The Therapeutic Relationship. Psychotherapy involves a relationship between Patient and Therapist. The relationship is the container within which Patient’s goals can be achieved. As such, it is often one in which close emotional bonds develop. At the same time, in order to be a safe and effective container, Therapist and Patient must maintain appropriate boundaries. For the most part, the therapeutic relationship begins and ends at the therapy office. Although this aspect sometimes may be difficult to understand, it is essential for maintenance of an effective therapeutic environment. As a result, Therapist cannot be involved with Patient in social, business, or friendship relationships outside of the therapy office. In order to maintain Patient’s privacy, Therapist will not acknowledge Patient if Therapist and Patient encounter one another in a public setting unless Patient initiates the interaction.
The Therapeutic Relationship. Your determination to explore the possibility of entering into therapy for personal and relationship issues is a process that is deserving of thoughtful consideration on both your part as well as ours. In an effort to provide you with information you may need to make your decision, your initial visit is available at no charge. This allows you to meet us with no financial obligations, and to determine if this is the right place for you. As therapy is a very personal experience built upon mutual trust and respect between the client and the therapist, our mutual sense of compatibility is an essential element of a successful therapeutic relationship. Therefore, if at the conclusion of our initial visit, you do not feel this is the appropriate environment for you, we will be happy to assist you in finding a more suitable place and therapist. Therapy sessions are initially scheduled on a weekly basis lasting approximately one hour each. It is almost impossible to predict how many sessions it will take in order for you to complete your therapeutic process. It is our belief that you will know when therapy has served its purpose for you. Some clients prefer to address a specific issue and then to conclude therapy. Others prefer to maintain an on-going therapeutic relationship once the original issue has been resolved. We will check with you periodically regarding your perceived value in continuing therapy. You can trust that we will focus our efforts effectively and efficiently during our sessions so that we may maximize our therapeutic time together. A part of our continual commitment to the therapeutic process is to follow up with our clients at specific intervals once regularly scheduled therapy sessions are deemed no longer necessary. Typically these follow up contacts are scheduled three (3) months, six (6) months, and one (1) year after the discontinuation of sessions. Please indicate your willingness to allow us to contact you by checking the appropriate boxes below: I prefer NOT to receive any follow up contact. I agree to receive follow up contact via telephone and/or email .
