Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s normal to have questions or uncertainty about what the process will be like. At New Generation Mental Health Counseling, we aim to make the beginning of therapy as clear as possible. This page offers an overview of what clients can generally expect when reaching out to our practice and starting therapy.

Reaching Out

The process begins when you contact us through our website or by email. We will respond to your inquiry and help determine next steps, which may include an initial consultation to explore your needs, availability, and whether our services are a good fit. If you have questions about therapy, scheduling, or logistics, we encourage you to ask them early. We believe transparency and open communication help set the foundation for a positive therapeutic experience.

The Initial Consultation or Intake

Your first appointment is an opportunity to begin getting to know one another. During this session, your clinician will invite you to share what has brought you to therapy, what you hope to gain from the process, and any concerns you may have. This conversation helps establish a shared understanding of your goals and allows your clinician to explain how therapy typically works within our practice. There is no expectation to have everything figured out right away, and many people begin therapy with only a general sense that something isn’t working or feels overwhelming.

Early Sessions

In the early stages of therapy, sessions often focus on building a sense of safety, trust, and clarity. Your clinician may ask questions to better understand your experiences, relationships, and patterns, while also paying attention to what feels most important to address first. Therapy moves at a pace guided by your comfort level and needs. Some clients prefer to focus on present concerns, while others are interested in exploring longer-standing patterns or experiences. Both approaches are valid, and your clinician will work collaboratively with you to shape the direction of the work.

Ongoing Therapy

As therapy continues, sessions may involve developing insight, practicing new ways of responding to emotions or situations, and reflecting on changes as they unfold. The therapeutic process is flexible and responsive, adjusting over time as your goals evolve or new challenges emerge. Progress in therapy is rarely linear. There may be periods of clarity, difficulty, growth, or pause. Your clinician will regularly check in with you about how the process feels and whether adjustments are needed to support your ongoing work.

Reassessment and Pacing

Therapy is not meant to follow a rigid timeline. Throughout your work together, you and your clinician may revisit goals, pace, and focus to ensure the therapy remains helpful and aligned with your needs. Some clients engage in therapy for a shorter period around a specific concern, while others find value in longer-term work. Decisions about continuing, adjusting, or concluding therapy are made collaboratively and thoughtfully.

A Supportive and Respectful Environment

At New Generation Mental Health Counseling, we are committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and nonjudgmental environment. Therapy is a space where you can bring your experiences as they are, without pressure to present yourself in a certain way or to move faster than feels right. If you are considering therapy and would like to learn more about our services or next steps, we welcome you to reach out.