First Session, What to Expect
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you've never done it before. Many people worry they'll say the wrong thing, won't know where to begin, or won't have a “good enough” reason to be there. If that's you, you're in good company.
One of my goals is to make therapy feel approachable from the very beginning.
Getting There
If we're meeting in person, you'll park in our free parking garage (!!!), take the elevator to the fourth floor, and check in on the iPad in our comfortable downtown Nashville office. I'll meet you in the lobby and bring you back to my office when it's time for your appointment. I intentionally don't begin therapy in the hallway or with a lot of small talk because I want your session to start with intention and privacy.
If we are meeting virtually, you will receive a link to your email 24 hours before our appointment. You will click the link and be connected with me when the session starts. Please plan to join the session in an atmosphere that you feel most free and comfortable in, so that you can participate in the way that you would like.
Inside the Room
During our first session, I'll give you a roadmap for what to expect. We'll briefly review my credentials, my supervision as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, and the legal limits of confidentiality so you know exactly how therapy works before we dive into your story.
I've already read your paperwork, so I won't ask you to repeat every detail. Instead, I'll invite you to tell me what feels most important. I'll ask lots of questions! I’m not asking questions because I'm doubting your experience, but because I want to understand it as fully as possible. My goal is to understand how you've come to make sense of your world and see things from your point of view. Even with all the training in the world, no therapist will ever experience your life as much as you do. You are the expert of your own story.
Pace
The first few sessions are intentionally slower than many people expect. Rather than rushing toward advice or quick fixes, we’re building a foundation.
The first few sessions are intentionally slower than many people expect. Rather than rushing toward advice or quick fixes, we're building a foundation. By the end of those early sessions, I don't expect to know everything about you. I do hope you leave feeling understood, respected, and confident that we're building a plan together.
Throughout therapy, you'll never be left wondering what we're doing or why. I believe you deserve to understand the purpose behind our conversations and the research behind the tools we use. Therapy shouldn't feel mysterious.
You can also expect me to notice patterns. Clients often tell me one of the most helpful parts of our work is hearing connections they hadn't made before.
It doesn't have to feel heavy all the time. Some sessions are emotional. Some are full of insight. Some are surprisingly funny. People are often surprised by how much we laugh together. Humor doesn't take away from meaningful work. Sometimes it helps us finally loosen our grip on shame.
Practical Details
1900 Church St Suite 403, Nashville, TN 37203. Free parking garage and a fourth-floor office. Directions and parking
Sessions are 50 minutes. We’ll talk about frequency together rather than assuming a schedule.
$140 per session. I do not accept insurance, but I can provide a superbill or accept HSA cards as payment. Rates and insurance
Email me directly at olivia@nashville-counseling.com. Your message comes straight to me.
Many people worry they'll say the wrong thing or won't have a good enough reason to be there. You don't have to figure out how to do therapy before you come to therapy.
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