What Does A Session With Me Look Like?
image: Kimberly Larivee©️2025
Creative and Caring
A session with me is a relaxed, collaborative experience, more like a meaningful conversation than a clinical appointment. You may wish to incorporate a calming creative activity while talking to ground your thoughts and ease stress. If you wish, I can guide you in craft-based coping techniques that support mental clarity, emotional regulation, and mindfulness through the simple act of making.
My practice is gentle, person-centered, and holistic in nature. Whether we meet in a welcoming office space or in the comfort of your home, my priority is that you feel heard, respected, validated, and cared for. You will have space to express yourself freely, at your own pace, without judgement.
Together, we will explore holistic strategies that nurture resilience and support your well-being. I look forward to our time together as you build confidence, discover new tools for coping, grow stronger, more resilient, and move toward a more balanced, grounded way of living.
Complimentary Consultation:
I offer a complimentary 15-30 minute video/telephone consultation so we can meet, discuss your questions, and gather information about your needs, cultural health care preferences and goals. We will determine appropriateness and fit. If I feel I am not able to help you, I will attempt to refer you to another practitioner who may be able to help you.
The First Session:
(90 minutes)
Our first (intake) appointment will be a patient-led, exploratory session where you are heard, seen and valued. Consent will be obtained, and we will have a supportive and focused conversation that will help you explore your health care goals in more depth. We will delve deeper into what you would like to get from our time together. We will work together to explore your options and craft a personalized care plan that resonates with your wellness goals.
We generally will do a health assessment including vital signs, medication review, and health history. You will be challenged to be proactive, participatory in your care, and you will have “homework” to work on between appointments to help you reach your goals. We will book your next session(s), co-creating a schedule that works best for you.
Ongoing Sessions:
(60 minutes)
We’ll schedule follow-up appointments, as needed. We can continue sessions for as long as you feel it is worthwhile. For some people, just a few sessions are sufficient, while others might require more sessions. We’ll talk about how you are progressing, your achievements, needs, develop new skills, and adjust your wellness plan if needed. You can end your sessions at any time.
Longer appointments can be scheduled if you prefer 90-minute sessions. This is very useful for clients who feel they need more time or wish to spend extra time developing new skills. I do have a limited number of 90-minute appointments, and these need to be booked ahead of time.
Virtual, by telephone, or in person visits:
The virtual appointment experience:
A virtual mental health session is a therapy appointment conducted remotely via video or telephone, where you meet with a professional mental health nurse trained to provide mental health care. This is an opportunity to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and concerns in a private, comfortable space.
The session typically involves a check-in, discussion and reflection guided by the mental health nurse, and may end with goal setting or “homework” like journaling or self-care exercises. The experience is like an in-person session in that you’ll be talking with a trained professional, but without the travel.
Session structure
• Check-in: The session starts with a brief check-in to discuss updates, progress, or new challenges since your last meeting.
• Discussion and reflection: The core of the session involves exploring specific topics or working through strategies tailored to your needs. The therapist will guide the conversation, helping you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
• Goal setting and “homework”: At the end, you and your therapist may set goals for the future or you may be given exercises, like journaling or meditation, to practice before your next session.
Communication methods
• Video sessions: The most common format, using video conferencing software, which closely resembles an in-person session.
• Phone sessions: An option for those who may not have access to or prefer not to use video technology.
Preparing for your session
• Set up a private space: Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and ensure you have a stable internet connection.
• Tech check: Before the session begins, check your internet, camera, and microphone. Using headphones can also improve privacy and sound quality.
• Prepare your thoughts: It can be helpful to jot down notes on what you’d like to discuss or what you hope to get out of the session.
• Be patient with yourself: It’s normal to feel nervous or uneasy, especially in the beginning. Give yourself time to adjust to the virtual format and build rapport with your therapist.
An in-person mental health session
An in-person mental health session typically involves a first meeting where you will complete paperwork and get acquainted with the therapist through conversation, focusing on your current situation, goals, and history. Subsequent sessions involve discussing challenges, emotions, and coping strategies, working together to set goals and develop a treatment plan. The environment is a private, supportive space for exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
First session
• Paperwork and introductions: You will review and sign consent forms and introduce yourself, sharing background information and the reasons for seeking therapy.
• Assessment: The therapist will ask questions about your current situation, symptoms, and history to understand your needs better. This may include discussions about your family, relationships, and work or school.
• Goal setting: You and the therapist will work together to identify your goals for therapy and create a treatment plan. You can also ask questions about the therapy process and what to expect.
• Rapport building: The first session is also an opportunity for you to assess if the therapist is a good fit for you, as building trust and comfort is key to the therapeutic relationship.
Subsequent sessions
• Agenda setting: Sessions may start with a review of progress since the last meeting and an agreed-upon agenda for the current session.
• Open-ended discussion: You will discuss current concerns, feelings, emotions, and how you are coping with them.
• Active participation: While the therapist will guide the session, it is a collaborative process where you are encouraged to share what you are comfortable with and work towards your goals.
• Focus on the present: While past experiences may be discussed if relevant, therapy often focuses on present-day issues and creating a desired future.
• In some situations in person visits may occur in your home, this must be prearranged by contacting Kimberly. The first 20 minute session will be by telephone or virtual.
Therapeutic Art and Creative Movement Experiences
Art therapy is a research-supported approach that uses creative expression to help people explore emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being.
Through guided art-making, clients can express feelings that may be difficult to put into words, promoting emotional clarity and regulation. Studies show that art therapy can lower stress hormones, support trauma recovery, and enhance self-esteem.
It also strengthens communication, deepens self-awareness, and encourages mindfulness. Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, art therapy offers a supportive, empowering path toward healing and personal growth.
Creative Movement Therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses expressive movement, mindfulness, and body awareness to support emotional and psychological well-being. Research in somatic psychology shows that our bodies often hold emotions that are difficult to express through words alone, making movement a powerful tool for healing.
Through guided movement, clients learn to identify, express, and regulate their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Studies in Dance/Movement Therapy demonstrate that this approach can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, lower stress, and improve overall mood.
Creative Movement Therapy is also beneficial for trauma recovery, helping individuals reconnect with their bodies, release stored tension, and regain a sense of safety and control. It enhances self-awareness, fosters confidence, and supports the development of healthy coping strategies.
For many people, it offers a nonverbal pathway to healing that feels accessible and empowering. Whether someone is navigating stress, emotional overwhelm, or life transitions, Creative Movement Therapy provides a holistic, compassionate way to promote mental and emotional well-being.
