Photo of Eriko Demery - Reflective Pathways Counseling Services, PLLC, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Reflective Pathways Counseling Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Auburn, WA 98092  (Online Only)
Are you looking for a supportive environment to explore your mental health and life challenges? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression and/or dealing with a difficult life transition or situation? I offer a compassionate and confidential space where you can freely discuss your struggles and work towards healing and growth.
Are you looking for a supportive environment to explore your mental health and life challenges? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression and/or dealing with a difficult life transition or situation? I offer a compassionate and confidential space where you can freely discuss your struggles and work towards healing and growth.
(253) 553-2485 View (253) 553-2485
Photo of Janice Nordland, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janice Nordland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092
My goal is to support your mental well-being by helping you work through managing your problems. Self-awareness, social-awareness, and education are among my overarching therapeutic goals. Viewing individuals within the context of their environment helps me understand and assess clients. I believe in the importance of collaborative partnerships and strengthening relationships. Above all, I want you to feel cared for and supported. **I currently do not bill insurance companies. Please see the insurance section for more information.**
My goal is to support your mental well-being by helping you work through managing your problems. Self-awareness, social-awareness, and education are among my overarching therapeutic goals. Viewing individuals within the context of their environment helps me understand and assess clients. I believe in the importance of collaborative partnerships and strengthening relationships. Above all, I want you to feel cared for and supported. **I currently do not bill insurance companies. Please see the insurance section for more information.**
(253) 243-2906 View (253) 243-2906
Photo of Teri Simons, LMFTA, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Teri Simons
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092  (Online Only)
Let's get you out of crisis mode and back to the life you deserve! Whether you are going through a transitional phase in your life, taking your relationship to a new level, needing to work on said relationship, or just feeling lost or overwhelmed in your life and in need of something - I am here to walk alongside you and help guide you through it. I absolutely love helping my couples get back on the right track.
Let's get you out of crisis mode and back to the life you deserve! Whether you are going through a transitional phase in your life, taking your relationship to a new level, needing to work on said relationship, or just feeling lost or overwhelmed in your life and in need of something - I am here to walk alongside you and help guide you through it. I absolutely love helping my couples get back on the right track.
(253) 867-9440 View (253) 867-9440
Photo of Jennifer Lynn Kapelos, LMHCA, Counselor
Jennifer Lynn Kapelos
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092
I use equine-assisted therapy model Eagala. The client chooses the pace and what to work on. Clients who have experienced trauma, anxieties, and other emotional related problems can find that the horses can relate because they are hyper vigilant and reflect back what they sense. As the counselor I allow for the process to work through at its own pace and support the strengths of the client as they emerge. I have several locations in Western WA, in order to ease access. At present I have Enumclaw, Maple Valley, Ravensdale, South Prairie, Monroe, Auburn, Rainier, and Olympia. I have a sliding scale not based just on income.
I use equine-assisted therapy model Eagala. The client chooses the pace and what to work on. Clients who have experienced trauma, anxieties, and other emotional related problems can find that the horses can relate because they are hyper vigilant and reflect back what they sense. As the counselor I allow for the process to work through at its own pace and support the strengths of the client as they emerge. I have several locations in Western WA, in order to ease access. At present I have Enumclaw, Maple Valley, Ravensdale, South Prairie, Monroe, Auburn, Rainier, and Olympia. I have a sliding scale not based just on income.
(253) 289-5268 View (253) 289-5268
Photo of Han Soo Kim, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Han Soo Kim
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Auburn, WA 98092
I am committed to providing respectful and client-centered counseling. My approach is a good fit for those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, panic, relationship issues, low-self esteem, grief, PTSD, OCD, daily stress, and phobia. Over 27 combined years of experience in my pastoral care and mental health counseling profession, I have worked with a diverse group of individuals and couples of various ages, cultures, ethnicities, racial identities, and socioeconomic statuses.
I am committed to providing respectful and client-centered counseling. My approach is a good fit for those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, panic, relationship issues, low-self esteem, grief, PTSD, OCD, daily stress, and phobia. Over 27 combined years of experience in my pastoral care and mental health counseling profession, I have worked with a diverse group of individuals and couples of various ages, cultures, ethnicities, racial identities, and socioeconomic statuses.
(253) 600-3755 View (253) 600-3755
Photo of Alayna Daniels - Beth-El Counsel: Alayna Daniels, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Beth-El Counsel: Alayna Daniels
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Auburn, WA 98092
Beth-El Counsel serves children, adolescents, and adults actively seeking support and guidance to navigate through life's challenges and improve their overall well-being! Clients may be facing issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts or other mental health concerns. Beth-El Counsel offers a safe and supportive environment where clients can openly express themselves without judgment and receive effective therapeutic interventions tailored to their unique circumstances. These clients may also require practical tools and strategies to cope with their difficulties and make positive changes in their lives!
