What to Expect in Counseling

Psychotherapy or counseling is sometimes referred to as "talk therapy."  You come to see a professional therapist because the idea to "go see someone and talk about it" seems sensible to you.  You are right in your assumption!  Research shows that most people find talk therapy to be highly effective for a wide variety of problems.

At First Coast Therapy, we want your experience with counseling to be even better than you expected.  To do that, we think it's important to pay attention to the details!

So first, we create an atmosphere designed to put you at ease.

We designed a beautiful, comfortable, relaxing office space meant for therapy.  We insulated the walls between the offices and have "white noise" sound machines in our lobby and halls to ensure that our conversations are private.  Our seating is comfortable.  There is natural light in every office.

Next, we listen.

Listening is one of the key skills in our profession.  We listen warmly, empathically, respectfully, and reflectively.  We know the importance of having someone you can trust to talk to and we value having your trust.  When you don't know where to start or what to say, we are here for you and will use our therapeutic skills and talents to guide you.

Then we actively help.

We know there are times when you want more than someone who listens and says, "Uh, huh" or "Tell me more about that".  We share, we teach, we direct, we provide tools.  We use our expertise to answer your questions.  Or, we help you use your expertise and insight to find your own answers.    We combine our years of experience, years of education (including ongoing training in new therapy approaches), our wisdom and common sense, and our creativity to achieve one important goal, to help you.

Counseling is one of the most important things you will do for yourself in your lifetime.

It needs to be a good fit and it needs to be helpful.  We will do our best to help you find the fit you need.  Our therapists are trained and experienced in many types of psychotherapy, including CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy, currently the most recommended research-based therapy for depression and anxiety.   We have worked in Ponte Vedra for over 20 years and are well-connected to resources in the First Coast area (from South Georgia, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beaches, Nocatee, St. Augustine, to Palm Coast).