be a better match for what you need.