Beth-El Counsel serves children, adolescents, and adults actively seeking support and guidance to navigate through life's challenges and improve their overall well-being! Clients may be facing issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts or other mental health concerns. Beth-El Counsel offers a safe and supportive environment where clients can openly express themselves without judgment and receive effective therapeutic interventions tailored to their unique circumstances. These clients may also require practical tools and strategies to cope with their difficulties and make positive changes in their lives!
(253) 319-3793 View (253) 319-3793
Photo of Sonya Harkins, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sonya Harkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092
Hello! I am glad you are looking for help. We all need it at times. As a clinician, my goal is to assist you in overcoming issues which prevent you from flourishing. If life is overwhelming you, we will begin by building on your present strengths with new skills and insight. Should longstanding patterns of unhelpful thoughts and/or behavior be an issue, I am attachment focused, trained in EMDR and willing to walk with you in rooting out the issues holding you back.
Hello! I am glad you are looking for help. We all need it at times. As a clinician, my goal is to assist you in overcoming issues which prevent you from flourishing. If life is overwhelming you, we will begin by building on your present strengths with new skills and insight. Should longstanding patterns of unhelpful thoughts and/or behavior be an issue, I am attachment focused, trained in EMDR and willing to walk with you in rooting out the issues holding you back.
(206) 312-4769 View (206) 312-4769
Photo of Angela Davis, PhD, Psychologist
Angela Davis
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Auburn, WA 98092
Not accepting new clients
Welcome to my practice! My goal is to provide you with evidence based psychological treatments/techniques to help you reach your goals, reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. In addition to having received training in treating a wide-range of problems from world-renowned treatment centers, I enjoy infusing my work with compassion, humor, and kindness in an effort to provide you with the highest standard of care. Please feel free to email me with any questions.
Welcome to my practice! My goal is to provide you with evidence based psychological treatments/techniques to help you reach your goals, reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. In addition to having received training in treating a wide-range of problems from world-renowned treatment centers, I enjoy infusing my work with compassion, humor, and kindness in an effort to provide you with the highest standard of care. Please feel free to email me with any questions.
(617) 505-4206 View (617) 505-4206
Photo of Sala Tauanu'u Afalava, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Sala Tauanu'u Afalava
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092  (Online Only)
To everyone that knows you – you’ve got it all together. But to be honest, the unresolved pain of past trauma negatively affects your mind, body, and overall well-being. Years of unresolved issues leaves you feel tired, overwhelmed and exhausted. You’re not sure how long you can keep up the facade. Perhaps you have been living up to other people’s expectations in addition to your own, and the load feels heavy.
To everyone that knows you – you’ve got it all together. But to be honest, the unresolved pain of past trauma negatively affects your mind, body, and overall well-being. Years of unresolved issues leaves you feel tired, overwhelmed and exhausted. You’re not sure how long you can keep up the facade. Perhaps you have been living up to other people’s expectations in addition to your own, and the load feels heavy.
(253) 480-6469 View (253) 480-6469
Photo of Esther J Kim, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Esther J Kim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092
Not accepting new clients
Greetings and welcome to my page. Everyone has a story that matters. Telling our story benefits us in many ways. It connects us from the past and future to our present lives. It is through these stories, that healing and growth can happen and a more resilient you can arise.
Greetings and welcome to my page. Everyone has a story that matters. Telling our story benefits us in many ways. It connects us from the past and future to our present lives. It is through these stories, that healing and growth can happen and a more resilient you can arise.
(360) 763-0695 View (360) 763-0695
Photo of Catherine McAlhaney - Eastside Professional Counseling Services, PLLC, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Eastside Professional Counseling Services, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, WA 98092  (Online Only)
Everyone needs help sometimes. When it feels like circumstances and life-pressures are causing you to feel sad, hopeless, stuck, and/or afraid, counseling may help you regain emotional traction and move through the challenges of your life. I believe every person has great internal resources/strengths to uncover or discover solutions for life..I specialize in helping couples/families/individuals improve their relationships and also those who experience anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, self-worth, divorce, blended-families, healing from infidelity, parenting, and many other individual and relationship issues. I work from a variety of theories, including Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Gottman Relationship Therapy.
Everyone needs help sometimes. When it feels like circumstances and life-pressures are causing you to feel sad, hopeless, stuck, and/or afraid, counseling may help you regain emotional traction and move through the challenges of your life. I believe every person has great internal resources/strengths to uncover or discover solutions for life..I specialize in helping couples/families/individuals improve their relationships and also those who experience anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, self-worth, divorce, blended-families, healing from infidelity, parenting, and many other individual and relationship issues. I work from a variety of theories, including Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Gottman Relationship Therapy.
