New Client Guide

🌿 Welcome to True to Herself Therapy

Taking the first step toward therapy can bring up many different emotions. You may feel hopeful, nervous, excited, uncertain—or even all of those emotions at once. Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself or your child, know that you're not expected to have everything figured out before you begin.

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At True to Herself Therapy, we believe healing starts with feeling safe, heard, and supported. Therapy is a collaborative process where we'll work together to help you build the tools, confidence, and insight needed to navigate life's challenges.

No matter where you are in your journey, you are welcome here.

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👋 New Here?

If you're a new client, here's what your journey will look like:

Step 1

• Request an Appointment

• Complete the appointment request form or contact our office.

Step 2

• Complete Your Intake Forms

Once your appointment is scheduled, you'll receive access to your secure client portal where you'll complete:

• Intake paperwork

• Consent forms

• Insurance information

• Payment information

• Screening questionnaires

• Emergency contact information

Please complete all paperwork before your first appointment to avoid delays.

Step 3

Attend Your First Session

Your first appointment is all about getting to know you.

We'll talk about:

• What brings you to therapy

• Your goals

• Current concerns

• Strengths

• Family history

• Relationships

• School or work

• Any questions you have

There is no pressure to share everything during the first session.

Step 4

Begin Your Therapy Journey

Together we'll create treatment goals that fit your needs.

As therapy continues, we'll celebrate your progress, build new skills, and adjust your goals as you grow.

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Preparing for Your Appointment

Before Every Session

✔ Complete intake paperwork before your first appointment.

✔ Join your session a few minutes early.

✔ Choose a quiet, private location.

✔ Have your phone, tablet, or computer charged.

✔ Test your internet connection.

✔ Bring water if you'd like.

✔ Keep a notebook nearby for coping skills or reflections.

✔ Silence phone notifications when possible.

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 Telehealth Expectations

To provide the best therapeutic experience, please:

• Attend sessions from a private, quiet location.

• Keep your camera and microphone on throughout the session.

• Do not attend sessions while driving or riding in a moving vehicle.

• Limit distractions and interruptions.

• Wear headphones if privacy is needed.

• Be ready to begin at your scheduled appointment time.

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 What Therapy Looks Like

Every session is individualized. No two sessions are exactly alike.

Some sessions involve learning new coping skills.

Some focus on processing emotions.

Others may involve problem-solving, reflection, or celebrating progress.

The pace of therapy depends on your goals and needs.

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Therapy for Children

Children communicate differently than adults.

Rather than expecting children to sit and talk for an entire session, therapy often includes:

🎨 Art activities

🧩 Games

📚 Stories

🧸 Play-based interventions

😊 Emotion identification

💙 Coping skills practice

🫧 Relaxation activities

🎭 Role-playing

📖 Therapeutic books

🎬 Movie discussions

These activities are purposeful, evidence-based interventions designed to help children:

• Express emotions

• Build confidence

• Improve emotional regulation

• Increase frustration tolerance

• Develop social skills

• Strengthen problem-solving

• Practice healthy communication

Learning happens best when children are engaged.

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Therapy for Teens

Teen therapy provides a space that's supportive, nonjudgmental, and collaborative.

Sessions may include:

• Anxiety management

• Depression support

• Self-esteem

• Identity exploration

• Healthy friendships

• Boundaries

• School stress

• Family relationships

• Emotional regulation

• Communication skills

• Confidence building

• Goal setting

• Coping skills

Interactive activities may include:

• Journaling

• Art

• Worksheets

• Music discussions

• Movie therapy

• Values activities

• CBT exercises

• Role-playing

Therapy for Adults

Adult therapy is personalized to your goals.

Common areas include:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Stress

• Burnout

• Life transitions

• Self-esteem

• Relationships

• Communication

• Boundaries

• Trauma

• Grief

• Emotional regulation

• Personal growth

Sessions are conversational but also practical.

You'll leave with tools you can begin using outside of therapy.

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 Therapy Is a Team Effort

My Commitment to You

You can expect me to:

❤️ Listen without judgment

❤️ Create a safe environment

❤️ Respect your pace

❤️ Celebrate your growth

❤️ Teach practical coping skills

❤️ Provide evidence-based care

❤️ Encourage honesty and authenticity

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Your Commitment

Therapy is most effective when you:

✔ Attend sessions consistently.

✔ Practice skills outside of therapy.

✔ Share honestly.

✔ Ask questions.

✔ Be patient with yourself.

✔ Remember that healing takes time.

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Parent Information

Parents play an important role in treatment.

Depending on your child's age and goals, sessions may include:

• Brief parent check-ins

• Parent coaching

• Home strategies

• Skill reinforcement

• Progress updates

Children and teens also need a private space where they can build trust with their therapist. While parents remain an important part of treatment, maintaining age-appropriate confidentiality helps foster honesty, independence, and meaningful therapeutic progress.

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🔒 Confidentiality

Your privacy is important.

Information discussed during therapy is confidential except when disclosure is required by law, including situations involving:

• Risk of harm to self

• Risk of harm to others

• Suspected abuse or neglect

• Court orders or other legal requirements

For minors, parents remain involved while children and teens are also given an age-appropriate level of privacy.

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Homework may include:

• Journaling

• Coping skills practice

• Reflection questions

• Communication exercises

• Mindfulness activities​

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Homework is always optional and personalized.

How long does therapy take?

Everyone's journey is different.

Some clients attend for a few months while others benefit from longer-term support.

We'll regularly review your goals and progress together.

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🕒 Office Hours & After-Hours Support

Office Hours

Our clinical hours are:

• Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Saturday & Sunday: Closed

• Therapist availability and clinical hours also vary. 

Please note that therapists respond to messages during normal business hours only. Messages received outside of office hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, will be returned as soon as possible during the next business day. Response times may vary based on clinical availability.

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If You Are Experiencing an Emergency

True to Herself Therapy is an outpatient counseling practice and is not able to provide emergency or crisis services.

If you or your child are experiencing a mental health emergency, have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel that your safety is at immediate risk:

• Call 911 immediately, or

• Go to your nearest emergency room, or

• Contact your local mobile crisis response team (if available in your area).

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If you have previously created a Safety Plan with your therapist, please follow the steps outlined in your plan and utilize your identified coping strategies and support persons while seeking emergency assistance.

If the situation is urgent but not life-threatening, please leave a message through the client portal or by phone, and your therapist will respond during the next business day.