What to Expect in Therapy

You need more than surface-level solutions. Here’s what to expect from therapy at The Burnout Therapist, in person in Brookfield or online anywhere in Wisconsin.

Step 1: Free Consult

By the time you schedule a free 15-minute consult, you've likely already decided therapy is something you want to explore. This isn't a sales pitch or a mini therapy session—it's a genuine conversation to see if we're a good fit.

Before the call, you'll fill out a brief form (5 minutes or less) so I can understand where you're at. I'll use it as a guide during our conversation.

During the call:

  • You'll share what's going on: I'll ask what brought you here to make sure we’re a good fit for each other

  • I'll explain how I work: My training, approach, and how it connects to what you're experiencing

  • You'll ask any logistics questions: Insurance, scheduling, what to expect—whatever you need to know

  • You decide next steps: We can schedule your first session right then, or you can take time to think about it. No pressure either way.

The goal: If we’re a good fit, it should feel like a pressure release valve. If we're not the right fit, I'll point you in the right direction.

Step 2: First Session

Once you decide to move forward, you'll complete an intake packet through the secure client portal prior to your first appointment.

In your first 50-minute session:

  • We'll review the therapy process and I'll answer any remaining questions

  • You'll share your history, what's been going on, and what brought you here

  • We'll discuss what you're hoping to achieve and how we'll get there

  • You'll leave with at least one concrete thing you can do differently this week

This session is about building foundation—not diving into deep work right away. We're establishing trust and making sure we're aligned on approach and goals.

Step 3: Ongoing Sessions

After your first session, we'll establish a standing weekly 50-minute appointment time that's reserved specifically for you. This consistency is key to making real progress—and it means you're not scrambling to find a slot each week.

In the first few sessions (weeks 1-4):

  • We'll confirm we're a good fit to work together

  • We'll nail down specific treatment goals

  • We'll start building the tools and strategies you need

As we continue meeting weekly:

  • We work toward your goals at a pace that feels right for you

  • We use neurodivergent-informed strategies for ADHD and executive function challenges

  • We apply evidence-based approaches for burnout recovery and anxiety treatment

  • We practice holistic therapy that addresses the whole picture, not isolated symptoms

We'll review progress every few months and adjust our approach as needed.

Step 4: Integration & Transition

As you gain traction and build sustainable systems, we'll space sessions further apart—moving from weekly to bi-weekly, then monthly, or as-needed.

As you reach your goals, we'll reevaluate: What do you still need? How do you feel about continuing? When might be a good time to wrap up therapy or shift to maintenance sessions?

You're in control of the timeline.

The Process

Neurodivergent informed response

You’ll see how therapy can help you build systems for how your brain actually works —-not how productivity gurus say it should.

Evidence based strategies

Approaches I use include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, trauma-informed care, and nervous system regulation techniques.

Integration over balance

Therapy to address how work, health, relationships, and mental well-being interconnect—because health cannot be compartmentalized.

Action, not just talk

You'll leave every session with actionable strategies—not just venting about your week.

The Timeline

Short answer — it depends on your goals.

  • Build trust, get clear on what's keeping you stuck, and identify what actually matters to you.

  • Learn practical tools and test small changes in real life — not just talk about them.

  • Apply what you've learned more independently, with sessions shifting from teaching to troubleshooting.

  • Sessions space out as you gain footing. This phase flexes with real life — job changes, hard seasons, or new challenges don't mean starting over. It just means we adjust together.

We'll check in regularly about your progress and adjust frequency as needed.

What To Expect…Next…

Ready?

If you're an exhausted professional in Wisconsin ready to stop running on empty, let's talk.

Schedule

Questions?

Want to know about fees, insurance, or hours? Check out the FAQs…

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Approach?

Wondering if this is the right approach for you? Learn more about how I landed on the pillars in my practice.

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