(425) 358-4548 View (425) 358-4548
Photo of Piya Banerjee, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Piya Banerjee
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092  (Online Only)
"Pain is important: how we evade it, how we succumb to it, how we deal with it, how we transcend it" - Audre Lorde. I hope to build healing relationships with people who would like to create more connection, ease and freedom in their lives. I work relationally and through the body by building self awareness, and doing standing and seated embodiment practices.
"Pain is important: how we evade it, how we succumb to it, how we deal with it, how we transcend it" - Audre Lorde. I hope to build healing relationships with people who would like to create more connection, ease and freedom in their lives. I work relationally and through the body by building self awareness, and doing standing and seated embodiment practices.
(253) 446-7176 View (253) 446-7176
Photo of Susan P Moser, MA, LMHC, CHT, Counselor
Susan P Moser
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CHT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092
I am a mental health counselor who believes therapy is a process in which you will gain greater self-awareness, that can change how you live in the world and relate to others. We all have issues from our past, big and small traumas, being triggered by our current situations that prevent us from living a more meaningful life. Creating healthy connections with the parts of you that are challenging, builds the resources for you to be more authentic and comfortable in your own skin. By doing this, you find your strengths and face your fears.
I am a mental health counselor who believes therapy is a process in which you will gain greater self-awareness, that can change how you live in the world and relate to others. We all have issues from our past, big and small traumas, being triggered by our current situations that prevent us from living a more meaningful life. Creating healthy connections with the parts of you that are challenging, builds the resources for you to be more authentic and comfortable in your own skin. By doing this, you find your strengths and face your fears.
(253) 252-1671 View (253) 252-1671
Photo of Michael Lillie - Michael Lillie LMFT, MA(ts), MA, LMFT, MHP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael Lillie LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA(ts), MA, LMFT, MHP
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092
I love what I do for a living! I have the privilege of walking with people through chaos, change, uncertainty, ambiguity, joy, sadness, anxiety or any other time of discovery life might bring. My greatest joy is seeing people find hope, make meaningful changes in their lives, and simply live a better life. I have worked in many different settings as a therapist including hospitals, community mental health centers, a homeless shelter, and in private practice.
I love what I do for a living! I have the privilege of walking with people through chaos, change, uncertainty, ambiguity, joy, sadness, anxiety or any other time of discovery life might bring. My greatest joy is seeing people find hope, make meaningful changes in their lives, and simply live a better life. I have worked in many different settings as a therapist including hospitals, community mental health centers, a homeless shelter, and in private practice.
(206) 429-6658 View (206) 429-6658
Photo of Alisa Murray, Psychologist
Alisa Murray
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Auburn, WA 98092  (Online Only)
Are you ready to make positive changes in your life? I specialize in nurturing personal growth and inner peace by fostering connection between the body, mind and spirit. My approach involves working to transform negative thinking patterns, increase bodily and emotional awareness, and improve communication with others. I listen carefully to discover how to build upon your strengths and design an action plan that fits your personality and your current challenges. For example, depending on your needs, written exercises, psychological tests, values clarification, or yoga-based anxiety reduction techniques may be used.
Are you ready to make positive changes in your life? I specialize in nurturing personal growth and inner peace by fostering connection between the body, mind and spirit. My approach involves working to transform negative thinking patterns, increase bodily and emotional awareness, and improve communication with others. I listen carefully to discover how to build upon your strengths and design an action plan that fits your personality and your current challenges. For example, depending on your needs, written exercises, psychological tests, values clarification, or yoga-based anxiety reduction techniques may be used.
(253) 271-4344 View (253) 271-4344
Photo of Wendy L Tate - Wendy Tate dba Excel Counseling, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Wendy Tate dba Excel Counseling
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092
Waitlist for new clients
Hi, I'm Wendy and I provide counseling to children, adolescents, adults, and Seniors. I use a strength based integrative approach that sees each person as unique. I pull from a variety of models including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness, Humanistic, Sports, and Positive Psychology. I work with many challenges individuals face addressing emotional, behavioral, and social needs; such as anxiety, depression, domestic violence, attachment disorders, ADHD, and more. I want to help you become empowered by further discovering your inner strength, beauty, purpose, and passion.
Hi, I'm Wendy and I provide counseling to children, adolescents, adults, and Seniors. I use a strength based integrative approach that sees each person as unique. I pull from a variety of models including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness, Humanistic, Sports, and Positive Psychology. I work with many challenges individuals face addressing emotional, behavioral, and social needs; such as anxiety, depression, domestic violence, attachment disorders, ADHD, and more. I want to help you become empowered by further discovering your inner strength, beauty, purpose, and passion.
(253) 237-7861 View (253) 237-7861
Photo of Christie Seligman, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Christie Seligman
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092
