Waiting Area
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What can I expect for my first session?
Please arrive at least 15-20 min. early to your Intake Session and bring your completed Intake Form and Informed Consent Form, so that Dr. Tanaka can review your paperwork before your session. Also, please read the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices prior to your first session. Seating is available in the waiting area when you arrive early. The Intake Session will focus on exploring the concerns that are bringing you in for therapy, discussing your background history, and setting therapeutic goals. Please expect 75-90 min. for this session. Also, we will decide if the next session will be a psychotherapy session or Completion Process session. |
What is the difference between a Completion Process session and a psychotherapy session?
The Completion Process is an intense trauma integration session, and it is an experiential session. The entire session will focus on addressing a specific trigger. Due to the nature of this process, there is no specific time limit and can last anywhere from 1.5 - 3 hours. Although you can choose to attend these sessions on a consistent basis, this is not necessary. This process is especially effective when you are triggered or were recently triggered.
In a psychotherapy session, there is a specific time limit and you may address one or more issues which may be treated with a variety of techniques. Although it may include an experiential component, it is unlikely that the entire session will be experiential. Also, since progress is heavily based on the therapeutic relationship (using interpersonal and attachment-based approaches), it is highly recommended that psychotherapy sessions are attended on a consistent basis (i.e., once a week). Also, clients tend to make progress more quickly when they attend weekly sessions.
You can also choose to attend both Completion Process and psychotherapy sessions (at separate times) for a more integrative experience.
How can I get the most out of therapy?
What are interpersonal process groups?
Interpersonal process groups provide an amazing opportunity to learn more about ourselves and other people in a safe environment in order to develop more satisfying relationships in the outside world. Members can learn to be more open and better express their feelings in order to develop more authentic connections. Also, they have opportunities to receive direct, honest, and respectful feedback and they can explore different ways to interact with people. Process groups have a unstructured format. Group members may join at any time but must commit to at least 3 consecutive sessions. Maximum of 8 members per group.
Click here to find out more about interpersonal process groups!
Check out current group offerings here
Here is info about our weekly guided group meditation sessions.
Does Dr. Tanaka prescribe medication?
No, as a Psychologist (not a Psychiatrist), Dr. Tanaka does not prescribe any medication.
Does Dr. Tanaka provide assessment reports?
No, Dr. Tanaka limits the services provided to you to those that are therapeutic in nature. Any requests for additional administrative services (e.g., disability certification, emotional support animal letters, special accommodations related to psychological conditions, etc.) will have to be provided by another psychologist. The reason for this policy is to avoid having the performance of administrative (extratherapeutic) functions interfere with your therapy.
The Completion Process is an intense trauma integration session, and it is an experiential session. The entire session will focus on addressing a specific trigger. Due to the nature of this process, there is no specific time limit and can last anywhere from 1.5 - 3 hours. Although you can choose to attend these sessions on a consistent basis, this is not necessary. This process is especially effective when you are triggered or were recently triggered.
In a psychotherapy session, there is a specific time limit and you may address one or more issues which may be treated with a variety of techniques. Although it may include an experiential component, it is unlikely that the entire session will be experiential. Also, since progress is heavily based on the therapeutic relationship (using interpersonal and attachment-based approaches), it is highly recommended that psychotherapy sessions are attended on a consistent basis (i.e., once a week). Also, clients tend to make progress more quickly when they attend weekly sessions.
You can also choose to attend both Completion Process and psychotherapy sessions (at separate times) for a more integrative experience.
How can I get the most out of therapy?
- Be clear and intentional about your goals and what you want out of this experience
- Be open to the experience
- Go at your own pace
- Be an active participant - psychotherapy is a collaborative process and you get more out of it when you are more engaged
- Be present in the here-and-now and share your reactions in the moment (e.g., what you are thinking, feeling, sensing, experiencing)
- If you have questions or want clarification, please communicate this
- Feedback is welcome (e.g., what was helpful, issues or concerns)
What are interpersonal process groups?
Interpersonal process groups provide an amazing opportunity to learn more about ourselves and other people in a safe environment in order to develop more satisfying relationships in the outside world. Members can learn to be more open and better express their feelings in order to develop more authentic connections. Also, they have opportunities to receive direct, honest, and respectful feedback and they can explore different ways to interact with people. Process groups have a unstructured format. Group members may join at any time but must commit to at least 3 consecutive sessions. Maximum of 8 members per group.
Click here to find out more about interpersonal process groups!
Check out current group offerings here
Here is info about our weekly guided group meditation sessions.
Does Dr. Tanaka prescribe medication?
No, as a Psychologist (not a Psychiatrist), Dr. Tanaka does not prescribe any medication.
Does Dr. Tanaka provide assessment reports?
No, Dr. Tanaka limits the services provided to you to those that are therapeutic in nature. Any requests for additional administrative services (e.g., disability certification, emotional support animal letters, special accommodations related to psychological conditions, etc.) will have to be provided by another psychologist. The reason for this policy is to avoid having the performance of administrative (extratherapeutic) functions interfere with your therapy.