It can be somewhat intimidating to walk into therapy for the first time if you don't have an understanding for how it works.  

So let me explain the process of doing therapy with me at the Psychology Center of Russellville. The first step is a free 15-20 minute phone consultation. During that phone call I will ask you some questions about the your reasons for seeking services.  We will briefly discuss your symptoms and concerns and I may ask you some questions about your history. If at the end of the call you indicate an interest in scheduling an appointment, I will get your insurance information so that I can call your insurance company to verify your benefits and eligibility for services. I will contact you to tell you whether you have any remaining deductibles, a copay, co-insurance, etc. If you are still interested in coming in we then make an appointment and I will then email some paperwork for you to complete for the first appointment. 

At our first appointment together, which is called the intake appointment or initial evaluation appointment, I will ask you more detailed questions about your history and background and about the issues that are bringing you into therapy. We will also talk about what it is that you hope to achieve from therapy. In the next few sessions following that we will then develop a treatment plan involving the goals that you wish to work on in treatment  When that is completed we will begin to do the actual therapy based on those goals. Once you complete those goals we will then end therapy unless you have additional goals that you would like to address. The length of treatment varies depending on the type of issues you are wanting to address. Some people attend 3-4 sessions, while others may stay 6-12 months if needed.

I incorporate Client Centered therapy in my work with individuals. What this means is that the relationship between therapist and client is very important and plays a big part in treatment and whether it is successful (based on research). Thus through out treatment I will focus on this and monitor how we are doing. And if at any time you have concerns about how we are doing as a team I would ask that you bring them up so that we can discuss them and resolve any concerns if possible, If we cannot I would then offer you referrals to other therapists because it is important to me and for you to continue your treatment whether it is with me or someone else. So PLEASE let me know if there are concerns, and know that it is safe to do so. I know that not all therapists are a good fit and if we aren't then I am happy to help you find one that is. 

I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in working with individuals. This focuses on identifying the ineffective or flawed thinking and behaviors that have contributed to your presenting problems. Once identified we will then work on new skills to modify those thoughts and behaviors which will then allow for positive change in mood and functioning