top of page

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH ME

Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if you’ve tried before or tend to overthink big decisions. Here’s what the process actually looks like and how we’ll approach it together!

What Happens in the First Session?

The first session is often called an intake, but that word can sound more clinical than it actually is. In reality, it’s simply our first conversation together. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, what you’ve already tried, what feels stuck, and what you’d like to feel different in your life.

 

You don’t need to prepare anything formal, and you don’t need to share every detail of your history unless you want to. My role is to get a sense of who you are as a whole person, not just what’s “wrong.” We’ll clarify your goals, answer your questions about how I work, and begin building a foundation of trust and collaboration.

 

Starting therapy in Las Vegas or online anywhere in Nevada can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve had mixed experiences before. My intention is for that first meeting to feel grounded, respectful, and surprisingly human.

Fun Background with Shapes
Fun Background with Shapes

What Ongoing Therapy Looks Like

Therapy with me isn’t about venting endlessly or collecting coping tools you never use. We’ll explore the deeper patterns underneath your anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, or self-criticism using approaches like ACT, DBT, and Internal Family Systems. That means we’ll look at how certain protective parts of you developed, what they’re trying to accomplish, and how to build more flexibility and self-trust.

​

Some sessions may feel reflective and exploratory. Others may feel more structured and practical. Over time, many clients notice increased self-compassion, clearer boundaries, more emotional flexibility, and a quieter relationship with their inner critic.

​

The length of therapy varies. Some people come in for a focused period of work and feel ready to move forward after several months. Others choose to stay longer-term because they value having a consistent space for deeper growth. I meet you where you are and regularly check in about what feels aligned for you.

How Often Will We Meet?

Most clients begin with weekly 53-minute sessions because consistency creates momentum, especially when working with long-standing patterns like anxiety, perfectionism, or self-criticism. Meeting regularly allows us to build trust, notice recurring themes, and move beyond insight into actual change.

Over time, as progress unfolds and you begin to feel more grounded and steady, we may adjust the frequency based on your goals, schedule, and what feels sustainable for your life.

 

Therapy is not meant to last forever unless you want it to. I view our work as intentional and collaborative, which means we’ll regularly revisit your goals, track growth, and adjust pacing so the process feels purposeful rather than indefinite. Some clients come in for focused work over several months, while others choose to continue longer because they value having a consistent space for depth and reflection. 

 

If you’re wondering whether this structure would feel supportive for you, the best next step is simply starting a conversation!

Fun Background with Shapes

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re anything like most of the people I work with, you probably have a few questions running through your mind right now. That makes sense. Starting therapy is vulnerable, and you deserve clarity before taking that step. Below are answers to the questions I hear most often:

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If you’re functioning well on the outside but feel internally stuck, overwhelmed, or self-critical, therapy can offer a space to slow down and understand what’s driving those patterns. You don’t need to be in crisis to begin. Many of my clients start because they’re ready for deeper clarity and meaningful change rather than waiting for things to fall apart.

What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?

You’re not alone in that experience. Sometimes previous therapy focused on insight or coping without addressing the deeper internal system underneath. My work is specifically designed for people who are thoughtful and self-aware but still feel unresolved. I specialize in depth-oriented approaches like DBT, ACT and IFS, which often resonate with clients who felt like something was missing before.

What kinds of clients do you work with?

I primarily work with thoughtful, high-functioning adults who struggle with anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, shame, or a harsh inner critic. I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults and members of the LGBTQ+ community, and I strive to create an affirming, inclusive space where your identity is understood as part of your full experience rather than minimized. If you’ve often felt like you were “too much,” “not enough,” or misunderstood in other spaces, there’s a good chance you’ll feel seen here.

How much do you charge, and do you take insurance?

My fee is $175 for a 53-minute session. I operate as a private-pay practice because it allows us to focus on depth, flexibility, and your goals rather than insurance-driven limitations. I do not accept insurance directly. However, if you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes! I provide in-person therapy in Las Vegas, including Henderson and Summerlin, as well as secure online therapy throughout Nevada. Online sessions are structured the same way as in-person sessions.

What if I’m nervous to start?

Feeling nervous makes sense! Therapy is vulnerable, especially if you tend to overthink or want to “get it right.” The consultation is simply a conversation where we can talk through your concerns and see whether working together feels supportive and aligned. You don’t need to commit to anything before you’re ready!

If You’re Ready, Let’s Talk!

Scheduling a free 15-minute consultation is the easiest next step. We’ll discuss what’s bringing you in, answer your questions, and determine whether this feels like a strong fit for both of us.

Owner of Burden Counseling, Emily Burden. Anxiety Therapist in Las Vegas and VIrtual Across Nevada.
bottom of page