What to Expect

Whether you’re brand new to counselling or a seasoned therapy vet, finding a new counsellor can feel overwhelming.

Here’s what to expect in our work together.

Counsellor Lucia Arreaga is pictured, wearing a white sweater and jeans, sitting on a rock, gently smiling.

Getting Started

  • Our 20-minute initial consult is designed to help us connect and see if working together feels right. During this time, I’ll invite you to share what prompted you to reach out and what you’re hoping to accomplish through counselling.

    I’ll also briefly speak to my background and approach so you can get a sense of how I work. This is a relaxed, low-pressure opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about me or the counselling process. Finding the right therapist is important, and this session allows us both to determine if our work together feels like a good fit.

  • Whether you’ve done an initial consult or are jumping right in, the first session lays the foundation for our work together. We’ll cover essential topics like privacy, confidentiality, and a few key administrative details to create a safe and clear framework.

    For those seeking immediate relief, we can incorporate practical strategies to help ease what you’re experiencing right away. The session is flexible—you’re welcome to lead with what feels most pressing, or I can guide us with a more structured conversation to get to know you. Ultimately, it’s about finding a comfortable pace that feels right for you and leaves you feeling supported and hopeful.

    There’s no need to prepare anything; simply show up, and we’ll take it from there.

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“I’ll meet you where you are, and walk beside you until you get to where you want to be.”

Woman walking on a wooden boardwalk through a lush, green forest with tall trees and moss.

My Approach to Counselling

  • This isn’t about quick fixes or feel-good phrases, but I understand that when life feels overwhelming, immediate relief can feel essential.

    Together, we’ll identify practical tools and strategies to help you manage the weight you’re carrying right now, while also building resilience, insight, and a stronger sense of direction. Through this process, you can find relief now and build the foundation for a renewed sense of balance and purpose that will carry you through the challenges of tomorrow.

  • Therapy shouldn’t feel abstract or disconnected from real life, and in our work together, you may be looking for more than just a place to vent.

    I offer a grounded, collaborative approach that builds on your existing strengths with insights and practical tools to create real, lasting change.

  • I see myself as a partner, walking beside you as we explore what truly matters to you. You are the expert on your own life, and you always get to set the direction of our work together. We’ll focus on concrete steps that feel meaningful and aligned with your goals, helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • From our first session, my goal is to create a space where you feel safe and supported to explore what’s holding you back. In our sessions, you’ll find compassion and curiosity rather than judgment.

    I understand that trust develops over time, and my hope is that as we build that trust, you’ll feel increasingly comfortable to speak openly and explore your experiences at a pace that feels right for you.

  • In our work together, I strive to create a space that truly supports your needs, but I’m human, and there may be times when I miss the mark. Your feedback is invaluable in helping me understand how I can be more attuned to you. I regularly ask for input on how our work is going, and I welcome it anytime if something doesn’t feel quite right, or if I’ve misunderstood something important.

    This process helps me grow personally and professionally, but most importantly, it makes our work together more attuned and effective.

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Meet Lucia
Forest scene with tall trees and mist

Think we might be a fit?
Reach out for a free consult today.

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  • "Lucia is simply amazing. She's the perfect combination of caring and motivating and is truly committed to helping me make changes."

    — C.C.

  • "Lucia is very skilled and I recommend her enthusiastically. She is really encouraging and helps me shift negative thought patterns that get in my way. I feel very lucky to have found Lucia. She's a gem."

    — S.B.

  • "Working with Lucia has been life-changing. Starting with our first chat, I was struck by her dedication and commitment to helping me achieve my goals. Lucia guided and encouraged me every step of the way and demonstrated kindness and patience as I found my own motivation."

    — B.B.

  • "Lucia has helped me to develop a stronger sense of my capabilities and strengths."

    — S.R.