What to expect: counseling & therapy in Ann Arbor and across Michigan
What to expect from your first appointment with a therapist in Ann Arbor, MI
When a client reaches out, most therapists do their best to return a call within 24 hours (unless a client calls Friday night and the therapist doesn’t work on the weekends). If a therapist doesn’t return your call, it could be that they’re not taking new clients, they’re inundated with referrals and can’t keep up, they’re out of the office and notified current clients, but forgot to change their voicemail setting for new clients, or for some other reason, therapists are human too!
I can’t speak for every therapist, but the best way to reach me for the first time is to send me an email. I respond with relevant practice information (scheduling availability; rates, fees and insurance) so we don’t have to review that during our 15-minute consultation call. Consultation calls are also scheduled via email to avoid phone tag.
In a recent post, I covered things you might want to ask the therapist during this call, but I have questions too. But, I always start with “do you have any questions for me?” I want you to feel like you’re in the drivers seat of your care. I’ll also ask if you’ve been in therapy before, if you’re seeing a therapist currently (it is not advisable that you see two therapists at the same time), and if you take any medications for your mental health.
Finally, I’ll ask what you are seeking therapy for? Not every therapist can treat every presenting issue. First and foremost, I want to get you the best care possible. If I’m not a good fit, I’ll do my best to connect you with someone who is.
What to expect in the first session with a therapist in Ann Arbor, MI
Some therapists structure their first (few) sessions to make sure they cover everything on their intake assessment. I approach therapy a bit more organically. Yes, there are questions I need to ask, but most of the required history taking comes from you in the first few sessions without me having to be too rigid or directing.
I think of our first three visits as an assessment period. During that time, we're both getting to know each other. In the hundreds of clients I have seen over the years, I have only had to refer out a 2-3 times when I genuinely didn’t feel I’d be a good clinical fit for a client. And each time, I made sure those few clients had ample resources of where they could continue care.
How long does someone work with a therapist in Ann Arbor, MI? How many therapy sessions do you need?
I’m a data nerd, so I track my numbers every year. I can tell you how many sessions each client has attended since they started therapy with me. Some clients attend for brief periods and do best with solution-focused work. Other clients appreciate having “a therapist on retainer” for monthly or quarterly check-ins long after they no longer “need” therapy from a clinical perspective. On average, clients stay for 12-14 sessions until transitioning out of care or transitioning to monthly or quarterly appointments.
EMDR Therapy in Ann Arbor and across Michigan
In addition to eclectic talk therapy informed from a variety of therapeutic perspectives, I offer EMDR therapy. EMDR is a wonderful compliment to traditional talk therapy and can offer rapid resolution of core beliefs people tell themselves that make them feel stuck.
therapy in ann arbor and Online Therapy across Michigan
Hi, I’m Nikki. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17+ years of experience. In my online therapy practice, I support adults through life’s tough transitions, traumas, losses, and other adversities. Seeking therapy? Message me to schedule your FREE 15-minute phone consultation.