A Simple Guide to Getting Started with Therapy

Getting Started

Lake Natoma Therapy offers a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to briefly discuss what you are looking for, answer questions, and see whether therapy may be a good fit.

This is a no-pressure conversation. You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. It is simply a chance to ask questions, share a little about what brings you to therapy, and decide on next steps.

To schedule a consultation, you can use the contact form or booking link on this website.

Your First Session

Your first session is a chance for you and Deserae to get to know one another and begin building a therapeutic relationship. You will talk about what brings you to therapy, what has been going on in your life, and what you hope to work on.

Deserae may also ask about your personal history, relationships, health, current stressors, and any previous experience with therapy to better understand your needs.

There is no pressure to share everything at once. Therapy will move at a pace that feels respectful and manageable for you.

Together, you will begin identifying your goals and discuss next steps, including how often to meet and what approach may be most helpful.

Ongoing Therapy

Each session is 50 minutes long and held through secure telehealth. Many clients find that weekly or biweekly sessions work well, though the schedule will be based on your needs, goals, and availability.

Therapy is a collaborative process. Over time, the work may include:

• Understanding patterns in your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behaviors
• Learning tools for anxiety, overthinking, and emotional regulation
• Exploring people-pleasing, avoidance, or relationship stress
• Working through difficult experiences or old patterns
• Building insight, self-trust, and healthier ways of responding

Between Sessions

Therapy does not stop when the session ends. Between sessions, you may reflect on insights, practice new skills, or notice patterns that come up in daily life.

Sometimes Deserae may suggest brief exercises, reflection questions, or coping strategies to support your progress. These will always be tailored to your needs and goals, not assigned as “homework” just for the sake of homework.

How Long Therapy Takes

The length of therapy is different for everyone. Some clients come for short-term support around a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper work and lasting change.

You and Deserae will regularly check in about your goals, progress, and what feels helpful so therapy continues to support your needs.

Telehealth Sessions

Lake Natoma Therapy provides online therapy for adults in California and Nevada. All sessions are conducted through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth.

Online therapy allows you to attend from the privacy and comfort of your own space and can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule.

You will receive a secure link before each session. All you need is a reliable internet connection, a private space, and a device with a camera and microphone.

Confidentiality

What you share in therapy is confidential, and your privacy is taken seriously.

There are a few legal exceptions to confidentiality, including situations involving immediate safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, or a court order. These limits will be reviewed with you in more detail during the intake process and throughout the work as needed.

What Helps Therapy Work

Therapy tends to be most helpful when you are able to show up consistently, be as honest as you can, stay open to the process, and give feedback about what is or is not working.

Deserae’s role is to provide a supportive space, professional guidance, and practical tools. Your role is to show up as you are and engage in the process as best you can.

Meaningful change takes time, and you do not have to do it perfectly.