What to Expect
If you have not been to therapy before, it can feel like an overwhelming process. Everyone's journey is different, however, below are some of the things to expect when starting therapy with Open Door Psychology Inc.
- Book your session here or email opendoorpsychological@gmail.com for more information. Sessions can be either 50 or 80 minutes long.
- Once you are booked, you will receive consent forms to fill in. Have these filled in and submitted before the first session - without them, Julie can not do therapy with the client(s).
- If counselling is for a minor, all legal guardians must give consent.
- Two days before and two hours before the session, you will be given a reminder.
- If you need to change the session, you can do that on the booking site or phone / email Julie at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a late cancellation fee.
- On the day of the session, arrive no more than 10 minutes early since Julie will have to come let you into the building. The address is 9690 182 St. Edmonton, Alberta in the west end community La Perle.
- The building shown in the image to the right.
- When you arrive, text/call Julie and she will let you into the building no more than 10 minutes before your session.
- At the time of your session, Julie will greet you at the door and let you into the building.
- When entering the building, wet shoes are asked to be removed and voices quiet since there are other sessions going on in the building.
- There is a small waiting area for parents/guardians outside the office.
- Initial sessions are an opportunity to share with Julie and she will ask questions about history, symptoms, impact on daily life, strategies, and other areas to have a wholistic view of the client.
- After the session, check-in with yourself, sharing can open up some thoughts that have been locked up for a while.
- In between sessions, if you need support, be sure to contact community resources, such as the Distress Center or 211 for specific areas of support. If it is an emergency, contact 911.
- Depending on treatment goals, sessions weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly can be booked in advance.
- Direct billing is offered to most insurance companies in Alberta.
.png/:/cr=t:23.46%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:61.67%25/rs=w:400,h:533.3333333333334,cg:true)
First Session Demystified
First Session Questions
During the first session, much of the conversation is focused on helping the psychologist get to know you and better understand what has brought you to therapy. This initial appointment is a chance to gather background information, explore current concerns, and begin building a plan for how therapy can best support you.
Typically, the following topics may be discussed:
- Consent and confidentiality, including what therapy involves and how your information is protected
- Any previous counselling experiences you may have had
- Your reason for seeking therapy at this time
- Relevant family history of mental health or emotional concerns
- Current symptoms you may be experiencing, such as feeling tired, burnt out, stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed
- How these symptoms are affecting your daily life, work, and relationships
- Your day-to-day routine and current supports
- Sleep patterns, energy levels, and overall well-being
- Your goals for therapy and what you hope will feel different over time
The first session is meant to feel supportive, not overwhelming. You do not need to have everything figured out — we will take things one step at a time, at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Some Typical Questions that Might be Asked:
Some gentle questions that may come up include:
- What brought you to therapy at this time?
- What have things been feeling like for you lately?
- Are there specific stressors or challenges you’ve been carrying?
- What would you like support with right now?
- Have you tried anything in the past that has helped?
- What does a typical day look like for you?
- How have your sleep, mood, or energy been recently?
- What are your biggest hopes or goals for therapy?
- Is there anything important about your background or experiences you’d like me to know?
- What helps you feel safe and supported in conversations like this?