1
Start With a Free Consultation
Our complimentary 15-minute consultation gives you time to tell us a little about what you are looking for, ask questions, and see whether Inspired Hope feels like a good fit.
GETTING STARTED WITH THERAPY
STARTING
THERAPY
CAN FEEL LIKE A BIG STEP.
You do not need to know exactly what kind of therapy you need or have the right words before reaching out. You can simply tell us what has been going on, what has been difficult, and what you would like some help with.
We can start there and figure out the next step together.
HOW TO GET STARTED
WE'LL TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME.
Starting therapy usually begins with a brief conversation. From there, we will let you know what comes next and help make the process as clear as possible.
2
Complete Your New Client Information
If you decide to move forward, you will receive access to our secure client portal to complete your intake forms, practice policies, consent forms, and other information before your first full session.
If you plan to use insurance, please include your insurance information so your coverage can be reviewed.
3
Meet With Your Therapist
Your first session gives you and your therapist time to talk about what has been happening, begin getting to know one another, and decide what would be most helpful to work on together.
YOUR FIRST THERAPY SESSION
YOUR FIRST SESSION HAS THREE MAIN GOALS.
The first session is not about trying to tell your entire story at once. It gives us time to understand what is happening, begin building a relationship, and talk about what you hope therapy can help with.
01
Assess Your Circumstances
We will talk about what brought you to therapy and what has been happening in your life. Even when your concerns are familiar to us, your experiences, relationships, responsibilities, and goals are unique to you.
From there, we can begin deciding what kind of support may be helpful and how therapy can fit into your everyday life.
02
Build a Relationship
Therapy works best when you feel comfortable being honest and asking questions. Your therapist will want to understand your concerns as well as the people and experiences that are important in your life.
You are welcome to ask questions too. The first few sessions give both of you time to get to know one another and begin building trust.
03
Talk About Expectations
We will talk about what you hope will feel different and begin identifying goals that make sense for you.
Depending on what you are working on, therapy may also include practical strategies, coping skills, communication tools, reflection, or things to practice between sessions.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US
THERAPY SHOULD FEEL SUPPORTIVE & COLLABORATIVE.
We do not believe therapy should feel like someone telling you how to live your life. We listen first, work with you toward your goals, and adjust the work as your needs change.
Compassion & Respect
You can expect to be treated with empathy, understanding, dignity, and respect.
Space to Talk Openly
You will have space to talk about what you are experiencing without needing to have everything figured out first.
A Therapist Who Listens
We take time to understand before making assumptions about what you need.
Practical Strategies
When helpful, we can explore tools and strategies you can use between sessions and in everyday life.
A Supportive Space
Therapy is designed to provide a private and supportive place to work through what is affecting you.
A Personalized Process
Therapy is shaped around your needs, strengths, goals, comfort level, and stage of life.
BEFORE YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
A FEW PRACTICAL THINGS TO KNOW.
Insurance & EAP
Inspired Hope Therapy works with select insurance plans and Employee Assistance Programs. Coverage depends on your plan, therapist, and type of service.
In Person & Telehealth
In-person appointments are available in Montclair, New Jersey, with telehealth throughout New Jersey and online therapy in Florida through eligible clinicians.
View Location Information →Secure Client Portal
New clients use our secure portal to complete forms before the first appointment. Existing clients can also review appointments and access information related to their care.
Open Client Portal →
COMMON QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS ABOUT STARTING THERAPY.
Do I need to know what kind of therapy I need?
No. You can start by telling us what has been happening and what you would like help with. We can talk through your concerns, answer questions, and help you decide what kind of support may make sense.
What happens during the free consultation?
The consultation is a brief conversation where you can tell us what you are looking for, ask questions, and learn more about working with Inspired Hope. It also gives us a chance to talk about therapist fit and possible next steps.
Is therapy confidential?
Therapy is generally confidential. There are certain exceptions required or permitted by law, including some situations involving safety concerns or suspected abuse. Your therapist will review confidentiality and its limits with you as part of the informed consent process.
How long will I be in therapy?
There is no single timeline that is right for everyone. Some people come to therapy for a specific concern and choose shorter-term work, while others find longer-term support helpful. The length of therapy depends on what you are working on, your goals, and what continues to feel useful to you.
Do I need to complete forms before my first session?
Yes. New clients receive access to our secure client portal where intake forms, practice policies, consent forms, and other required information can be completed before the first full session.
What if I am nervous about starting therapy?
You do not need to know exactly what to say or share everything at once. We can begin with whatever feels most important and manageable to talk about. Your therapist will help guide the conversation.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard therapy sessions are approximately 50 minutes unless a different session length has been discussed in advance.
WHEN YOU'RE READY
LET'S START WITH A CONVERSATION.
You do not have to make every decision today. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation, tell us a little about what you are looking for, and we can talk about the next step together.