Not accepting new clients
**I am unable to take new clients at this time** I believe in the inner capacity of all humans to grow and heal in mind, body, and spirit from trauma or challenges faced in life. Due to our interconnected nature, this healing capacity is deepened and broadened through the assistance and support of others. I seek to hold a safe space through the therapeutic relationship to allow for the development of greater understanding and appreciation of self. Through this process, people begin to make meaningful changes and courageously act in ways that reflect their values and wholeness.
**I am unable to take new clients at this time** I believe in the inner capacity of all humans to grow and heal in mind, body, and spirit from trauma or challenges faced in life. Due to our interconnected nature, this healing capacity is deepened and broadened through the assistance and support of others. I seek to hold a safe space through the therapeutic relationship to allow for the development of greater understanding and appreciation of self. Through this process, people begin to make meaningful changes and courageously act in ways that reflect their values and wholeness.
(206) 429-6299 View (206) 429-6299
Photo of Ryan Ferguson, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Ryan Ferguson
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Auburn, WA 98092
Life is hard sometimes. Sometimes things happen to us that are beyond our control. Sometimes we just have thoughts and feelings that won't go away. Sometimes we end up hurting those around us because we don't know what else to do or how not to react to our thoughts and feelings. Whether your goals are to reduce anxiety, depression, process trauma, strengthen your relationships all to live your best life.
Life is hard sometimes. Sometimes things happen to us that are beyond our control. Sometimes we just have thoughts and feelings that won't go away. Sometimes we end up hurting those around us because we don't know what else to do or how not to react to our thoughts and feelings. Whether your goals are to reduce anxiety, depression, process trauma, strengthen your relationships all to live your best life.
(253) 455-7489 View (253) 455-7489
Photo of Amy A. Rinker, MA, LMFT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy A. Rinker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092
We are wired for connection. Are you feeling disconnected from important people in your life, let down, or not feeling fully accepted or valued? Are you experiencing anger, sadness, loneliness, or don't feel understood? I or my team of therapists may be the therapist for you if you are interested in addressing relational struggles, difficulty with interpersonal communication, sexual struggles, repairing connection, improving intimacy, improving your sexual health, healing from trauma, addressing sexual shame, life transitions, identity, and many others. Our goal is to get to the roots to help people thrive not merely survive.
We are wired for connection. Are you feeling disconnected from important people in your life, let down, or not feeling fully accepted or valued? Are you experiencing anger, sadness, loneliness, or don't feel understood? I or my team of therapists may be the therapist for you if you are interested in addressing relational struggles, difficulty with interpersonal communication, sexual struggles, repairing connection, improving intimacy, improving your sexual health, healing from trauma, addressing sexual shame, life transitions, identity, and many others. Our goal is to get to the roots to help people thrive not merely survive.
(253) 785-9564 View (253) 785-9564
Photo of Eddie Medina, MEd, LMHCA, SUDP, Counselor
Eddie Medina
Counselor, MEd, LMHCA, SUDP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, WA 98092
Waitlist for new clients
I’m a compassionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate and Substance Use Disorder Professional, holding a Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Seattle University. I passionately support teens and adults aged 15-50, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, in navigating trauma treatment and recovery. My approach is rooted in cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a deep understanding of psychology and spirituality, fostering meaningful connections with my clients. My therapeutic toolbox includes modalities such as MI, CBT, DBT, EFT, & IFS.
I’m a compassionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate and Substance Use Disorder Professional, holding a Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Seattle University. I passionately support teens and adults aged 15-50, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, in navigating trauma treatment and recovery. My approach is rooted in cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a deep understanding of psychology and spirituality, fostering meaningful connections with my clients. My therapeutic toolbox includes modalities such as MI, CBT, DBT, EFT, & IFS.
(425) 686-9509 View (425) 686-9509
1

See more therapy options for 98092

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 98092

30+

Average cost per session

$150

Therapists in 98092 who prioritize treating:

100% Anxiety
94% Depression
87% Self Esteem
81% Trauma and PTSD
77% Stress
68% Relationship Issues
68% Coping Skills

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

82% Premera Blue Cross
68% Regence
64% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in 98092 see their clients

68% In Person and Online
32% Online Only

Gender breakdown

86% Female
14% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 98092?

Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.

Learn more about how to find a therapist

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?

The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.

Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.

What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?

Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.

Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.

What type of therapy is right for me?

The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.

What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?

Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.

Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?

Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.

Is online therapy a good option?

Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.