Google Search Marriage Therapist Near Me: The Initial Phone Call
One thing I cannot stand is feeling like I am being sold on something. I am an analytical and independent person that likes to research things and feel like I am making the best decision. I try to resist being persuaded or convinced of something simply to complete a deal.
So when it comes to speaking with people who are inquiring about how I might help them, I really struggle with the idea of selling myself and my services to them. I know marketing gurus might advise me otherwise, but I want my clients to sense my authenticity, transparency, and genuine desire to help them from our first point of contact. If they do not move forward with me as their therapist, while in the end I “lost the sale,” I trust their ultimate judgment in choosing what is best for them.
I am not in this business to “sell my services.” I am a therapist because I genuinely want to help people change. I find that is best achieved when my clients freely choose to work with me, rather than when I or someone else convinces them to.
I believe the most beneficial therapist-patient relationship is all about a right fit. Therefore, I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to potential clients with 3 goals in mind:
To briefly assess the caller’s needs and goals for therapy
To educate the client about therapy and what I, specifically, offer
To discuss my policies and processes
This is also why I do not use an assistant or service to answer or return my calls. I speak to my potential clients directly because I want them to know who I am and get a taste for my personality and style. I do not want potential clients to waste time or money on a first appointment and come away disappointed that I am not the best fit for them. In just 15 minutes, I think we both get a good idea of whether or not we will work well together.
Goal 1: Assess the Caller’s Needs
Ultimately, my client’s well being and achievement of a desirable outcome is my top priority. That doesn’t necessarily mean that all of my clients always reach their initial goals. Rather, it means that my clients come away from my services feeling like they have gained something valuable that can help them overcome their struggles, decrease their symptoms, and grow.
The first thing I ask in a consultation is how the caller heard about me. I do not simply do this for marketing purposes. I want to know what research the client has done about me and why they chose to call me specifically. Why do they want to work with me? What makes them think I would be a good fit for their needs? What are they looking for in a therapist? Will they be able to trust me? Oftentimes, clients find me through a google search or are referred by past clients or other professionals and they actually do not know much about me at all. I believe it is my job to educate them about the process of therapy so they can interview me for the job.
Next, I inquire about their needs. What are they seeking help for? This helps me to assess whether their current challenges or struggles fall into an area that I not only have the knowledge and expertise to treat, but more importantly, have had success in treating.
Finally, I want to gain a sense of what outcome(s) they desire. Many clients have not thought about what their goals are for therapy, they just know they need help. However, everyone seems to have an idea of how they wish their life could be different, since that is why they are seeking the services of a personal growth and change expert. I want to be certain that I have the processes, tools, and techniques that will help them to realize their hopes.
Once I feel confident that I could be of help to them, I turn the conversation toward providing information that helps the caller decide if I am the best person to help them.
Goal 2: Introduce Myself and My Approach
When someone calls me to inquire about therapy, I often hear them say, “I have never done this before and I am not sure how to even proceed.”
While this might be a great hook for a salesperson to capitalize on, for me it is an indication that the caller is asking for some education. I want to give them the information they need to make an independent, informed decision. Therefore, I spend time telling them about their options, the process of choosing a therapist, and the importance of finding a good fit. Then I share about my expertise, the outcomes of my clients, and the processes I use to help people. This equips them to make a good decision about moving forward.
I want them to know the following:
I am a good fit for you if. . .
You prefer a systematic and structured approach to treatment
You are a person who values private and discrete services
You have relationship wounds and traumas that continue to rob you of joy and fulfillment in life and you want to break free of whatever is holding you back
You are ready to make concrete changes in your life in order to increase your satisfaction
You are willing to try new and creative pathways and consider different perspectives to resolve (or dissolve) your struggles
You desire to become more self-aware and are seeking honest and objective feedback
You are open to learning new skills to communicate and resolve conflicts in your family and relationships
You seek to heal, forgive, and repair broken trust in your relationships
You want to handle your emotions in healthier ways
You want a more intimate, satisfying marriage
I am a therapist:
Who has 25+ years of experience of successfully helping individuals, couples, and families lead healthier lives
With real life experience overcoming problems to maintain a healthy marriage and raise well-adjusted children
With a Doctorate in Child & Family Development, that specializes in couple and family relationships, past and present
That uses evidence-based models and research to guide my therapy because I would rather know what works than theorize about what might help (this is important!)
Who is genuine, honest, direct, and transparent
That is passionate about helping couples and individuals to change and build healthy relationships
I am NOT a good fit for you if. . .
You are looking for a place to vent and are not interested in introspection and self-growth
You want a quick and easy solution that addresses the symptoms but not the root of the problem
You are hoping to find methods to make someone else change
Your biggest factor in choosing a therapist is cost or participation in your insurance plan
My clients know me and what I can do to help them. They come to me because they trust me and believe I can help them; they are ready to make changes in their lives and relationships; and they value self growth.
When both myself and my clients are selective about who we work with, we all find the therapy more rewarding and fulfilling. There is nothing more satisfying in my work than witnessing my clients benefit from their progress and growth and actually improve their relationships!
Goal 3: Present My Practice and Policies
Lastly, even if we are a good fit, sometimes the decision to proceed comes down to practicalities. I do not sugarcoat the fact that therapy involves an investment of time, effort, and money. I want my clients to move forward in scheduling an appointment with me only when they feel confident that it is a worthwhile investment. Therefore, potential clients need to know a few things about my practice. . .
I primarily offer virtual therapy sessions because it allows me and my clients more flexibility in scheduling. This format also allows for discrete meetings where the client can choose a location that feels most private and comfortable. I find teletherapy just as effective as in person therapy for most issues, otherwise I wouldn’t do it. At times, I will provide in-person sessions.
The first 3-4 sessions are for assessment so I can formulate a comprehensive picture of the clients, their histories, the problems, and the desired outcome. While most clients actually find these sessions to be useful in broadening their perspective and increasing self-awareness, I withhold direct intervention until we create a treatment plan together.
To start therapy, I expect clients to schedule sessions weekly or biweekly in order to gain momentum. Anything less and clients usually do not find therapy very beneficial.
I only accept private pay clients and do not participate with insurance companies for many reasons. I want to dictate the type of interventions I provide based on my own expertise and what I know works for my clients, rather than what insurance covers. I want to be available to clients based on their needs and tailor my services to the format that best suits them. Not being managed by insurance, I am able to offer flexibility on the frequency and duration of sessions. Insurance claims generally require the client to be given a mental health diagnosis. I prefer not to diagnose clients unless it is helpful and useful for their personal goals (I really think this is the most ethical approach and it aligns well with my values and perspective on mental health). I believe that couple and family therapy should treat everyone and not just focus on one patient’s needs, however insurance would dictate that I choose one person and formulate treatment around their needs. Practically, the required paperwork and processes involved take valuable time away from my schedule whereby I could be holding sessions and helping clients instead. My passion is to help people get better, and I work hard to make therapy a worthy investment for the clients I treat.
At the end of the conversation, callers almost always show appreciation for the amount of time and information I have shared with them, and that is fulfilling. Regardless of whether they choose to work with me or seek someone else who fits their needs or budget better, they come away empowered to make the best decision for themselves. ..and that alone, is a therapeutic win!
If you think I may be the kind of therapist that can help you, contact me for a free 15 minute phone consultation at 716.216.216 or drdeacon@firmfoundationsmft.com. You can also check out more about my services on my website at firmfoundationsmft.com.
