What to Expect When You Begin Therapy with Me as Your Guide

Starting therapy can feel like stepping into the unknown. You might wonder what the sessions will be like, how I will support you, and what you can expect from this process. I’m Liz Baumeister, LCSW, and I want to share what therapy with me looks like so you can feel more comfortable and confident as you take this important step.

My approach centers on creating a safe space where you can fully express your emotions and explore your past experiences without judgment. I understand that opening up can be difficult, so I work to meet you exactly where you are, allowing you to guide the focus of our work together. Here’s a closer look at what your therapy experience with me will involve.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Space

One of the most important parts of therapy is feeling safe enough to be yourself. I am committed to building a space where you can share your thoughts and feelings openly. I have the ability to tolerate high levels of distress and conflict while staying calm and open. This helps you feel supported even when difficult emotions come up.

When you feel safe, your nervous system can begin to relax. This co-regulation process is a key part of healing. Together, we will work on ways to help you feel grounded and calm, even during challenging moments. This is not just about talking but about experiencing and processing emotions in a way that feels manageable.

A Thorough Assessment to Understand You Fully

In the first few sessions, I conduct a thorough assessment. This is more than just identifying the issues that brought you to therapy. I want to understand you as a whole person—your history, your strengths, your challenges, and your goals.

This comprehensive view helps me see you beyond the symptoms or struggles. It allows me to tailor our work to fit your unique needs and experiences. For example, if you come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, I’ll want to know about your support system, your coping strategies, and any past experiences that might influence how you manage stress.

A welcoming therapy room designed to create a safe and calm environment

Meeting You Where You Are

Every person’s journey in therapy is different. I believe it’s essential to meet you where you are emotionally and mentally. You get to choose what we focus on in each session. Whether you want to explore past trauma, work on current relationships, or develop new coping skills, your priorities guide our work.

This flexibility helps you feel more in control of your therapy experience. It also means we can adjust as your needs change. For example, some weeks you might want to focus on managing stress, while other weeks you might want to dive deeper into past experiences. Both are valid and important.

Regular Check-Ins to Track Progress

Therapy is a process, and it’s important to see that progress is happening, even if it feels slow. I make it a point to check in regularly about your goals and how you feel about the work we’re doing. This includes short-term goals that help you see small wins along the way.

For instance, if your goal is to reduce feelings of overwhelm, we might set a short-term goal of practicing a relaxation technique daily. At our next session, we’ll talk about how that went and adjust as needed. These check-ins help keep therapy focused and meaningful.

A Trauma-Informed Approach

I am trauma-informed, which means I understand how trauma affects the brain, body, and emotions. I use this lens in all my work, whether or not trauma is the main reason you’re in therapy. This approach ensures that we move at a pace that feels safe for you and that I am sensitive to how past experiences might impact your current feelings and behaviors.

For example, if you have experienced trauma, I will be mindful of triggers and work with you to develop strategies to manage them. This creates a foundation of trust and safety that supports healing.

What You Can Expect in Your Therapy Experience

• A calm and open environment where you can express yourself fully

• Support through distress and conflict without judgment

• A thorough understanding of you as a whole person beyond your immediate concerns

• Flexibility to focus on what matters most to you in each session

• Regular discussions about progress and goals to keep you moving forward

• A trauma-informed approach that prioritizes your safety and well-being

  
  

Taking the First Step

Starting therapy is a brave and important decision. My goal is to make your therapy experience as supportive and empowering as possible. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Together, we will explore your story, your emotions, and your goals at a pace that feels right for you.

If you’re ready to start therapy or want to learn more about how I can support you, reach out. I offer free 15-minute introductory calls so we can decide if this will be the right fit for you. I’m here to walk alongside you on this journey toward healing and growth.