What to expect at your first appointment

Your First Appointment

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At your first appointment, your psychologist will see you for a consultation. She will ask you to explain why you are looking for help (whether it is for you or your child). She will ask questions to get a detailed understanding of your situation. If the patient is a child, she will meet with the child after speaking with the parent. At the end of the appointment, she will make her recommendations. Typical recommendations may include weekly psychotherapy, psychological testing for further assessment, or other appropriate services.

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At your first appointment, your psychologist will see you for a consultation. She will ask you to explain why you are looking for help (whether it is for you or your child). She will ask questions to get a detailed understanding of your situation. If the patient is a child, she will meet with the child after speaking with the parent. At the end of the appointment, she will make her recommendations. Typical recommendations may include weekly psychotherapy, psychological testing for further assessment, or other appropriate services.

Debunking a few myths about Psychologists

People are sometimes reluctant to contact a psychologist because of misconceptions about the practice. Following are a few myths worth debunking:

Psychologists and Psychiatrists are one and the same

Psychologists earn a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology. They are trained to diagnose and treat all manner of mental illness. Psychologists treat mental illness using psychotherapy and other non-invasive treatments. Psychologists are the only doctoral-level mental health professionals who can do psychological testing. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in psychiatry. They are also trained to diagnose and treat mental illness. Psychiatrists are able to treat patients using prescription medication whereas psychologists are only able to do so in limited circumstances (parts of the military; some states).

Psychotherapy only helps patients vent their feelings

While it can be important to express your thoughts and feelings in therapy, it is not the only thing that makes a lasting change in your emotions or behavior. For that to happen, you will need to change some of the ways you connect to others, particularly those closest to you. You may need guidance from your psychologist to do so and you will probably need to work outside of therapy to make these changes.

Psychologists cause major changes in therapy

You need to be an active participant for therapy to be of value to you. You and your psychologist must work together to understand your problems and solve them. Your psychologist alone cannot make you better. For that reason, people who have been pressured to see a psychologist who are not motivated will not be helped by it.

Therapy mainly focuses on your childhood and parental relationship

While therapy may involve understanding how your childhood may have contributed to your problems, cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing current maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior.

Therapy lasts for years

Most patients complete therapy in three to six months – sometimes less. There are instances where a patient needs to see a psychologist for a period of six to 12 months and sometimes more. Most patients benefit from once-a-week sessions. Twice weekly sessions are usually not for the more seriously ill patients, rather, that intensity of treatment is for stronger and healthier patients who can tolerate more intensive psychotherapy.

Our approach
to helping you

A trusting, working relationship with your psychologist is vital for successful psychotherapy. We provide a relaxed environment for you to understand yourself better and make positive changes.
Get to
Know Yourself
Self-understanding is key to making positive change in your life.
Improve Your
Communication
Good communication is necessary for healthy relationships of all kinds.
Parenting
is Difficult
Children don’t come with instruction manuals and each one is unique. Therapy can help you understand your child better.
Finding
Happiness
Together we can discover ways to make you and/or your children feel happier.
Get to
Know Yourself
Self-understanding and is key to making positive change in your life.
Improve Your
Communication
Good communication is necessary for healthy relationships of all kinds.
Parenting
is Difficult
Children don’t come with instruction manuals and each one is unique. I can help you understand your child better.
Finding
Happiness
Together we can discover ways to make you and/or your children feel happier.
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https://fnr71e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Regina-Mendoza-Quote.png?time=1711690138
I believe that a trusting relationship is a key element
to successful psychotherapy. In my practice I provide
a safe, relaxed, and comfortable environment for
clients to gain relief from their difficulties.
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https://fnr71e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Regina-Quote-640x960.png
https://fnr71e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Regina-Mendoza-Quote.png?time=1711690138
I believe that a trusting relationship is a key element
to successful psychotherapy. In my practice I provide
a safe, relaxed, and comfortable environment for
clients to gain relief from their difficulties.
https://fnr71e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Dr-Regina-Mendoza-Signature-320x98.png
https://fnr71e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Regina-Mendoza-Quote.png?time=1711690138
I believe that a trusting relationship is a key element to successful psychotherapy. In my practice I provide a safe, relaxed, and comfortable environment for clients to gain relief from their difficulties.
I believe that a trusting relationship is a key element to successful psychotherapy. In my practice I provide a safe, relaxed, and comfortable environment for clients to gain relief from their difficulties.
https://fnr71e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Dr-Regina-Mendoza-Signature-320x98.png