Main Office Phone: 614-450-2870
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Marriage/Couples Therapy in Columbus, Ohio

Feeling nervous about your first therapy session?

It is normal that you may feel some anxiety about beginning counseling. Hopefully this page will ease some of the tension you feel. The counseling room should be a place where you feel comfortable and cared for. We work very hard to make this process as easy as possible. 

Before your session:
Your 1st session is to allow you to get to know your potential new therapist and give them the opportunity to assess the challenges you are facing to ensure this is a good fit. 
-Be prepared to discuss what brings you to counseling at this time.
-Make sure to read and sign the documents sent to you electronically in your email. 
-Write down any questions or concerns that you have about the counseling process.
-Consider your goals and expectations from the first session.

What happens in session?
At this point you have already read the paperwork sent to you and signed all of it electronically. 
  • If you are being seen virtually you will find the link to your appointment in your appointment reminders. You will receive one reminder 48 hours before and your final reminder 15 minutes before. Once you click the link you may be prompted to download the app. Once you have "arrived" to your appointment you can wait in the "virtual waiting room" until your session begins. 
  • If you are being seen in person you will enter into the waiting room. Refreshments are available for you there.
  • Once your session begins you will be asked to go to the therapy room. Please find a comfortable spot on one of the couches (move the pillows around if needed).
  • There will be a brief overview of the paperwork and any questions will be answered.
  • Next, if you are coming for relationship therapy you and your partner(s) will have the opportunity to tell the "love story", give family history, relationship ups and downs, etc
  • Then, you will discuss what brings you to therapy.
  • If you are coming for relationship therapy, depending on time and your comfort level you may be asked to complete a "Communication Sample"  or another task for a few minutes. The task involves the two of you discussing a "safe" topic, planning something, or communicating non-verbally. This is to assist in assessing how you communicate in day-to-day interactions. 
  • Next, your goals for counseling will be discussed so that you can collaborate with your therapist on a structured plan to address the concerns you have.
  • Nearing the close of session, your therapist will review what was learned and how counseling may be able to assist you in achieving your goals.
  • The session will then end with payment. At this point the decision is yours if you wish to continue. You will be given the opportunity to make another appointment and start working toward your stated goals.​ This could be the start of your new life! 
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