Starting therapy can come with a lot of questions — and that’s completely normal. At E & M Counselors, we want you to feel informed, supported, and confident as you take this step.
It’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain about where to start. Many people begin therapy not knowing exactly what to focus on, and that’s okay.
Your counselor will help guide you through the process and can ask questions to explore areas of your life where you might feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Therapy is a collaborative process, and we will work together to identify issues that matter to you. Whether it's daily stress, past experiences, or future goals, we'll take it step-by-step at your pace.
Preparation for your first therapy session is simple—just bring yourself!
It’s helpful to reflect on your reasons for seeking therapy and what you’d like to work on, but there’s no need to have everything figured out beforehand. Some clients prefer to jot down their thoughts or goals, but it's not required. Your therapist will guide you through the process and help you feel comfortable. The most important thing is to come with an open mind and a willingness to engage in the process of self-exploration and growth.
It can be hard to decide when to seek therapy, but therapy is a helpful resource when you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, are struggling with persistent challenges, or feel stuck in patterns of thinking or behavior.
If you're experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, or life transitions, therapy can provide support and tools for coping. Even if you think you can handle things on your own, talking to a professional can offer new perspectives and strategies for growth. If you're unsure, starting therapy for a few sessions can help you decide if it's the right step for you.
Feel free to call Emma (240-388-9935) or Muge (301-892-6814) directly, or fill out our contact form and we'll get back to you.
During your first counseling session, you can expect a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. We will begin by discussing your concerns and goals for therapy. The first session is about building rapport and creating a safe space for you to begin your therapeutic journey.
The counselor will ask about your background, current challenges, and emotional well-being to understand how best to support you. It's an opportunity to share what you're comfortable with and learn about the process of counseling.
We’ll discuss the frequency of sessions, expectations, and any questions you may have.
While therapy is typically a one-on-one process, there are situations where having a trusted family member or friend attend a session can be helpful. If you're working on a relationship issue, family dynamics, or want extra support, we can discuss the possibility of including others. However, it's important that the focus remains on your therapeutic needs, and your counselor will ensure that the session remains productive. Your counselor will discuss with you how to involve others while maintaining the integrity of your therapy experience.
Yes, many clients continue therapy even after they start feeling better because it can provide ongoing support and help maintain emotional well-being. Therapy is not just for when things are going wrong—it can also be helpful for self-improvement, enhancing relationships, and managing stress or life transitions. If you feel better but would like to continue working on your personal growth, your therapist can help you set new goals and adjust the focus of your sessions to suit your evolving needs.
Counseling can be helpful if you're feeling overwhelmed, facing challenges you can't manage alone, or seeking personal growth. It’s a great fit if you want a supportive, objective space to talk through your emotions, relationships, or life changes.
If you’re unsure, it might help to try a session and see how you feel. Many people find that even after one or two sessions, they feel clearer about their emotions and have better tools to handle life’s challenges. The decision to pursue therapy is deeply personal, and your counselor will support you in whatever choice you make.
We offer a variety of therapy approaches tailored to your specific needs, including:
During your initial session, we will discuss which approach might work best for you based on your goals and challenges.
Many clients continue therapy even after they start feeling better because it can provide ongoing support and help maintain emotional well-being.
Therapy is not just for when things are going wrong—it can also be helpful for self-improvement, enhancing relationships, and managing stress or life transitions. If you feel better but would like to continue working on your personal growth, your therapist can help you set new goals and adjust the focus of your sessions to suit your evolving needs.
The number of sessions needed varies depending on your personal goals, the issues you're addressing, and how you progress during therapy. Some individuals may benefit from just a few sessions, while others may choose ongoing therapy for more complex or long-standing issues. At the start, we will collaborate to set goals and determine a plan. We can always adjust the frequency or length of sessions based on your needs as therapy progresses.
Typically, counseling sessions last about 50 minutes, but it depends on the service selected. Check out all our services for more details.
E & M Counselors is "out-of-network" for all providers — which means that the counselor or therapist you are seeing does not have a direct contract with your insurance provider. This may impact the amount of reimbursement you receive from your insurance company for the cost of therapy.
However, many insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits, which means they will reimburse you for a portion of the cost. You may need to pay the full session fee upfront and then submit a claim to your insurance for reimbursement. Your therapist can provide you with the necessary documentation, such as a receipt or “superbill,” to submit to your insurance company.
Be sure to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and the reimbursement process.
Yes, your privacy and confidentiality are very important.
All information shared during counseling sessions is kept strictly confidential, with a few legal exceptions. These exceptions include situations where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if there is a legal requirement (such as in cases of abuse). Your counselor will explain these limits to confidentiality at the start of therapy. Your trust is vital, and we strive to create a secure, respectful environment where you feel safe to express yourself.
We have a 24-hour notice cancellation policy. We value your time and strive to provide the best service to all of our clients. In order to respect everyone’s schedule and time, we require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If you fail to notify us within this time, you will be charged a $75 no-show fee. Please understand that this policy is in place to ensure that all clients have the opportunity to access the care they need.
At E & M, you are not just a client—you are a person with unique needs, goals, and strengths.
