What to Expect

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 it will be like.

This is intentionally very detailed to help those who tend to feel more comfortable knowing 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 and it also 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.
  • From then on, we will work toward your goals collaboratively and use a counseling style that fits you uniquely.
  • There’s a list at the bottom of this page of what you may want to bring to session, what is not allowed, and what we provide.
  • Once we 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 if you need assistance with records, want to work on something else, need 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.

Paperwork

  • We know we have a lot of paperwork– it’s meant 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 sessions in-person you can do paperwork at the time of the first session or beforehand through our client portal. If you’re doing telehealth we ask that you sign 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.
  • Regardless of if you complete paperwork in session or beforehand, 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 certain parts of the forms are reviewed together.

What will sessions be like?

  • In the first session, we will focus mostly on understanding the paperwork and making sure that we (counselor and client) are a good fit for each other. 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 52 minutes, but you may schedule for more time if you believe you need a longer session or need time to calm down from session before leaving the office. This will be an additional cost. If you want to have some calm down time within the 52 minute session, let your counselor know and she will plan accordingly.
  • In the first few sessions we will focus mostly on your goals, getting to know each other, and getting a feel for what type of counseling will work best for you.
  • From there, we will work toward your goals. This differs for each client; some love handouts, some love tools, some love homework, some just need to talk, others need to share their story as it relates to a theme, others need direct feedback, etc. No matter how it looks for you, please know that your counselor will adjust to what she senses 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 we 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. This is a celebration of your accomplishments, and a very special time!
  • After you’re done with counseling, you can reach back out if you need assistance with records, want to work on something else, need referrals, etc.
  • We suggest that you also check out our About Twelve Stones, About the Counselor, About the Office, and About Teletherapy pages for more information.
  • Feel free to contact us with any questions!

What can I bring to an in-person session?

Good question! Here’s some things you are welcome (but not required) to bring:

  • A water bottle/drink
  • Journal
  • Jacket
  • Food (we do request that it’s not something with a strong odor, out of respect for clients coming in after you; however, we are totally fine with you eating if you need to!)
  • Service animals
  • Comfort items (e.g. a hoodie, blanket, gum, music/headphones, fidget toy)
  • Inhaler, Epi-Pen, etc.

Is there anything I am not allowed to bring into session?

  • Twelve Stones does not hold a political stance on firearms, but we do have a policy of not having concealed carry firearms in the office. You are welcome to store them in your car or keep them outside the session room.
  • Recreational drugs, paraphernalia, marijuana, and alcohol are not welcome in the office. You may have vape pens and cigarettes on your person, but you are not allowed to use them indoors.
  • If you want someone else to join your session, you will need to sign paperwork before they are allowed to join. This is not true if you are a minor and they are your parent(s)/guardian(s).

What does Twelve Stones provide for in-person sessions?

  • Pens/paper
  • Coloring/crafting items
  • Toys/sensory bin
  • Fidgets
  • Printer for handouts, paperwork, etc.
  • Tissues
  • Coffee/Tea and sweetener/creamer
  • Water bottles
  • Heater/Fan
  • Small granola bars/candy