When starting therapy, it's very common to feel nervous. It can be difficult to imagine the words around what you are feeling. Maybe you've experienced feeling tongue tied when trying to open up to friends or loved ones in the past. It’s overwhelming. Getting the counseling we need can be challenging. It's normal to be nervous, but that doesn't make it feel great. It takes courage to get the help you need.

Therapy is a space where you can be yourself and bring all your feelings into session, including feeling nervous. I’m committed to finding a way to care for your nervousness and ensure sessions are as comfortable as possible.

I’m here if you want to talk about it during a free phone consultation. To schedule a consultation, email me at j.andrews@gladoakscounseling.com

Description text goes hereTake your time to read through my website. If you sense that I may be a good fit based on what you are reading, email me at j.andrews@gladoakscounseling.com.

During a free phone consultation, you can ask me questions about my approach, about how I have helped other people like you before, or any other questions you may have that are specific to you. You’ll also be able to share what’s going on for you and I can share my ideas about how I can help.

It may be helpful to think of the first few sessions as trying out the waters together. During the sessions, you’ll be able to understand how comfortable you feel in sessions. My approach is not going to work for everyone. What’s most important to me is you finding someone who is the right fit for you. We can explore that together.

It's natural not to want to share some of the painful or difficult things we've been through. During our sessions, it will always be up to you when you feel ready to talk about something or not. It’s my job to give you space to slowly start to work through the tough stuff. Gradually and at a pace that feels comfortable to you, you can share what you feel ready to share.

You can also share with me that you are nervous to open up about something and we can talk about that too. Your feelings are welcome as are your feelings about how you feel. I'm here to help you with whatever is going on for you.

When you open up to me, I will not think you are too sensitive, I will think you are courageous and human. Many of my clients have had the same fear (that people would think they are too sensitive).

Working with my clients has shown me that the challenges you’re facing are normal and natural.

You're not being dramatic or "too much." We all suffer in different ways.

Whatever it is you're going through, I provide a calming space where I respect you and listen with focus and compassion

It can be concerning feeling like things you say or do in therapy could "get out." So, you should know that unless you are suicidal, harming yourself, or someone else, what you say in sessions stays between you and me.

I highly respect your privacy and value your trust.

You can rest assured that you can talk about anything without fear of that information getting out.

If you have specific questions about how confidentiality works, you can ask during your free phone consultation or anytime during our work together.

You might be asking about how long therapy will take because you are currently struggling and want relief fast.

If this is true for you, I want you to know that on average, my new clients start seeing small amounts of growth after the first few sessions.

By that point, they feel a little calmer and more hopeful that healing is possible.

The total duration of therapy varies from client to client. Some of my clients find 6-12 weeks to be enough to resolve immediate challenges. While other clients feel more supported by longer term therapy.

We will work together to find the length of time that works for you.

Christian counseling is different because we acknowledge Christ is the true source of all healing and comfort. No real growth or truly good change comes apart from Him. Because of this we try to always honor the Lord in everything we do in our sessions. Item description

Yes, there is always space to incorporate scripture and pray during our time together.

Overall, you can think of the first session as a structured assessment that helps me get to know you and the challenges that brought you into treatment. I’ll invite you to share more about yourself and we can also talk about what’s worked or not worked for your mental health in the past.

Some questions I ask during an initial session include:

• What brought you to therapy?

• What goals would you like to reach by going to therapy?

• What do I need to know about you to understand your current challenges?

You can ask me questions as well. You might be curious about my professional experience or how future sessions work.

The most important part of an initial session is you see if I’m a good fit for you. If you feel calm, heard, and cared for with me, we can discuss if you’d like to meet again.

I'm here to talk during a free phone consultation where you can share what’s going on for you and I can share my ideas about how I can help you.

Email me today to get your free phone consultation at j.andrews@gladoakscounseling.com.