What to Expect – The First Session

What to Expect – The First Session

Getting Started with Grounded Mind

Reaching out is the hardest part.

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Once you’ve decided you want help, the rest is straightforward. This page walks you through what happens after you press “Schedule a Call,” what the first session feels like, and what to expect in the first few weeks.
You don’t have to know exactly what’s wrong. You only have to be willing to start the conversation.
Schedule a Call

THE FIRST CALL

The first call is free and lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. It isn't therapy. It's a conversation. I open with one question: Tell me what's going on. You don't need to organize your thoughts in advance. Whatever comes out first is fine. After I've listened, I'll ask a few things to get oriented: what's been hardest lately, what you've tried before, whether you're working with a prescriber, and what you'd want to be different six months from now.
You can ask me anything. How I work. Whether I've treated something like this before. How long therapy usually takes. Whether you'll need EMDR. What if you're not sure you're "bad enough" to be in therapy. Ask. If I'm not the right fit, I'll say so and help you find someone who is.

The First Session

If we agree to work together, the first session is 50 minutes. You don’t need to prepare. Some clients walk in with a year of notes. Others start by saying, “I don’t even know where to begin.” Both work.

We’ll talk through what you came in with, look at the larger context, identify the patterns bothering you most, and decide together what the first weeks of our work should focus on.
You’ll leave with at least one thing you can use the same day.

THE FIRST CALL

The first weeks are about stabilization.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you name the patterns driving your reactions and interrupt the cycle. Most of my clients say they feel real relief within the first six sessions.
If it's time to go deeper, we'll talk about EMDR and decide together when to begin. You can read more about both on the How Therapy Works page.

Whole-Person Health

I think of the work as a triangle: mind, body, and soul.

Mind

Body

Soul

What you eat, how you sleep, how much you move, and how you regulate your nervous system all affect what we can do together in session. I'll ask about those things because they're part of how you heal.

Logistics

Where:
In-person in Westlake Village, CA and secure telehealth for clients in California.
Session Length:
50
Minutes
Intensive EMDR sessions are 90 minutes.

Fees:

Standard sessions are $200.
Intensive EMDR sessions are $300 (80 minutes)
Insurance:
I am an out-of-network provider. I can provide a superbill for clients with out-of-network mental health benefits.
Professional memberships:
Most clients meet weekly to start. As things stabilize, we may move to every other week.
Cancellations:
I ask for 24 hours’ notice. Late cancellations are charged the full session fee.

Common Questions

Do I have to know what's wrong before I call?


No. Most people don’t. “I don’t know what’s wrong but something is” is a complete sentence.

How long does therapy take?


Symptom relief usually shows up within the first six sessions. Deeper root work takes longer and varies by person. I’ll be honest with you about what I see.

Can I just come for EMDR if I already have a therapist?

Yes. I work with clients who already have a primary therapist and want to do focused EMDR work with me. We’ll coordinate with your therapist if you’d like.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re ready, call me. We’ll start with one question: Tell me what’s going on. I’ll listen while you get it off your chest. If we’re a good match, we’ll begin.
Schedule a Call