Sharon Elwood, MA, LPC

If you've never been in any kind of therapy setting here are some things you need to know:

Making the decision to get some help with whatever it is that is troubling you is a huge decision.  I applaud you who find the courage to take the first step and make an initial appointment.

Once you find a therapist that appeals to you setting up the first appointment can be very hard.  Let yourself reach out and trust that by giving yourself permission to get help you've taken first step towards changing your life.

Often times, once therapy begins, it becomes evident that the issues run deeper than they first appear. Though there are therapeutic approaches that profess short-term change, I believe to really get to the heart of the matter it may take more time than initially anticipated.

I will ask you in session if you are aware of the commitment necessary to feel better.  I will consistently offer alternative approaches to augment our work, but the responsibility falls on you, the client, to trust yourself enough to follow through with the suggestions that I may provide.  Building a safe container to invite the wound to reveal itself is very hard work and sometimes both client and therapist have to be patient.

Therefore, pratically speaking, ongoing, weekly therapy (sessions are 50-minutes) is standard psychotherapy practice.  The number of sessions necessary to effect change varies considerably from client to client.  My point is to inform you, a potential client, that therapy involves a significant commitment to yourself and the therapeutic process. 

Reach out, ask for help, make a call or email

503 781-3530  Sharon@elwoodcounselingservices.com