What To Expect

Please reach out to us via our Book Appointment form below to request an appointment.

Currently we can schedule in-person or telehealth appointments and we have day and evening appointments available.

During the first appointment, we will meet with you for around 50-55 minutes to do the initial intake session. An intake session means that we will both find out what is currently bothering you and also we will take a history on your family, social, work, and other life events. 

We know that the first therapy appointment can be quite nerve-racking. You are probably feeling the lowest you have felt in a while and then you have to try to trust opening up your heart, your pain to an unfamiliar therapist. It is a very vulnerable place to be! We are a team of gentle, empathetic therapists and try our best to hear and honor people's feelings, their pain, their life experiences.

After we hear about your current problem/issues and take your history, we will ask you if we meet for more sessions what your goals for therapy would be. Clients answer this question in a variety of ways. A lot of times we just hear from people that their goal is just to feel better. Other times people may want to lower depression or anxiety, deal with grief, have help with procrastination or becoming unstuck. Sometimes people want to process trauma. Other people want to be heard. Or to know they're not crazy. Or to not feel so alone. Whatever your goals are and whatever place you are at in life, we are here to work with you. Collaborative therapy works best, we believe, for moving towards goals.

The first session also is a time when you as a client are assessing us as therapists. Do we seem like a good fit for your issues? Do we understand your struggles? Do you think our personalities are a good fit? Does our feedback seem helpful?

As therapists, we are also asking myself these questions. Am I a good fit for this client? Do we have enough background, experience in the issues being raised? Please read about our specialties to see if they are a good match to you. If we don't feel like it is a good fit or that we can help you, we will offer a referral to another therapist

After the first session there may be a couple of more sessions before we set some more concrete goals in place, formulate a treatment plan and strategy. These early sessions we will spend more time getting to know you, listening to your story so we can more effectively help you with growth and change.

How long do we work with people? That varies a great deal. Some people only need a couple of sessions to talk with a counselor to find some clarity for a current issue. Other people may need eight to ten sessions to unlock some feelings or effect change. Therapy that expands to the six months to one year time frame can see more depth, more insight and change. Therapy that goes for one year or longer may be helpful for deeper work such as working through difficult childhood issues such as abuse or neglect, issues related to big life changes, trauma or grief and loss struggles.

We don't believe in a one-size fits all package for therapy. We respect that people have different needs and expectations when it comes to the therapeutic experience. We value clients being honest with us about their specific needs for therapy.

Feel free to give us a call or email today to set up that first appointment and see if we are a good fit. We look forward to meeting you.

Indigo Counseling Center
2388 University Ave. W 
Suite 202
St. Paul, MN 55114

Phone: (800) 945-2401
[email protected]​