Good question. There is a big difference. The difference is between someone who is subjectively involved in your life, and a professional who has objectivity, training, expert knowledge, and experience. Family and friends have the potential to offer support, yet not in the same method or type.

Professionals can help you approach your situation in a new way:

• Listen without judgment or expectations

• Ensure confidentiality

• Provide helpful perspectives

• Offer genuine support and help

• Listen with no ulterior motives

• Teach new information or skills

In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your emotional state, history relevant to your issue, and talk about progress (or any new insights gained). I will provide feedback and guide you as we talk and explore. At times, I might guide you through Somatic-informed practices to help you discover how your body and mind are connected and a resource for you in gaining insight and emotionally regulating. Suggestions may be provided for you to consider incorporating outside of our meetings, to support your progress.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes, once a week. This frame is necessary for building our relationship and keeping the momentum going so you can get the most out of therapy. Therapy works best when this weekly session is held as consistently as possible. Depending on your specific needs, counseling and learning can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to address more ingrained patterns. We can discuss this further in person, as I hear more about your situation and concerns.