Many people who go to a first counseling session don’t come back for a second. In one large study of health plan members, 34 percent didn’t come back to the same therapist within 45 days of their first visit. Some of them had a poor first visit, but others rated it highly and said they already felt much better.
Research on keeping people in counseling has found that preparing people for what to expect helps them keep coming.
The first phone call
Call me at (386) 290-1097, and we’ll talk for about 15 minutes. You can tell me what’s going on and ask any questions you have about counseling. Then we can decide together on a next step.
Before you arrive
Before your first session, you’ll fill out two forms: a consent form and a new client information form. For anyone under 18, a parent or legal guardian signs the consent form and fills out the child intake form instead of the new client information form. You’ll find them all on the forms page. You can print them, fill them out, and bring them with you, so we can spend the session talking instead of doing paperwork.
My office is at 3959 South Nova Road, Suite 14, in Port Orange. It’s in the second building, at the back of the parking lot. Come through the two doors in the center of the building, and you’ll see chairs straight ahead. You don’t need to check in with anyone. Have a seat, and I’ll come out to get you.
What happens in the first session
In the first session, I’ll get to know you and hear what brought you in, whether that’s strain in your marriage, anger you keep regretting, a habit you can’t break, or a son who won’t talk to you. We’ll go over parts of the forms you filled out, and I’ll ask some questions. You set the pace, and I won’t push you to talk about anything you’re not ready for. Before we finish, we’ll talk about where you’d like to go from here.
After the first session
How many sessions you’ll need depends on you and what you’re working on. We’ll meet regularly and work toward the goals we set together. When you’re ready, we can meet less often, and if you stop, you’re always welcome to come back.
Between sessions, I’ll usually give you something to do, like journaling, reading, or a question to think about, so you can put what we talk about into practice during the week.
What it costs
Sessions are $125 for 50 minutes, by appointment. I don’t bill insurance, so you pay me directly. Payment is due at each session, and you can pay by card, cash, or check. If you need to cancel, please give me at least 24 hours’ notice, or you’ll be charged the full session fee.
My faith
I’m a follower of Jesus, and my faith shapes how I counsel. Every man is welcome here, whatever he believes.
My training and supervision
I’m a registered marriage and family therapist intern in Florida. I practice under the supervision of a licensed therapist at Family Care Counseling Center, which has served this area since 1991.
If you have questions
My rates page answers some common questions, or you can send me a message and ask me directly.
If you’re in crisis, don’t wait for an appointment. Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.