Therapists in Bloomfield, IA
![Photo of Phillip L Davis - R & R Counseling Solutions, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9eaef272-1b47-47c7-b337-8aa39bbda386/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with clients who are struggling with complicated grief, anger, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, sexual abuse, relationship concerns and substance abuse. Counseling works great for people who are willing to do things different so they can have a more positive outcome. Mental health is not something to be ashamed of and does not have to be a life sentence. Most people struggle at some point in their life and could use some support. There are other counselors in the practice that can also provide help. Visit us at www.rrcsmentalhealth.com We look forward to helping you with your journey.
I work with clients who are struggling with complicated grief, anger, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, sexual abuse, relationship concerns and substance abuse. Counseling works great for people who are willing to do things different so they can have a more positive outcome. Mental health is not something to be ashamed of and does not have to be a life sentence. Most people struggle at some point in their life and could use some support. There are other counselors in the practice that can also provide help. Visit us at www.rrcsmentalhealth.com We look forward to helping you with your journey.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Lexy Howell, LMFT, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1de82093-a465-4e05-9e4e-f5511fcff487/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with anxiety, self-image, trauma, transitions, parenting, or attachment-based concerns? I can help you use your strengths to achieve your goals. Through our work, you will discover the confidence you deserve and start to feel that life is meaningful once again.
Are you struggling with anxiety, self-image, trauma, transitions, parenting, or attachment-based concerns? I can help you use your strengths to achieve your goals. Through our work, you will discover the confidence you deserve and start to feel that life is meaningful once again.
![Photo of Nikita Ehlts, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e273982c-e0fa-4047-bb00-569b55331b53/3/320x400.png)
As your therapist, I view myself as both witness and teacher. I have the privilege of bearing witness to your experiences and holding space for all the emotions that accompany them. Sadness, anger, joy, fear are all welcome here. When we do the work of really trying to understand ourselves fully, we learn how to respect ourselves and teach others to do the same. It is my desire to help you discover who you are, sort through hurts / traumas that continue to affect you in the present, and learn to live in alignment with your values and priorities so that you can flourish personally and relationally.
As your therapist, I view myself as both witness and teacher. I have the privilege of bearing witness to your experiences and holding space for all the emotions that accompany them. Sadness, anger, joy, fear are all welcome here. When we do the work of really trying to understand ourselves fully, we learn how to respect ourselves and teach others to do the same. It is my desire to help you discover who you are, sort through hurts / traumas that continue to affect you in the present, and learn to live in alignment with your values and priorities so that you can flourish personally and relationally.
![Photo of Kari Schorer, MSW, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac0d1a59-7e30-48e5-9e79-683f0aae0def/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kari Schorer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Coralville, IA 52241
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LISW) who enjoys helping people grow, cope, and find meaning in their lives. I have a great passion for working with people of all ages, although I am largely seeing teen and young adult clients at this time. I use a strengths-based approach to therapy, and often use models that include cognitive-behavioral and family-centered elements, as well as the ACT theory. Because people and situations are all unique, I also believe in the importance of collaborating with individuals and families to find a therapeutic approach that best fits with specific needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LISW) who enjoys helping people grow, cope, and find meaning in their lives. I have a great passion for working with people of all ages, although I am largely seeing teen and young adult clients at this time. I use a strengths-based approach to therapy, and often use models that include cognitive-behavioral and family-centered elements, as well as the ACT theory. Because people and situations are all unique, I also believe in the importance of collaborating with individuals and families to find a therapeutic approach that best fits with specific needs.
![Photo of Lynne Vestal - Lynne Vestal Counseling, PC, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e394d6d-bbfb-4fe5-9093-75ac3125c350/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lynne Vestal Counseling, PC
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Clive, IA 50325 (Online Only)
You have your own unique fingerprint on the world. You matter. Your story matters. I believe when we enter into therapy, we come to accept ourselves as we are with a compassionate stance and change ourselves to develop more joy and fulfillment in our life. After our first session, I will develop a treatment plan as a guidepost specific to you. I’ve been a psychotherapist for 30 years and specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, relationships and transitions, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, grief and loss, and coping with a cancer diagnosis.
You have your own unique fingerprint on the world. You matter. Your story matters. I believe when we enter into therapy, we come to accept ourselves as we are with a compassionate stance and change ourselves to develop more joy and fulfillment in our life. After our first session, I will develop a treatment plan as a guidepost specific to you. I’ve been a psychotherapist for 30 years and specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, relationships and transitions, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, grief and loss, and coping with a cancer diagnosis.
