Therapy intake in Maryland | E & M Counselors

A therapy intake is the initial session between you and your therapist — a chance to lay the groundwork for a supportive, effective therapeutic relationship.

During this meeting, we’ll explore your background, mental health history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. We’ll also walk through important logistics, like confidentiality, fees, and scheduling, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions or share anything that’s on your mind.

The intake session helps your therapist understand your needs and determine the best approach for treatment — and it gives you space to decide if it feels like the right fit. It’s both a thoughtful assessment and a conversation designed to ensure therapy starts with clarity, comfort, and care.

Explore some of our other services

Crisis intervention

Immediate, compassionate support to help you regain stability and begin healing during overwhelming times.

Parenting support

Therapy for parents and caregivers seeking guidance, clarity, and connection in the journey of raising children.

Cultural competency

Inclusive, respectful therapy that honors your unique cultural identity and lived experiences.

Have questions about starting therapy? We're here to help.

Starting therapy is a big step, and it's completely normal to have questions. If you don't see what you're looking for, please reach out — we're always happy to talk with you.

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Can I bring a family member or friend to my therapy session?

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.

Should I continue therapy if I feel better?

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.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

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.

What types of therapy methods do you offer?

We offer a variety of therapy approaches tailored to your specific needs, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps change unhelpful thought patterns
Person-Centered Therapy, which focuses on self-acceptance and understanding
Solution-Focused Therapy, which focuses on creating actionable steps for immediate change
Other therapeutic modalities.

During your initial session, we will discuss which approach might work best for you based on your goals and challenges.

How long will I need therapy?

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.

How often will I need to attend therapy?

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.

How long are therapy sessions?

Typically, counseling sessions last about 50 minutes, but it depends on the service selected. Check out all our services for more details.