What to Expect from Therapy with Meredith, LPC

Starting Therapy: What to Expect in Your First Counseling Sessions

Beginning therapy is a powerful first step—and it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, burnout, or big life transitions, therapy can help you slow down, reflect, and start to feel more like yourself again. I offer online therapy for adults who are ready to untangle what’s been weighing them down and find a clearer way forward.

Before Your First Online Therapy Session

After scheduling your first individual therapy appointment, you’ll receive an email with digital intake paperwork and consent forms. This paperwork must be completed within 48 hours to keep your session on the calendar. If the email doesn’t show up within a few hours, please check your spam or junk folder—or contact me directly and I’ll gladly resend it.

Your appointment will take place via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You’ll receive a private link that stays the same each week, making it easy to log in for your virtual counseling sessions. To get the most out of therapy, try to find a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection. Headphones can help reduce background noise and protect your privacy.

What Happens in the First Therapy Session?

The first session is about getting to know you. We’ll explore what brought you to therapy, what challenges you’ve been facing, and what you’re hoping to get out of our work together. If you’re not exactly sure what your goals are yet, that’s okay—we can figure it out together.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous or uncertain before your first therapy session. You might feel a mix of things: curiosity, relief, hesitation, even overwhelm. You’re welcome to share any questions or concerns. This is your space, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.

How Long Will I Need to Be in Therapy?

One of the most common questions people ask is, “How many therapy sessions will I need?” The answer varies. Some people come to short-term therapy to work through a specific issue. Others benefit from longer-term therapy for ongoing support, healing from past experiences, or personal growth.

There’s no set timeline—therapy is shaped by your needs, your personality, and what feels helpful. The goal is to give you a deeper understanding of how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors connect, and to support you in creating meaningful change.

What Therapy with Me Is Like

I offer compassionate, nonjudgmental therapy for adults who are navigating stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, or simply feeling stuck. Therapy can bring up a wide range of emotions—sometimes you might cry, laugh, feel frustrated or relieved, or uncover something unexpected. All of that is welcome here.

I’ll show up with warmth, honesty, and consistency. When it’s helpful, I’ll gently challenge you—but I’ll never push you beyond what feels safe. You don’t have to carry everything alone. Even if things feel messy or unclear right now, I believe in your capacity for change—and I’m here to walk alongside you.

Read my blog post on what to expect from your first therapy session.