Welcome, and What to Expect as a Client
Deciding to begin therapy, especially therapy that touches on sex and intimacy, takes courage. Before we ever meet, I want you to have a clear, reassuring picture of what working with me is actually like. I am Wendy Haggerty, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, and this page is here to answer the practical questions that tend to come up so that you can walk in, or log on, feeling prepared and at ease. If you would like to know more about my background and philosophy first, you are always welcome to read my about page.
My promise to you is a space that is warm, unhurried, and free of judgment. You are the expert on your own life. I bring training and a steady, compassionate presence, and together we make sense of what is happening and chart a way forward. You are never a passive recipient of my instructions. This is a collaboration, and your voice guides where we go.
How Sessions Generally Flow
Our first session is mostly about getting to know each other. I will ask about what brought you in, a little about your history, and what you hope will be different. You do not have to have it all figured out. Many people arrive able to say only that something feels off, and that is a completely fine place to start. I will also explain how I work, answer any questions you have, and make sure you feel comfortable before we go further.
After that, sessions usually settle into a rhythm. We might pick up a thread from the week, explore a pattern that keeps repeating, work through a specific concern, or practice a new way of communicating. If you are coming as a couple, I make room for both of you and help you talk with each other in ways that may have felt impossible lately. Some sessions feel like relief and insight. Others feel like harder, tender work. All of it moves you forward. You can explore the specific areas I work with on my services page, including couples therapy and individual therapy.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Privacy is essential, and it is something I take seriously. What you share with me stays between us, protected within the limits of the law, and I will walk you through exactly how confidentiality works at the start of our time together so there are no surprises. For couples, I will also talk with you about how I handle information within the relationship so that our work stays fair and transparent.
For virtual sessions, I use a secure, private video platform, and I encourage you to find a quiet, private spot where you will not be overheard. Your comfort and your privacy are part of what makes the work possible, and I do everything on my end to protect both.
In-Person in Sarasota and Virtual Across Florida
You can meet with me in person at MindSpa Integrative Wellness Center, 5632 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota, or by secure video anywhere in Florida. In-person sessions offer the grounding of sharing a physical space, which some people find settling, especially for emotionally intense work. Virtual sessions offer flexibility and the comfort of being in your own environment, which many people appreciate when life is busy or when discussing sensitive subjects feels easier at home.
Neither format is better than the other. They simply suit different people and different seasons of life, and many clients move between them as their schedules shift. If you are not sure which is right for you, we can talk it through, and you can always change your mind later. Whatever you choose, the care and depth stay the same.
How Scheduling Works Right Now
At the moment, I schedule personally, and I like it that way for now because it lets me make sure we start on the right foot. When you reach out, I will help you find a time that works, answer any questions, and get you set up. Convenient online self-scheduling through my booking platform is on the way, and once it is available you will be able to book and manage appointments yourself. Until then, a quick message is all it takes. You can reach me through my contact page, and I will take care of the rest.
If you are still deciding whether to begin, the easiest starting point is a free consultation. It is a brief, no-pressure conversation to see whether we are a good fit and to answer whatever is on your mind. You can request one anytime through my consultation page.
How to Prepare for Your First Session
Here is the good news: you do not need to prepare much at all. You do not have to write a report, rehearse your story, or arrive with your feelings neatly organized. The most useful thing you can do is simply show up as you are, willing to talk. If it helps you to jot down a few things you want to make sure we cover, feel free, but it is entirely optional.
For an in-person session, give yourself a little extra time so you arrive unhurried. For a virtual session, test your connection beforehand, find a private and comfortable spot, and have headphones handy if that helps you feel more secure. Beyond that, the only thing you need to bring is yourself and your honesty. I will guide the rest.
What Happens Between Sessions
Therapy does not only happen in the room. Often the real shifts unfold in the days between our meetings, as you notice a pattern, try something different, or simply let an insight settle. Sometimes I will suggest something to reflect on or a small experiment to try with your partner. These are never tests, and there is no grade. If something did not go the way we hoped, that is useful information we can explore together.
I encourage you to be gentle with yourself between sessions. Change tends to come in waves, with progress and plateaus both part of the process. If something urgent or overwhelming comes up, we can talk about how to handle those moments as part of our work, so you know what to do if you need support before our next meeting.
My Collaborative, Judgment-Free Stance
I want to be clear about the spirit in which I work, because it shapes everything. I do not sit in judgment of your desires, your history, your relationship, or your choices. I have heard a great deal, and my response is always curiosity and care rather than criticism. Whatever you are carrying, you can set it down here.
I also see you as a full partner in this work. You know things about your life that I never will, and your instincts matter. I will offer perspective, tools, and honest reflection, and you decide what fits. If something I say does not land, I want to hear that too. The best therapy happens when we can be real with each other, and I will always aim to earn that kind of trust.
Common Questions
How do I schedule my first appointment?
Right now I handle scheduling personally, so the quickest way is to send me a message through my contact page or request a free consultation. I will reply, help you find a time that works, and get you set up. Self-scheduling online is coming soon.
What does it cost, and do you take insurance?
Costs and payment questions are best answered directly, because I want to give you accurate information for your situation rather than a vague figure. Please reach out through my contact page and I will walk you through the details so you know exactly what to expect.
How long are sessions, and how often will we meet?
Most people begin with regular weekly sessions and then meet less frequently as things improve. The overall length of therapy depends on your goals, which we revisit together as we go. When we talk, I will give you a clearer sense of what to expect for your particular situation.
Is virtual therapy as effective as meeting in person?
For many people, yes. Virtual sessions offer real depth and connection, and plenty of clients do meaningful work entirely by video. Others prefer being in the room. It comes down to what helps you feel most comfortable and present, and you can choose, or switch, as you like.
What if I need to change or cancel an appointment?
Life happens, and I understand that plans change. I will explain how rescheduling works when we begin so everything is clear, and if you ever need to make a change, just reach out through my contact page and we will sort it out together.
What if I am nervous about my very first session?
Feeling nervous is completely normal, and you do not have to hide it. In fact, telling me you feel nervous is a perfectly good way to begin. The first session is low pressure by design, and my whole aim is to help you feel at ease. Many people leave that first meeting feeling lighter than they expected.
Reaching Me
If you have a question that this page did not answer, or if you are ready to take a first step, I would love to hear from you. You can send a message through my contact page, and I will personally get back to you. When you feel ready, a free consultation is the easiest way to begin. There is no pressure, only a conversation, and I will be glad to have it with you.