Getting Started
EACH JOURNEY IS UNIQUE
Step 1: You’re ready
Congratulations for taking a step forward to make a change in your life through counseling.
I look forward to joining you on this journey to regain control of your feelings.
Please contact me via phone at (561) 602-0833 or email at carmen@counselorcarmen.com to schedule a free consultation or appointment.
If you call and I don’t answer, please leave me a detailed message indicating the best time to talk, and I will call you back. I return all calls within 24 hours.
If you contact me on a Friday afternoon, I’ll call you back on Monday.
Step 2: Let’s talk.
This is an important step for you and me. Via phone or in-person consultation, you and I will decide if we will work together.
Please honor how you feel during our conversation and ask as many questions as you want – remember there is no good or bad question.
You’re starting a new chapter in your life, and it’s very important to address all aspects that are important to you.
I’ll ask some specific questions to learn more about you and the change you want to make in your life to be sure I can help. Having a good match with your therapist is key to get the results you want.
If we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule our first session. If we don’t, I’ll do my best to help and guide you in the best way.
Step 3: Before our first meeting*
You’ll receive an email including a link for you to complete the intake and consent forms online. Don’t worry; there’s no need to create an account or password.
Any information submitted using online forms is transmitted securely and held in the strictest of confidence to protect your privacy.
You can also print and complete the forms prior to our first session.
If you prefer to complete the forms in the office, I recommend arriving 10 minutes prior to your appointment time. Let’s not use your session time for paperwork.
*Couples therapy: each partner needs to complete a set of forms individually.
Step 4: Let’s plan our journey
We’ll discuss the frequency of our sessions during our first meeting. Generally, I recommend that we meet weekly at first – your needs are unique, and we’ll plan accordingly.
We will discuss the time that works and honor it, so you don’t miss the time slot that works best for you.
I’m excited to join you on this journey to help you reconnect with the amazing person you are.
Sometimes, I’ll be your main source of support and guidance; at other times, I’ll be the one who challenges and encourages you.
After the third or fourth session, we’ll discuss our progress. Remember: each journey is unique.