What to Expect
The whole process of finding and establishing a new therapist can be a bit exhausting - especially if you’ve never done this before. Here I hope to provide some basic information about what the process of starting with me will look like and what you can expect from my personal style of therapy.
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The good part is that by even being here you’ve already made a huge step by recognizing the need to take care of yourself! But as for getting onboarded at my practice the best thing you can do is email me at justin@firstlightcounselingnc.com. If you wish to send a formal request giving some basic information about where you’re at or what you’re looking for, then sending a submission via the ‘Contact’ page on my website is also an option.
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1) Ideally, I like to set up a consultation phone call to discuss the basics of your case. I usually do this to know a bit more about you and go into a little more detail about your situation, as well as to ensure that the proper client-therapist fit and expertise is provided for your needs. If for any reason it feels you may be better served by another therapist I will always be willing to help you find another referral.
2) Once we’ve confirmed you would like to move forward, we’ll find an open time to meet
3) I will immediately set you up as a new client on Simple Practice and an email will be provided to you for the creation of a client portal account. Here you will fill out all intake paperwork and signed forms which I will need completed before we meet for our first session.
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If you will be joining via telehealth you will be receiving an email with a link to your session via Simple Practice. There is not even a need to log on, and you can enter basic information within the video chat. If you are meeting with me in person, you can use the front doors of my office location 411 Chestnut Street, Suite A. The building has a door code which I will share with you once a session has been scheduled. My office will be the first door up the stairs to the left and there is a seat for
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Good question! For many you’ll get a different answer which is why I feel like it’s important to provide my own.
When most think of therapy they’ll imagine an expert in a chair with all the answers and advice one can give. However, in my practice therapy is a collaborative work between the client and me, the therapist, in which we work together to find the best path forward for you based on your own personal needs and values. I’m pretty adamant about the fact I do no not know you better than you know yourself - nor does anyone else.
Rest assured, I will be providing plenty of structure, expertise, and insight in order to help guide you through your therapeutic process. My job lies in providing you with a unique source of psychological education, resources, interventions, and perspectives, while also supplying you with unconditional support and advocacy throughout the process.
But simply put, no therapist can do all of the work for you. To go with the theme of my practice, imagine a lighthouse. It doesn’t save the ships; it doesn’t go out and rescue them. It can only stand there as a pillar providing hope and guidance - the rest is up to the captain. Therapy is a process that requires time, dedication, and consistency if you truly wish to make a change in your life. You get out of it what you put into it. But if you are willing and able to do so, I have no doubt that this process will only ever benefit you.
