HOW DOES THERAPY WORK?
One of the many ways therapy works is by helping people identify and name their emotions and get a clearer sense of how they feel about circumstances in their lives. When we get a better sense of how we feel about something, we can begin to see our options more clearly. Many people say they feel relieved after coming in, and many of my clients begin to make changes in their lives after starting therapy.
How do we get started?
First we will schedule an initial, free 15-20 minute phone call to get a better understanding of what you would like to address in therapy and ask a few screening questions. This is also an opportunity for you to ask me any questions about my style or ways of working.
If we agree to schedule, a first meeting typically lasts about an hour. During this time, I'll ask you about the things that brought you in to therapy. I'll also ask you questions about your background in order to get a picture of what might be going on. We'll talk about the things you have tried and how they’ve worked. Most importantly, I'll try to get an understanding of how you would like to use your time in therapy and what you think you need. Subsequent sessions last 50-55 minutes.
Normally, the first phone screen and first few therapy sessions are designed to see if we are a good fit, and if I am providing you the safest level of care. It is also a chance for you to decide if you think I can be of help to you. If it becomes clear through our conversations that you will benefit most from different, additional or outside services, up to and including a higher level of care, I will let you know and help you connect with those resources.
HOW OFTEN DO WE MEET? ARE SESSIONS VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON?
Especially at the beginning, therapy tends to be the most effective when meeting weekly. It tends to be more difficult to make recognizable changes when meeting less frequently than this. You can think of it this way: going to therapy is similar to making other healthy lifestyle choices. If you want to see results from exercise, eating healthier or getting more sleep, it helps to focus on it more frequently. Exercising once a month is a great start, but you will typically have more success if you exercise more often. Let’s say your therapy goal is to begin to change a pattern in relationships that’s making you unhappy. You will likely gain more understanding of the pattern and your choices if you are checking in on it in therapy weekly. This does not mean we will move faster than you are comfortable, and it does not mean it will always be easy!
All sessions are virtual through a HIPAA compliant video platform at this time. I have day-time, week day availability.
contact
You can reach me at (815) 575-9851 or stacyagostolcsw@gmail.com.