Your First Visit With Judy Keappler
We are not at our best perched at the summit; we are climbers, at our best when the way is steep.
John W. Gardner
Renowned Social Reformer (1912-2002)
When you make the decision to begin counseling, you take a huge step toward obtaining mental and emotional health for yourself. Whether you want to pursue healthier relationships or address problematic behaviors, thoughts, or feelings, therapy is a great place to experience hope, embrace change, and pursue healing.
But if you don't know what to expect from the process, it can be a bit scary. Please know, one of my top priorities is that you feel safe in our therapeutic relationship. If you have any questions or concerns as we begin, please bring them to my attention before or during our first session.
Also, please fill out the following forms and bring them to your first session:
These forms will also give you additional information about the counseling process with me.
Our first few sessions will primarily be a time to identify what brought you to therapy as well as to establish what your goals for therapy are. This early time is significant as I come to understand your history and any other contributing factors related to your therapy goals. This process generally takes more than one session.
I will be asking questions of you, but questions you have throughout the therapeutic process are extremely important to me as well. Never hesitate to ask your questions. A huge contributing factor to our success together is your willingness to share how you are feeling and what you are thinking when we are together. Between sessions, it is likely that thoughts, feelings, questions, and "aha" moments will surface. When they do, make a mental (or actual) note and bring that to our next time together.
Therapy is a team effort. And as a team our purpose is to accomplish the goals you desire to reach. I want to encourage you to be realistic and patient about this process as therapy is never a quick fix, but rather a rich process that requires time as well as a trusting relationship built between us.
I look forward to helping you work toward your goals. It is an honor to partner with you as you experience hope and healing and transformation.