![Photo of Christa Eribal, LMSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d953409-6c32-494e-a95f-29d6d57533ff/3/320x400.jpeg)
No matter where you are on your journey to a brighter future, I’m ready to walk alongside you. I have been trained in providing trauma-focused therapy, and I specialize in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, I pull from many other practices as well, so we can work together to find what works best for you.
No matter where you are on your journey to a brighter future, I’m ready to walk alongside you. I have been trained in providing trauma-focused therapy, and I specialize in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, I pull from many other practices as well, so we can work together to find what works best for you.
![Photo of Lon Marshall, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f6f1555-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lon Marshall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Coralville, IA 52241
It takes incredible courage to recognize a problem and deal with it. And it takes something more to change your life. It takes hope. That's why I specialize in a unique approach that can literally change the way you see yourself. I can help you explore solutions that can change your life. You'll begin to perceive yourself and others more positively. And you'll experience positive changes that can help you achieve your heart's desire. Finally, I'll help you discover personal resources that keep you focused on your strengths. You'll experience changes that can last a lifetime.
It takes incredible courage to recognize a problem and deal with it. And it takes something more to change your life. It takes hope. That's why I specialize in a unique approach that can literally change the way you see yourself. I can help you explore solutions that can change your life. You'll begin to perceive yourself and others more positively. And you'll experience positive changes that can help you achieve your heart's desire. Finally, I'll help you discover personal resources that keep you focused on your strengths. You'll experience changes that can last a lifetime.
![Photo of Pamela Jeanne Nelson-Grotrian - Aging Pathways, LLC, MSW, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80782e51-d7bc-4960-970b-1f50eb4f38c2/1/320x400.png)
Aging Pathways, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50310
Aging can bring a host of new issues such as feelings of isolation after retirement, grief and loss due to deaths of friends and loved ones, and finding new meaning in life after old roles have disappeared. New roles such as being a caregiver for your parents, spouse, partner, adult child, or grandchild can also add stress at this time. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, addiction, and schizophrenia can continue and sometimes new mental health issues can arise. Health concerns and family dynamics can also make life challenging. Learning how to cope with these challenges and enjoy life is paramount.
Aging can bring a host of new issues such as feelings of isolation after retirement, grief and loss due to deaths of friends and loved ones, and finding new meaning in life after old roles have disappeared. New roles such as being a caregiver for your parents, spouse, partner, adult child, or grandchild can also add stress at this time. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, addiction, and schizophrenia can continue and sometimes new mental health issues can arise. Health concerns and family dynamics can also make life challenging. Learning how to cope with these challenges and enjoy life is paramount.
![Photo of Skye Kelley, MS, t-LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3ba3f16-7a5c-4774-832e-b3ebe2c2e34d/2/320x400.jpeg)
My primary goal while working with someone is to provide a safe, judgement free environment which allows them to feel comfortable exploring who they are and grow into who they want to be. I believe the client knows themselves best, and I will work with the client every step of the way to determine what is going to help them grow into the person they want to become. My specialty areas of treatment include depression, anxiety, body image concerns, trauma, substance abuse, and adjustment disorders.
My primary goal while working with someone is to provide a safe, judgement free environment which allows them to feel comfortable exploring who they are and grow into who they want to be. I believe the client knows themselves best, and I will work with the client every step of the way to determine what is going to help them grow into the person they want to become. My specialty areas of treatment include depression, anxiety, body image concerns, trauma, substance abuse, and adjustment disorders.
![Photo of Delaney Logan, LMHC-T, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08fd9cdf-00ed-47aa-9343-0a636ca526f3/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a therapist, I strive to view each client in a holistic manner and to ultimately create a non-judgmental space where clients of any background can feel comfortable and supported. My therapeutic philosophy relies heavily on the fact that humans do not exist in a vacuum; we are all a part of larger systems that impact our mental and physical health. I am a LGBTQ+ friendly therapist and also extremely passionate about working with clients that may possess other marginalized identities as well.
As a therapist, I strive to view each client in a holistic manner and to ultimately create a non-judgmental space where clients of any background can feel comfortable and supported. My therapeutic philosophy relies heavily on the fact that humans do not exist in a vacuum; we are all a part of larger systems that impact our mental and physical health. I am a LGBTQ+ friendly therapist and also extremely passionate about working with clients that may possess other marginalized identities as well.
