What to expect from the first session...
...(and beyond)

 

Congratulations on taking the first step and looking into details before you make your first appointment! Especially if this is your first time trying out counseling, it is very normal to feel anxious or confused. I would like to make it easier for you by providing some information on what to expect. You have a specific question in mind? Please visit my "Frequently Asked Questions" page to see if your question is answered there. For general information on the therapy process, please read below.

 

We will meet in a comfortable room and talk about the concerns you have (or important people in your life have about you), history of the issue, your likes, dislikes, expectations, and goals for therapy. We will look through the forms you completed or fill them out together. Especially the first session looks more like "getting to know each other". It gives you a chance to talk about the issues that have been bothering you, to clear your mind, and to see if I am a good fit for you. It gives me a chance to learn about your strengths and values, and to start formulating ideas about the causes of the problem and the ways you can use your own strengths, in the ways that fit with your values to solve your problems. You already have the biggest tool to overcome your struggles: Your expertise! You are the expert of your own life, and believe me, you know more than you give yourself credit for. My contribution will be to help you discover that side of you. Remember David?

 

Therapy is not a rose garden. Although generally you will leave the sessions feeling better, there will be sessions you will feel challenged, confused, and tired. This is normal and part of the change and growth process. Over time, if therapy is working, you will start feeling better about yourself and life in general.

 

I have a system to make sure to incorporate your feedback into sessions periodically. If something that we are doing in sessions is helping you to get closer to your goals and makes you feel better even between sessions, we will do more of it. If it is not helping you, we will change gears. You choose to get counseling by investing your time, energy, and money to feel better. We need to make sure that your investment pays off in a relatively short amount of time.

 

Based on your desires, needs, values, and personal strengths, I will teach you tools in order to maintain what you gained from the therapy sessions, so you can fire me, and live your life fully to your own potential.

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Once again, I congratulate you for taking the first step! If you think you would like to give it a try, I am looking forward to meeting you. If not, I wish you the best in your journey! Please contact me at nespinar@gmail.com or (925) 405 - 6040 to learn more & schedule your FREE consultation session.*

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* You'll pay for your first session only if we decide we are a good match. You owe me nothing if you decide we are not a good match, and I'll gladly provide you with referrals.

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Looking forward to meeting you soon and working together!

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Good Faith Estimate Notice

• You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. 

• Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. 

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. 

• You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. 

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

•  For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.