What Is Therapy With Brian Like?

Many people wonder what to expect when they start therapy with me.

Some people have never been to therapy before, and just want a general idea of what to expect.

Other people who have experienced counseling before want details about my approach to therapy.

This page will help both kinds of people.

While all good therapists follow certain practices, like everyone else we have our own personalities and preferences. I hope you'll find we're a good match.

Before The First Session

When you’re ready to set up an appointment, decide if you’d like to start with a brief 20-minute no cost consultation or if you’d like to start with a regular 50-minute session.

At the bottom of most pages or on the contact page, you’ll find a link you can click to request an appointment. You can use that link, you can contact me via text (404-786-0415) or you can email me directly brian@hillpinecounseling.com (You can also call the text number, but it takes long to reply to phone calls since I’m often in session).

After you request an appointment I will confirm the date and time, and I will send you information on either directions to the office or instructions on how to log in to a video session. My office is located on Piedmont Road, between Ansley Mall and Buford Highway.

I'll also send you some paperwork you can fill out online prior to your first appointment.  The forms ask for basic information like date of birth, address, and counseling history.  Other forms describe office policies and things you should know about therapy.

What To Expect In Your First Sessions

Psychotherapy is intended to provide a safe environment for you to discuss, explore, and resolve problems or struggles in your life.

The process works best when you talk freely about what is going on in your life (events), in your body (sensations), and in your mind (thoughts or emotions).

Sometimes these thoughts are scary to confront or admit.

You may worry about what I'm thinking about you. 

While it is normal to have these concerns, rest assured that therapy is a place where you will not be judged.

Whatever you bring up you'll find me an eager and understanding listener.

Be prepared in the first session to tell me about your other experiences with therapy counseling--what has or hasn't worked in the past.  If you've never been in therapy before, then tell me about your assumptions and expectations for our meetings. 

In the first sessions we will discuss your goals and concerns for therapy.  We will also discuss treatment expectations. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and change the focus if you want to shorten your time in counseling.

Depending on the individual, I often end up asking the questions to get us started. Other people prefer to start by telling me what’s bothering them and letting me ask questions later.

What To Expect From A Therapist

As a therapist, my priorities are listening, understanding, and earning your trust.

My goal is to understand what it is like to be in your shoes and to see the world through your eyes.

I always aim to listen non-judgmentally. I'm not here to punish people or make them feel guilty. Instead, I want you to know that I'll support you through the good times and bad and that I'm always on your side.

One misunderstanding some people have about therapy is that they expect the therapist to solve problems for them.  Therapists don't do that. I can help you see your situation more clearly, and help guide you towards the decision about what’s best for your life and well being.

During the course of our time together you may face big decisions and changes in your life. You are always in control of your own life.

My job is to help you see the pros and cons of decisions and to help point out any blind spots or assumptions you may be making.  If you are stuck, I can help you get unstuck. I will always try to help you reach your goals. 

I generally let clients decide what we will talk about each meeting.  We'll often veer off onto other topics. I will offer challenges or interpretations of things I hear, and I will ask you questions to be sure I'm understanding what you're saying.

I’m not the sort of therapist who just sits quietly and nods my head. That being said, there are clients or situations who really need me to hear and understand something important before I respond. In those moments, I am all ears.

How Many Sessions Will Therapy Last?

I use well researched and proven treatment methods in my practice.

Sometimes supporters of a particular method will promise a cure in 6, 10, or 12 sessions. Many clients do find fast results with counseling and therapy.

Many other clients, however, present with more complicated problems or personal histories that can’t be resolved quickly. Perhaps you’ve tried a quick fix therapy and found the benefts were not deep or long lasting.

I can’t predict how long your therapy will last. Some clients do spend several months to a year or even several years in therapy. It just depends on the complexity of the problems you bring to therapy, what’s happened in your history, and your goals for therapy.

You are always the final judge of if therapy is working or not.

You are free to stop at any time, but I ask that if you get the feeling that you're ready to stop, please tell me first. It is better if we can prepare for ending our sessions and arrange for a smooth transition out of therapy. 

It is also helpful for me if you let me know what you feel has worked for you or helped you out the most.  I learn and grow from your feedback.