What to Expect at Your First Visit
What to Expect During Your First Visit at BrainBody OCD Counseling
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially when addressing something as challenging as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or anxiety. At BrainBody OCD Counseling, we understand that beginning your journey can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. That’s why our goal is to make your first visit as welcoming, informative, and productive as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you come in for your initial intake session.
A Warm Welcome
From the moment you step into BrainBody OCD Counseling, you’ll find an environment designed to support and comfort you. Our friendly staff will help you get settled and address any immediate questions or concerns. Therapy is a collaborative process, and our intake session sets the foundation for a strong therapeutic partnership.
Free Treatment Consultation
The first step you will take is to speak with a OCD specialist regarding treatment. We want to make sure our counseling programs are the right fit for your needs and that you feel the counselor you speak with is the right fit for you. This phone call lasts about 10 minutes and consists of you sharing what you are looking to get out of specialized counseling the the counselor explaining how they can support you. If you decide to move forward, you can schedule an intake on this call or take some time to think about it.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment
Your intake session will begin with a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. This is an in-depth conversation aimed at understanding your current challenges, history, and goals for therapy. We’ll explore:
The nature and intensity of your OCD symptoms.
Your emotional well-being, daily habits, and relationships.
Any past mental health diagnoses, treatments, or medications.
How OCD impacts your daily life, such as work, school, or personal relationships.
This assessment helps us understand the full picture of your experience, ensuring that we tailor the treatment process to meet your unique needs.
Completing the Y-BOCS
To further clarify the severity and specifics of your OCD, we’ll administer the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), a widely used and trusted tool for evaluating OCD. This is sometimes started at the intake, and other times it is completed in the 2nd visit depending on time.
The Y-BOCS will help us:
Identify the types of obsessions and compulsions you’re experiencing.
Assess the frequency, intensity, and interference of your symptoms.
Establish a baseline to track your progress throughout therapy.
This structured measure is a key part of creating an evidence-based approach to your care. This also helps us to measure your progress overtime.
Developing a Treatment Plan
Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, we’ll work collaboratively to develop your personalized treatment plan. Your treatment plan will outline:
Therapeutic Goals: What you want to achieve during your time with us, whether it’s reducing symptoms, gaining coping tools, or improving overall quality of life.
Recommended Interventions: The evidence-based therapies we’ll use to help you reach your goals. This may include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Timeline and Structure: How often you’ll meet with your therapist and what you can expect from each session.
We’ll also take time to answer any questions you have about the therapy process, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to move forward.
Next Steps
At the end of your first visit, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis and a start of a roadmap for treatment. This is your chance to ask any lingering questions or share additional insights that can help shape your care. Depending on how long it takes to gather your history, the intake may continue into your next session.
Why Choose BrainBody OCD Counseling?
At BrainBody OCD Counseling, we specialize in treating OCD with compassion, expertise, and evidence-based methods. From your first visit, you’ll experience our commitment to helping you overcome challenges and rediscover hope.
If you’re ready to take the first step, fill out our new patient inquiry form to schedule your free treatment consultation. Relief from OCD is possible, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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