If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, you have already done one of the hardest parts: admitting to yourself that you’d like some support.
But then comes the practical question:
What happens if I actually reach out?
At Compass & Light Counseling, I want the process of starting therapy to feel as simple and comfortable as possible.
You don't need to have everything figured out before you contact me. You don't need to know exactly what you want to work on. Whatever clarity you're currently lacking, we can help you find and better understand together.
If you're curious what virtual counseling is all about, here’s what it’s like to start online therapy with me...
1. We start with a free 15-minute consultation
Before you schedule a full therapy session, we'll have a chance to talk. During our free 15-minute consultation, you can tell me a little about what's bringing you to therapy, ask questions about my approach, and get a sense of whether I might be the right therapist for you.
I actually encourage you to be picky when choosing a therapist!
Therapy is personal, and feeling comfortable with the person sitting on the other side of the screen matters.
This is also a chance for you to make sure my approach and specialties feel like a good fit for what you're looking for.
There's no pressure to schedule after our conversation. If we're a good fit, I'll explain what comes next. If I'm not the right therapist for you, I'm happy to point you toward other options when I can.
2. You'll know what to expect before your first session
If you decide you'd like to work together, I'll send you access to my secure client portal where you'll complete your intake paperwork before our first session.
My goal is for you to feel informed about your care, not surprised by it.
I'll make sure you understand the practical details of working with Compass & Light Counseling, including fees, scheduling, confidentiality, and what to expect from online therapy.
Because I’m a private-pay practice, there’s no insurance company sitting between you and your therapy. You’ll know the cost of your sessions upfront, and I can provide a superbill if you'd like to seek potential out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance company.
I also accept HSA/FSA cards.
3. Find a private, comfortable place for our session
In addition to getting to do therapy from the coziest corner of your home, online therapy means you don't have to add another commute to an already-full week.
You'll need a device with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a private place where you can talk openly. And your space doesn't need to look perfect.
A bedroom with the door closed, a home office, or even a parked car can work. Headphones can be helpful if other people are nearby and you want a little extra privacy.
Give yourself about 50 minutes where you can slow down, talk honestly, and focus on yourself.
4. Your first session is about getting to know you
You don't need to walk into your first session with a perfectly organized list of everything you want to work on.
We'll talk about what brought you to therapy, what's been weighing on you, what you've tried already, and what you'd like to feel or experience differently.
I'll ask questions and listen for the patterns underneath what you're experiencing. We'll also begin thinking together about what you want our work to focus on.
You might feel nervous. That's completely normal. You can tell me that, too. You don't have to perform being “good at therapy.”
The best thing you can do is simply show up as yourself.
Starting therapy doesn't have to be another thing to figure out
If you've been putting off therapy because you weren't sure how the process worked, I hope this gives you a clearer picture.
You don't need to wait until you're at your breaking point. You don't need to know exactly what you need. And you don't have to spend weeks trying to find the “perfect” therapist before reaching out. Sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation.
If you're looking for an online therapist in North Carolina and wondering whether Compass & Light Counseling could be a good fit, schedule a free 15-minute consultation so we can help you get a clearer picture of what healing could look like.
No pressure. No commitment. Just a place to start.
