Starting therapy can sometimes feel daunting, and I want to acknowledge that taking this step is a brave and significant move towards prioritizing your well-being. In our initial session, we'll begin by reviewing confidentiality guidelines and conducting an intake assessment, gathering important details about your medical and psychological history, as well as exploring your strengths, concerns, and expectations for therapy. This session is an opportunity for me to listen to your story, in your own words, to fully appreciate your experiences and gain a deeper understanding of you as a person. I’ll also invite you to complete a quick and simple questionnaire to help assess your current levels of mental functioning and wellness. There are no “bad” or “wrong” scores in these assessments; they are simply tools to better understand how you're feeling and identify areas where additional support may be needed. By the end of the session, we will collaboratively set clear goals for your therapy journey and discuss how often we should meet to best support your progress. You’re always welcome to ask any questions at any point during the session. This first meeting is all about building a trusting foundation for our work together and ensuring that we are aligned in our approach moving forward.