The first session, often referred to as an intake, is focused on getting to know you and orienting you to therapy. Dr. Buckelew uses a conversational style, making the process feel more natural than clinical. You may discuss what brings you in, past experiences, patterns you have noticed, and what you hope might feel different. There is no expectation to have everything figured out. The goal is to understand your concerns and determine whether working together feels like the right fit.

Beyond the intake, sessions are shaped around what matters most to you. Some weeks may focus on a specific stressor or recent event. Other weeks may involve stepping back to look at broader patterns, such as how you relate to yourself, others, work, or pressure. Sessions may also include clarifying values, identifying recurring themes, building emotional awareness, or practicing new ways of responding when old patterns resurface.

Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Buckelew draws from relational and attachment-based approaches, grounded in the belief that lasting change develops within a steady and attuned therapeutic relationship. At the same time, the work remains practical and collaborative. If something is not feeling helpful, it is discussed openly and adjusted together.