The first and most important step for working with anyone is to build a strong therapeutic relationship. After all, when we first meet I'm a stranger, right? Every individual that walks through my door is unique and deserves to be treated as such. That's why I don't take a one-size-fits-all approach in planning my sessions- I want every client to look forward to this time in their week they've set aside for themselves. 

Treatment starts with ensuring my client has the emotional vocabulary necessary to talk about what's been going on for them internally. I may provide them with info to help normalize what they're going through so they feel less alone. This is called psychoeducation. Next, I teach techniques for feeling better, also known as coping skills. That way, when they're reminded of a bad thing that's happened or they're feeling overwhelmed, they have the ability to make themselves feel better before their emotions grow out of control. From there, we work on understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how unhelpful connections can be changed. Then, my client gets a chance to tell their story, to talk about what happened and process it all in the safe space of the therapeutic relationship.