How do I get started? 

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1. Contact me - by phone (314-810-7407), email (rachel@rachelsmithlpc.com), or the form on this website (here).

2. We communicate and address any questions you may have and determine if we will be a good fit. 

3. Once you are ready to move forward, we schedule your initial session and I send you registration paperwork which you can complete electronically before our first meeting.

4. And then we meet! 

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What can I expect at my first session? 

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Your first session is all about me getting to know you and beginning to establish our therapeutic relationship. I will give you the opportunity to tell me what you feel is important to know about you, your story, and what you are desiring out of counseling; and I may ask questions along the way to make sure I am getting to know you well and understand aspects about you and your story that are significant and impactful. We can take time to address any fears or concerns you may have around the therapeutic process, discuss what your unique needs are, and explore how we might address them. 

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How long are sessions?

 

​You can expect your sessions to last approximately 50 minutes. This is standard practice and is referred to as "the therapeutic hour". The remaining 10 minutes provides time for me to complete paperwork, collect my thoughts, and prepare for the next session.

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How often will we meet? 

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I typically recommend new clients begin with weekly sessions in order for me to get to know him or her well and for us to develop a strong therapeutic alliance. If remaining at one session a week feels like a good fit, we will maintain our weekly schedule. However, some clients find they need additional therapeutic support and we may begin to meet twice a week, while others determine they do not need as much support and we will begin to schedule bi-weekly sessions. Each client's needs are unique and together we can discuss what is best for you.

 

How long will I be in therapy? 

 

Each client is unique in their specific therapeutic needs and goals. The length of time in which I see clients can vary from a few of months to several years or more. Together we can discuss your individual needs and goals and work collaboratively to determine what length of treatment is the best fit for you. 

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Do you offer telehealth?

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I do not offer exclusive telehealth services, but I do have telehealth services available for existing clients, when needed, due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances. 

 

What if I need additional help? 

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I work to offer the best referrals possible when your needs extend beyond my training and resources. At times, utilizing the additional support of a doctor, dietitian, adjunctive therapist, or psychiatrist is needed to aid in the healing process. I am accustomed to working in a team based approach and am willing to consult and work with additional treatment team members when needed. 

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I see you have, at times, expressed religious beliefs. I am not religious. Will that be a problem? 

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While I have historically been vocal online about my religious views and beliefs, in therapy, I maintain a different boundary and will not discuss religious beliefs unless requested or initiated by the client. I am very mindful of the harm that can be done if these boundary lines are blurred or crossed and I am committed to protecting my clients. As a result, my goal is to see and understand you through your specific lens and worldview and help you from that place. I will never impose my beliefs and views on to you.  

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I am a part of the LGBTQ+ community and have experienced harm from the religious community. Do I need to concerned about that with you? 

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A completely fair and understandable concern. You absolutely get to make 100% sure that the counselor you work with is in your corner and will not also contribute to areas of harm in your life. While I have a background in religious spaces and have been vocal about issues of faith, my own history of religious harm/spiritual abuse and my own deconstruction process has only bolstered my resolve to remain allied with those who have suffered even more than I have. I am committed to maintaining a safe space. In every possible way. Full stop.