Once we have scheduled your intake session I will email you an appointment confirmation. You will also receive an invitation to create a client account to access the electronic forms to be completed prior to our first session. Please complete the intake forms online via the client portal at least 24hrs before our session.
I will also send a courtesy appointment text reminder 24hrs prior to our session to the phone number you provide.
My office is within the Institute for Couple and Family Enhancement building (21015 Market Ridge, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78258). Once you enter the waiting room you can check in at the front desk, provide your completed paperwork, and receive coffee or water. Our front office staff are very welcoming, professional, and happy to help (and please know that they, too, are bound by confidentiality and will honor your privacy).
I will come to the waiting room to greet you at your appointment time (announcing my name and your appointment time; please note I will not identify you personally to protect confidentiality). At the beginning of session we will review the intake forms, confidentiality, and expectations for the therapeutic process. We will introduce ourselves and work to build our relationship. The biggest factor of significant change in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client-- building a relationship of comfort, safety, support, and curiosity is my priority. We will discuss your (general) history-- exploring relationships, mental health history, strengths, significant events, and anything else you'd like to bring into the room. We will discuss your concerns and set initial goals for therapy. At the end of our first session we will schedule a follow up appointment, and plan for any in-between assignments or thoughts/questions to consider. I hope that in the first session you will feel heard, supported, and have more clarity on the current challenges you are experiencing. Additionally, I hope that you can have a sense of my style of therapy and of "me"-- I want to hear how you experience our time together and I encourage your feedback about the process and what is working and what could be adjusted. We will tailor the therapy experience to your needs, strengths, and hopes. You are the expert on your life-- I'm honored to be part of your journey.
Additional Notes and FAQ for New Clients Clients often report the first session "goes fast" and they desire more time. To honor this experience, it is highly recommended (but not required) that intake sessions are scheduled for an extended session length of 1.5hrs ($225). Individuals and couples report this expanded session is a very helpful way to start therapy; it takes the pressure off of sharing so much in a shorter amount of time and supports a slower pace and relationship building between client and therapist. Subsequent sessions can be standard 50min therapy hour or 1.5hr depending on client need and available appointments.
I do not require any commitment to session frequency, however most clients who experience progress begin sessions weekly (or every other week) to promote stability and momentum towards change. Assessment of change and progress towards goals is consistent in our work, and frequency can change at any time. Clients typically move from weekly sessions to every other week sessions once progress feels stable, then to monthly sessions to maintain changes. Some clients continue to have "check in" sessions every couple of months. We will be direct and intentional about supporting you, your needs, and your growth.
Please know that if therapeutic services are for/include a minor (ages 0-17years) the first appointment is for parents only. This is necessary to obtain developmental information, review intake forms, and to discuss goals and concerns. Prior to any minor participating in therapy, the most current custody/divorce decree is required to be on file and both parents notified of the minor's involvement in therapy services.
For additional information on what to expect in Couple Therapy, please view the Couple Therapy Tab.