FAQs Archive - Page 5 of 5

Q: How long will I be in therapy once I have started?

Please be aware that while a great deal can be discussed in a first session, it is exactly that, just the first of what will likely be several sessions to come. We prefer to see my newer clients on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, at least initially. We are able to see clients less frequently in order to best support budgeting needs, but weekly sessions are an excellent way to create a solid rapport and build some framework for the progress toward goals that a client desires. We typically see clients for at least 3-6 months, sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. We also have a number of clients whom we have seen for years, but who will seek our services only as life changes occur and support is needed.

Q: What is a “vulnerability hangover?”

When clients open up too much, too fast, it can result in a vulnerability hangover in which they have an increase in intrusive thoughts, feelings, or might feel like shutting down and pulling away in order to salvage their sense of emotional integrity. This can occur when there is not a strong enough foundation built to process something of greater emotional activation such as trauma, or the details of an event that requires a sense of trust and non-judgment to have been established prior to talking about. We recommend that you let us know that there is an area of emotional activation that will need to be processed at some point, but not quite yet, and we will respect your boundaries to get there as you are ready to do so.