Welcome to YOUR Growth Journey
I am SO glad you are here!
Taking the first step toward therapy isn't always easy, and I don't take it lightly that you've chosen to trust me with part of your story. Whether you're feeling hopeful, nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure what to expect, know that all of it is welcome here.
My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, supported, challenged when appropriate, and empowered to grow at your own pace. Therapy isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating space to discover them together.
I look forward to meeting you.
—Amy
Before Your First Session
One Important Thing...
Before we meet, please take a few minutes to complete all of the intake paperwork in your Client Portal. This gives me the background information I need so we can spend our time together focusing on you, rather than paperwork.
If you have any trouble accessing or completing your forms, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm happy to help.
Download the Client Portal App
One of the easiest ways to stay connected throughout your therapy journey is by downloading the SimplePractice Client Portal app.
From the app, you can:
View upcoming appointments
Request or cancel appointments
Complete intake paperwork
Securely message me
Update payment methods (for private pay, Cigna and United. All others are currently through Headway.)
Access important practice information
I highly recommend downloading the app before your first appointment—it makes managing everything much easier.
Download for iPhone or iPad (iOS)
A Few Things You Don't Have to Worry About...
You don't need to...
Have your story organized.
Know exactly what to say.
Have everything figured out.
Be "good" at therapy.
Make progress every single week.
Protect my feelings.
Pretend you're okay.
Just show up.
We'll figure out the rest together.
Your Therapy. Your Goals.
This is your time, your journey, and your growth.
As life changes, your goals may change too—and that's completely okay.
If you'd ever like to...
spend more time on a particular topic
shift your goals
explore something new
try EMDR
slow down
move in a different direction
let me know something isn't working as well as you'd hoped
...please tell me.
One of the strongest predictors of successful therapy is an open, collaborative relationship. I truly welcome your feedback and want therapy to feel like it fits you, not the other way around.
There is no such thing as hurting my feelings by asking for something different. I will be honored by your feedback.
Get the Most From Therapy
Therapy doesn't only happen during our sessions. The small moments between appointments often become where the biggest growth takes place.
A few ideas:
Bring your journal to sessions if you'd like.
Write down questions as they come up during the week.
Try to give yourself at least 5 minutes before session to reflect on the past week and what you really want out of our time together.
Celebrate small victories.
Practice one skill at a time.
Notice patterns with curiosity instead of judgment.
Give yourself grace while you're learning.
Remember...
Progress isn't perfection.
Growth isn't linear.
Showing up matters.
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Before You Arrive
If possible, arrive a few minutes early so you don't have to rush into session.
Take a deep breath before you walk in.
This hour is for you.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available in our lot. If you have any trouble finding me, shoot me a text.
What to Bring
You're welcome to bring:
Water or coffee
Your therapy journal
A cozy sweater or blanket if you're someone who gets cold
Anything that helps you feel comfortable
After Your Session
If your schedule allows, try to give yourself five or ten quiet minutes before jumping back into work or family responsibilities.
Many people find that their best insights happen during the drive home.
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Find a Private Space
Choose a place where you can speak freely and feel comfortable sharing. A bedroom, home office, or even a parked car can work well if that's what provides the most privacy.
Please Don't Drive
If your car is your quiet place, that's perfectly okay—just be sure you're safely parked before we begin.
Minimize Distractions
Turn on Do Not Disturb, silence notifications, and let others around you know you'll be unavailable for the next hour.
This time is an investment in you—and you deserve to be fully present.
Set Up Your Technology
Please make sure your device is charged (or plugged in), your internet connection is stable, and your camera and microphone are working before we begin. If Using a phone or tablet, the Simple Practice Client App (linked above) is helpful to install ahead of time.
Consider Headphones
Headphones can improve privacy and sound quality for both of us.
Make Yourself Comfortable
Have water, tissues, a cozy blanket, your journal, or anything else that helps you feel at ease nearby.
If Technology Misbehaves...
Technology isn't always perfect, and that's okay.
If we get disconnected, I'll reconnect as quickly as possible. If we're unable to reconnect, I'll reach out using the contact information you provided so we can make a plan.
Remember...
There is no "perfect" way to do therapy from home, work, or anywhere else.
Dogs bark.
Babies cry.
Coworkers knock.
Doorbells ring.
Technology occasionally has a mind of its own.
We'll work with whatever comes up.
The most important thing is simply that you show up.
🐾 Meet Millie the Therapy Dog
If we're meeting in person, you may be greeted by Millie, my friendly Bernedoodle therapy dog.
Millie loves meeting new people and has a special gift for sensing when someone could use a little extra comfort. She may quietly nap nearby, stop by for a quick hello, or occasionally decide that your lap looks like the perfect place to be.
Some clients find her presence calming and enjoy having her close during sessions. Others prefer a little more space—and that's perfectly okay too. Please let me know your preferences, and know that it's completely okay if they change from day to day.
Millie takes her therapy dog duties very seriously. She's just as excited to hear the word "work" as most dogs are to hear "walk." Of course, all professionalism goes out the window if someone offers a belly rub.
If, for any reason, you'd prefer not to have Millie present—or if you have concerns about allergies—please let me know before your appointment whenever possible. Because some clients greatly benefit from Millie's support, advance notice helps me schedule appointments in a way that works well for everyone. While Bernedoodles are often considered lower-allergy dogs, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. I also have leather furniture that is cleaned regularly to help minimize allergens.
Millie is usually pretty good at remembering each client's preferences. But if she ever mistakes you for someone who wants snuggles when you don't, please don't hesitate to tell her so. We might even count it as a little extra practice setting healthy boundaries. 😊
Need to Cancel or Reschedule?
Life happens—I completely understand.
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, I ask for at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible. You can easily cancel and reschedule appointments that are more than 24 hours away online or in the app.
Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice (or missed appointments) are subject to my current private-pay session fee of $175, regardless of insurance, as insurance companies do not cover missed appointments. The app does not let you cancel with less than 24 hours notice. You will need to text me directly to let me know.
Before canceling, here are a couple of options that can often help you avoid a late cancellation fee:
Switch to Telehealth
If you're not feeling well, childcare falls through, the weather is bad, or life simply gets hectic, we can often switch your in-person appointment to a telehealth session—even at the last minute. Just send me a text and we'll make the change.
Move Your Appointment
If another appointment is available later in the same week, you're welcome to move into that opening with no cancellation fee.
Please note that same-week openings can't always be guaranteed, but I'm happy to work with you whenever possible.
Contact Information
Phone: 720-634-5433 Text OK
amy@reallifecreativecounseling.com
10390 Bradford Rd. Suite 210
Littleton, CO 80127
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One Last Thing:
I'm honored to walk alongside you in this season of your life.
I hope you'll always remember that you don't have to do this perfectly.
You don't have to earn support.
You don't have to have all the answers before you arrive.
Just keep taking the next step.
One step.
One choice.
Grace to Be Fully You.