![Photo of Kimberly McKinney, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd555b81-f0f3-4d36-ac20-9eeab5c25fa7/2/320x400.png)
You are the expert on you. As a therapist, I work to assist you in identifying your goals, processing your thoughts, and creating a safe space to explore and strive towards personal growth. Whether addressing a situational life stressor, substance use, family/relationship conflicts, personal identity, or symptoms of trauma – I strive to create a judgement free, client centered environment. I have a professional history working in the areas of substance use and systemic trauma in both residential and community environments. I have an educational focus in trauma-informed care.
You are the expert on you. As a therapist, I work to assist you in identifying your goals, processing your thoughts, and creating a safe space to explore and strive towards personal growth. Whether addressing a situational life stressor, substance use, family/relationship conflicts, personal identity, or symptoms of trauma – I strive to create a judgement free, client centered environment. I have a professional history working in the areas of substance use and systemic trauma in both residential and community environments. I have an educational focus in trauma-informed care.
![Photo of Brandon Akes, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25a2d3f4-7b8b-4618-927d-e89f6a049c2e/2/320x400.jpeg)
It's a normal, human experience to need support with mental health. We can all feel stuck sometimes, experience difficult life events, struggle to feel good about who we are, or experience challenging mental health symptoms. No matter what brings you to therapy, I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to identify and work on your goals. I believe we all have the ability to heal, grow, and find meaning in our experiences. My role as a therapist is to walk with my client as they process their experiences and increase their confidence in their ability to live their desired lives.
It's a normal, human experience to need support with mental health. We can all feel stuck sometimes, experience difficult life events, struggle to feel good about who we are, or experience challenging mental health symptoms. No matter what brings you to therapy, I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to identify and work on your goals. I believe we all have the ability to heal, grow, and find meaning in our experiences. My role as a therapist is to walk with my client as they process their experiences and increase their confidence in their ability to live their desired lives.
![Photo of Beth Beeler, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c64cca63-4a54-46db-9c41-b8d16f1dc8fd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beth Beeler
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Urbandale, IA 50322
Waitlist for new clients
I am honored to sit with children, teens, and families in a space where they are able to share their life’s journey and enter the work of healing and restoring relationships. I have over 10 years of experience working with children and families as a special education teacher prior to entering into the counseling field. I have experience working with diverse populations and needs.
I am honored to sit with children, teens, and families in a space where they are able to share their life’s journey and enter the work of healing and restoring relationships. I have over 10 years of experience working with children and families as a special education teacher prior to entering into the counseling field. I have experience working with diverse populations and needs.
![Photo of Amber E Lonsdale, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/316eb4a3-b986-4ad3-8ab4-8781d509a23a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amber E Lonsdale
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
My goal is to help you live a happier, more fulfilling and productive life. I believe you are the expert on your own life and experiences. As your therapist my job is to help guide you to those insights that will enable you to reach your goals. Let's work together to create positive change in your life!
My goal is to help you live a happier, more fulfilling and productive life. I believe you are the expert on your own life and experiences. As your therapist my job is to help guide you to those insights that will enable you to reach your goals. Let's work together to create positive change in your life!
![Photo of Katie Smith, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88a322c8-c55d-4e49-a099-749938cb6e0c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Recognizing that you need some help and support is the first step in making a change in your life. I am here to help you on your mental health journey. I am passionate about meeting my clients where they are at, providing them with tools that they can use to achieve their goals. I have experience working with teens and adults through individual, couple and family sessions. I help my clients by addressing a variety of concerns, with a focus on treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, loss and grief. I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that evokes growth and positive change without judgment.
Recognizing that you need some help and support is the first step in making a change in your life. I am here to help you on your mental health journey. I am passionate about meeting my clients where they are at, providing them with tools that they can use to achieve their goals. I have experience working with teens and adults through individual, couple and family sessions. I help my clients by addressing a variety of concerns, with a focus on treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, loss and grief. I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that evokes growth and positive change without judgment.
