Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION COUNSELING
What does a typical session look like?
For individual therapy, we'll meet for 50 minutes each session. I often see people every one or two weeks. At the start of services, we'll identify what specific goals you'd like to aim for, such as creating a better work-life balance or having more confidence around peers. Each session after that will be spent discussing issues that will help us get you there. This can look like unpacking and exploring ways to change patterns in how you relate to others/yourself that get in the way of reaching your goal, and finding ways to enhance your already-existing strengths that can help you move forward. When applicable, we can incorporate expressive arts techniques like therapeutic sketches, collages, or writing exercises. I can also provide in-session guided mindfulness practices and help you create a manageable out-of-session mindfulness routine.
For group therapy, we'll meet for 90 minutes each week. Groups consist of no more than 6 members, and attendance is set up as a monthly membership. Sessions begin with a grounding/self-compassion-related exercise, and a general check-in so you and all other group members get a chance to share what stood out from your week. You'll all get the opportunity to identify any specific concerns/questions/topics that you'd like to discuss with the group. Sometimes I'll include a specific self-reflective question to help jumpstart meaningful discussions. I encourage all group members to choose something new to focus on each week outside of sessions, such as practicing a new mindfulness technique each day or practicing saying 'no' to a request. In this way, the group can become a support for starting and maintaining new habits. I lead sessions in a way that avoids simple advice-giving, and instead helps members support and interact with each other in deeper ways.
Would group work for me if I have social anxiety?
Yes! Oftentimes, social anxiety creates a vicious cycle: You feel anxious about social situations, so you avoid them, giving short-term relief but reinforcing increased anxiety when the next social situation presents itself. If this sounds familiar, joining a group can be incredibly healing for you. It breaks the cycle and gets you to avoid avoiding. Because the group is professionally led to create a safe, nonjudgmental space, this is a wonderful environment to begin practicing overcoming social anxiety so you can begin applying it to social situations outside of group.
How do I get started?
Schedule a free phone consultation by clicking the button below. This will give us a chance to meet, briefly talk about your goals, and allow me to answer any of your questions. If we determine that my counseling services would be a good fit for you, we'll schedule our first appointment. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!