We are excited to meet you! Below is a lot of information on how the sessions will go. If you have been to counseling before this may be pretty familiar, but if you haven’t been before it might be helpful to you to have an overview of what to expect out of counseling.
The information below is highly detailed to help you expect all the ins and outs, but if you don’t need a detailed explanation, here’s the basics:
- You will do paperwork for most of your first session. It’s not fun, but it’s Colorado law. Also, it gives us a chance to set expectations, get to know each other, and make sure you know your rights as a client.
- In the first or second session we will go over your goals for counseling, things that might work best for you, and get to know you. Additionally, if you don’t know what your goals should be we can assist in navigating that.
- From then on, we will work toward your goals collaboratively and use a counseling style that fits you uniquely.
- Once you and I feel you are ready to graduate from counseling, or if you need to end the relationship due to a circumstance change or for any other reason, we will ideally have a session or multiple sessions to process the end of counseling, what you attained, where to go from here, and any closure you may need.
- After you’re done with counseling, you can reach back out for records, working on something else, referrals, etc.
We want to be transparent with you and form good relationships, because that makes counseling more effective and helps us to connect with you. If you have any questions, please contact us and we would be happy to help.
What to expect with paperwork
- We know we have a lot of paperwork– it’s to protect you and help you understand counseling. However, we realize this comes off a little weird when you want to tell us all about what’s going on that brought you to counseling but we have you do a ton of paperwork. Please know that we are looking forward to digging into these things with you and want to get to know you– we just have to make sure we are following the law and setting up our counseling relationship well by having you consent to everything and know what you’re looking at in counseling.
- If you’re doing teletherapy we will send you the paperwork beforehand through the client portal. If you are not comfortable signing until after you and the therapist review it, that is perfectly fine, but you will need to finish the paperwork before the next session due to Colorado law.
- The counselor will go over the paperwork again with you to make sure you understand and to be compliant with Colorado law, which requires that the forms are reviewed together.
- If you are using insurance you will also have paperwork from Alma (my insurance processing partner company) to process your insurance.
How will sessions go?
Starting Off
- In the first session, we will go through paperwork and make sure we (counselor and client) are a good fit. We want to figure out how we are going to work together and get to know each other. The better a counseling relationship is, the better the outcome.
- Typical sessions last about 45-53 minutes (insurance standards). You may schedule for more time if you need a longer session or need to calm down from session. This is an additional cost. If you want to have some calm down time within the session, let your counselor know.
- Early on, we focus on goals, getting to know each other, and finding the style of counseling that works best for you.
After we are established
- From there, we will work toward your goals. This differs for each client. We may use handouts, coping or processing tools, homework, sharing a story, direct feedback, etc. Your counselor will adjust to what you need. Feedback is very helpful to figure out what will help you the most. You won’t offend us if you want us to change things up!
- Once you graduate counseling, or if you need to end due to a change, we ideally have session(s) to process the end of counseling. We will discuss what you attained, where to go from here, and any closure you may need. This is a celebration of your accomplishments, and a very special time!
- Afterward, you can reach out if you need assistance with records, want to work on something else, need referrals, etc.
Check these out for more info: Taylor Burdick, Twelve Stones, Teletherapy
Contact us for any questions you may have!
What should I prepare ahead of time?
Here’s some suggestions. This really depends on what you would like/need.
- Water bottle
- Pen/Pencil
- Journal
- Any homework assignments/follow-up
- Any questions you may have or issues you want to discuss
- Comfort items to help you calm down (e.g. fidget toy, hoodie, essential oil smells, music)
Is there anything I can’t have in session?
- Twelve Stones does not hold a political stance on firearms and other weapons, but we do have to ensure safety. If you have weapons during the session we may need to ask questions to ensure safety. If we believe you are in imminent danger we need to take action.
- Recreational drugs, paraphernalia, marijuana, and alcohol are not welcome during session. You may have vape pens and cigarettes on your person, but we ask that you refrain until after session.
- If you want someone else to join, you will need to sign paperwork beforehand. This is not true if you are a minor and they are your parent(s)/guardian(s), in most circumstances. If others join and you didn’t sign a consent for that first, we end the call and charge a fee.
Questions? Contact us, we are happy to help!