What to Expect
Understanding the therapy process and your journey to healing
Beginning therapy is a courageous step toward improving your mental health and well-being. If you're new to therapy or returning after some time, you might wonder what the process looks like and how to prepare. This guide will walk you through what to expect when working with Deborah K. Mestas, LCPC.
My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs. Together, we'll work to address your concerns and help you develop the skills and insights needed for lasting positive change.
The Initial Contact
Reaching Out
Your journey begins when you contact me through my website, email, or phone. During this initial contact, I'll gather some basic information and briefly discuss what brings you to therapy.
You can also ask questions about fit, logistics, and next steps before scheduling.
Scheduling Your First Appointment
Once we've established that working together seems appropriate, we'll schedule your first appointment. I'll send you intake forms to complete before our session, which will help me better understand your background, concerns, and goals.
Completing those forms beforehand helps us use your first session effectively.
The First Session
Building Rapport
Our first session is primarily about getting to know each other and establishing a therapeutic relationship. I'll review the paperwork you've completed and address any questions about confidentiality and the therapy process.
You will have space to share what you want to work on and what progress would look like for you.
Assessment and Goal Setting
During our initial sessions, I'll conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your current challenges, relevant history, strengths, and support systems. This helps me develop a clearer picture of your unique situation.
Together, we'll define clear and achievable goals to guide treatment.
Ongoing Therapy
Session Structure
Regular therapy sessions typically last 55 minutes and are usually scheduled weekly, at least initially. As you progress, we might adjust the frequency to biweekly.
Sessions generally include a check-in, focused therapeutic work, and practical next steps.
Therapeutic Approaches
I utilize an integrative approach, drawing from various therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and psychodynamic techniques.
Your care plan is tailored to your goals, not a one-size-fits-all formula.
Between Sessions
Therapy isn't limited to our time together in sessions. I may suggest exercises, readings, or practices for you to try between sessions to reinforce what we're working on and help you make progress more quickly.
Consistent practice between sessions often accelerates progress.
Progress and Completion
Monitoring Progress
Throughout our work together, we'll regularly review your progress toward your goals. This might involve formal assessments or simply discussing what's improved and what challenges remain.
Progress is rarely linear, and setbacks can still provide useful insight and growth.
Completing Therapy
As you achieve your goals and develop the skills to manage challenges effectively, we'll begin discussing the completion of therapy. This is typically a gradual process, often involving reducing the frequency of sessions before ending.
Many clients return for tune-up sessions when new stressors arise.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, but you don't have to face your challenges alone. I'm here to support you on your journey toward healing, growth, and improved well-being.