How Therapy Works

Mug near Computer Screen on Zoom

Starting therapy can feel like a big step—especially if you’re unsure what to expect. This guide walks you through the process so there are no surprises and you can focus on what matters most: showing up as you are.

Step 1: Getting Started & Paperwork

Once your appointment is scheduled, you’ll receive secure access to our client portal through Simple Practice.

All intake paperwork must be completed at least 48 hours before your first session and does require allowing Simple Practice’s HIPAA-compliant AI Note Taker to record the session for the sole purpose of notetaking, with the understanding that the recording will be deleted immediately after the therapy note has been completed.

This paperwork helps your therapist understand your needs ahead of time, be able to focus on you instead of notetaking requirements, and allows your first session to feel grounded, intentional, and supportive.

Step 2: Billing & Payment

Payment for sessions is processed through Ivy Pay, a secure and HIPAA-compliant billing platform. Payment is typically collected at the time of service. If you have questions about fees, superbills, or billing logistics, those can be addressed ahead of time so that sessions remain focused on your care.

Step 3: The First Session (Intake Session)

Your first session is an intake session. This is a space to slow down, get oriented, and begin building that therapeutic relationship.

During this session, your therapist will:

  • Ask about your background, history, and current concerns

  • Explore what led you to seek therapy now

  • Discuss strengths, stressors, and past experiences with care

  • Collaboratively identify initial goals and areas of focus

This session is not about having everything figured out—it’s about starting where you are.

Step 4: The Second Session & Ongoing Therapy

Beginning with your second session, treatment begins. Sessions are tailored to your needs and may include reflection, skill-building, processing, and exploration.

At the end of some sessions, your therapist may offer optional homework or reflections to support your growth between sessions. These are always collaborative and meant to be supportive—not punitive or overwhelming.

Step 5: Periodic Treatment Goal Reviews

From time to time—approximately every three months—you and your therapist will review your treatment goals together.

These check-ins allow you to:

  • Notice what progress you’ve made

  • Identify which goals have been met

  • Adjust or introduce new goals as needed

  • Ensure therapy continues to align with your needs

Therapy is dynamic, and your goals are allowed to evolve.

Step 6: The Termination Session

When you and your therapist decide it’s time to conclude therapy, you’ll schedule a termination session.

This session offers space to:

  • Reflect on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown

  • Acknowledge the work you’ve done

  • Discuss tools and strategies you’ll continue using

  • Explore additional resources or future support if needed

Termination is not an ending—it’s a transition, grounded in autonomy and self-trust.

A Final Note

Therapy at Mosaic Minds Therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and paced to fit you. You are never expected to rush, perform, or be “good at therapy.” The process is designed to support you in building insight, skills, and self-compassion—one step at a time.

If you have questions at any point, you’re always welcome to ask.

I’m one email away.

I know that sending this one email might feel like climbing a mountain, but you can do it. You don’t have to talk on the phone unless you want to — I understand how anxiety-provoking that can feel. We can take everything one step at a time through email, and from there, the path becomes smoother. I see you. I hear you. And it’s perfectly okay to not be okay.