Your first session with the therapist will be different from future visits. The initial visit is a period for you and your therapist to get to know each other and get an idea of how to proceed. Future visits will be more therapeutic in nature.

Depending on your issue and therapy goals, therapy can last a few sessions or several weeks or years. It's very individualized.

Therapists have training in a variety of techniques that can help you better cope with mental illness, resolve personal issues, and create personal changes in your life. In my practice, I offer an integrative approach including psychodynamic theory, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MCBT), and dialectical behavioral- informed therapy (DBT).

In therapy, there is psychotherapist-patient privilege, meaning communications between a client and therapist are generally confidential and protected from disclosure. Limits of Confidentiality A therapist may be required or permitted to break confidentiality in the following situations: 1. Suspected Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect Florida mental health professionals are mandated reporters. If a therapist knows or has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse, abandonment, neglect, or sexual abuse of a child, they must make a report to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Proof is not required; reasonable suspicion is enough. 2. Threats of Serious Harm to Others (Duty to Warn/Protect) If a client makes a credible threat of serious violence toward an identifiable person, Florida law allows and, in some circumstances, requires mental health professionals to take protective action, such as notifying law enforcement or warning a potential victim. 3. Risk of Serious Self-Harm When a client presents an imminent risk of suicide or serious self-harm, therapists may disclose information necessary to protect the client's safety, including contacting emergency services, a hospital, or emergency contacts. This is generally considered an exception to confidentiality based on safety concerns. 4. Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults Therapists may be required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults or elders when mandated by Florida law. 5. Court Orders or Legal Proceedings A judge may order the release of records or testimony under certain circumstances. While therapists generally assert privilege on behalf of clients, a court order can sometimes override confidentiality protections. 6. Coordination of Care and Insurance Limited information may be shared: With other treatment providers involved in care For billing and insurance purposes When the client signs a written Release of Information (ROI) These disclosures are governed by HIPAA and Florida confidentiality laws.