Your first session
Fifty minutes, and nothing to decide that day
A little paperwork beforehand, a conversation, and your fee in writing. That's all the first session asks of you.
Most people are nervous before a first session, and Jamal expects that. He doesn't need you to arrive with a story or a plan. If you'd rather start by email or phone, you can do that first.
At a glance
In the office on Esplanade Avenue, or by video
50 minutes
Your fee in writing beforehand
Before, during, after
How it goes
Step 1: Before
You write or call, and say how it's okay to reach you. Jamal replies that way, and only that way. If you pay without insurance, you'll have a written estimate of your costs before the session.
Step 2: During
Jamal asks what you'd like from the hour, explains how he works, the risks and benefits of therapy, and privacy and its limits. You say as much or as little as you want. There is no form asking you to name your identity.
Step 3: After
You decide whether to book another session, wait, or stop. If you want a monthly receipt for a plan that reimburses, ask and Jamal will send one.
Three questions about the first session
What happens in the first session?
It lasts 50 minutes. Jamal asks what you'd like from the hour, explains how he works and the risks and benefits of therapy, and goes over privacy and its limits. At the end you decide whether to book another.
What is private, and what are the limits?
What you say in session stays between you and Jamal, with limits set by law: a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or a report the law requires. He explains them at your first session. Jamal won't contact your family or workplace.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please give 24 hours' notice to change or cancel a session. After that, the session fee may apply. If something unavoidable comes up, tell Jamal and he'll talk it through with you.
When you're ready, write to Jamal
A message is all it takes. You can ask a question first, with nothing booked.