![Photo of Marcy Shrum, MSW, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/426e9b10-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have limited availability, but feel free to e-mail with name, insurance provider and general concerns to begin the process. I desire to create a collaborative relationship that is grounded in mutual respect and positive regard so you can address the real issues that are affecting your quality of life. I will help you establish reasonable goals to guide you to become your best self. I have worked with individuals who have experienced adverse life experiences which can impact ones ability to live in the moment. I ask 'what happened to you?', not 'what is wrong with you?'.
I have limited availability, but feel free to e-mail with name, insurance provider and general concerns to begin the process. I desire to create a collaborative relationship that is grounded in mutual respect and positive regard so you can address the real issues that are affecting your quality of life. I will help you establish reasonable goals to guide you to become your best self. I have worked with individuals who have experienced adverse life experiences which can impact ones ability to live in the moment. I ask 'what happened to you?', not 'what is wrong with you?'.
Sometimes life can be difficult, and we need a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space to work through our struggles. My purpose as a counselor is to support you along the path to making positive changes in your life. It is not uncommon to feel stuck at times. I offer encouragement, hope, understanding, and added tools to assist you in achieving your goals.
Sometimes life can be difficult, and we need a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space to work through our struggles. My purpose as a counselor is to support you along the path to making positive changes in your life. It is not uncommon to feel stuck at times. I offer encouragement, hope, understanding, and added tools to assist you in achieving your goals.
![Photo of Brandi Stalzer, LIMHP, LPCC, BC-TMH, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4197b9b7-36ee-4ce4-b975-ac2ad22f5913/2/320x400.png)
Are you struggling with food or your body? The people I work with typically struggle with symptoms like binge eating, overeating, irregular eating patterns, or poor body image. I help people find relief from eating disorders. Often, I hear people express how their eating patterns have impaired their relationships, mood, and daily activities. They may be experiencing mood or anxiety-related issues, in addition, to their food struggles. Most people I work with say that their work with me is their first time conceptualizing their concerns as a mental health issue and are seeking treatment for the first time.
Are you struggling with food or your body? The people I work with typically struggle with symptoms like binge eating, overeating, irregular eating patterns, or poor body image. I help people find relief from eating disorders. Often, I hear people express how their eating patterns have impaired their relationships, mood, and daily activities. They may be experiencing mood or anxiety-related issues, in addition, to their food struggles. Most people I work with say that their work with me is their first time conceptualizing their concerns as a mental health issue and are seeking treatment for the first time.
![Photo of Conor Greear, T-LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2673b5df-0590-4c3e-87ab-c3edab82dfe6/2/320x400.png)
Life is like a coin, what should seem so simple often is not the reality we experience. We are all unique in our own ways and have more sides to us than we tend to acknowledge. Sometimes things that seem simple are often complex. I believe in the power individuals have within themselves and I am here to help with navigating the journey regardless of all the ups and downs. I am here to ensure my clients are in a comfortable safe zone where they can get away from feeling judgment and the pressures often encountered in the world. I want to give the tools to help individuals navigate their journeys and smooth the road even just a littl
Life is like a coin, what should seem so simple often is not the reality we experience. We are all unique in our own ways and have more sides to us than we tend to acknowledge. Sometimes things that seem simple are often complex. I believe in the power individuals have within themselves and I am here to help with navigating the journey regardless of all the ups and downs. I am here to ensure my clients are in a comfortable safe zone where they can get away from feeling judgment and the pressures often encountered in the world. I want to give the tools to help individuals navigate their journeys and smooth the road even just a littl
![Photo of Jennifer Stimson, MPA, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80f2408e-7ad3-4d0b-94b9-7f01255b0632/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Stimson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MPA, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50312
Jennifer is passionate about supporting caregivers, couples, families, and individuals as they navigate life's many challenges and opportunities. She believes that so much agency can be gained in the discovery of one's authentic self. Jennifer provides a safe space for clients to engage in this meaningful work with the goal of helping them learn, accept, and live as their true self while managing any roadblocks along the way.
Jennifer is passionate about supporting caregivers, couples, families, and individuals as they navigate life's many challenges and opportunities. She believes that so much agency can be gained in the discovery of one's authentic self. Jennifer provides a safe space for clients to engage in this meaningful work with the goal of helping them learn, accept, and live as their true self while managing any roadblocks along the way.
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Bloomfield, IA
< 10
Therapists in Bloomfield, IA who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Domestic Abuse |
Average years in practice
16 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Wellpoint | Amerigroup |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Therapists in Bloomfield, IA see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Bloomfield?
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
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.
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.
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.