Getting Started
Taking the First Step to a Healthier You
So, you are deciding to move from thinking about seeking help and guidance to actually initiating the first step. This movement forward can bring up a bunch of feelings. It may feel a combination of fear, dread, overwhelm, anxiety, uncertainty, excitement, pride, or relief.
Whether you are interested in individual, relationship, or group work, it is common to have questions about how to proceed and what to expect. The idea of talking with someone you just met about changes you want to make may, understandably, feel vulnerable or awkward. I will do what I can to help you feel respected, welcomed, and informed. This page outlines the process from your first inquiry contact to me to your first appointment. (More information is available at FAQ.)
First steps
I offer a free 30-minute Zoom consultation. The purposes of the consultation:
- For you to tell me what help you are seeking to ensure that your needs match the services that I offer.
- For me to answer your questions about my approach, fees, and availability.
This consultation allows us both to connect and ensure that we may be a good match for working together.
After our Zoom consultation, if it seems like we will work well together, we will schedule the first appointment. In preparation for this appointment, I ask prospective clients to review my Services & Policies and to complete an intake form. (If either of us gleans from our Zoom chat that we wouldn’t be a good fit, I will be happy to offer you other resources and referrals.)
*If you are seeking relationship coaching, uncoupling coaching, or family conflict resolution help, I offer this free 30-minute consultation to each person who will be participating.
ALL SERVICES ARE CURRENTLY OFFERED ONLINE | TELEHEALTH
Your first appointment
During this first meeting, you will have the opportunity to:
- Share more about who you are, your background and current life circumstances, your goals, the changes you are wanting to make, and why
- Tell me how I may best help you to feel supported, understood, and comfortable
- I will share with you my initial observations
- We will address any questions about my policies and procedures
If all parties agree, then future appointments may be scheduled in this session. If either of us thinks we would not be a good match, I will be happy to give referrals.
How to schedule appointments
- Request a standing appointment: pre-schedule several appointments by reserving the same time slot each week. Because my schedule is often booked out, I urge clients who have a preferred time of day or day of the week to schedule several sessions in a row so their desired time slot is reserved for them.
- Schedule as you go: schedule your next one or two appointment(s) during the final minutes of your session.
- Schedule appointments via email or voicemail.
Moving forward
By the second session, we will finalize reviewing and signing the paperwork. As we move forward we will discuss your goals and together develop a plan on how to proceed. We will begin building the foundation for you to make the changes you want to make so you can become more of the person you want to be.
For more information or to schedule the free 30-minute consultation, contact form for Irene Greene
