Therapists in 37405

Photo of Anna Glass Clower, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Anna Glass Clower
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
“Well, this isn’t how I thought life would be! What did I do so badly to end up here?” I used to think if I played it safe or followed the rules, the outcomes of life were guaranteed. This is not always so. Often, when we are stuck, floundering, or even failing, we approach ourselves with criticism and shame to address problems. Then we feel worse, and many times, hide our inner selves from others. I welcome anyone who wants to be curious about themself, take risks to divulge vulnerable thoughts and emotions, and dare to strive for healing. I see mostly women, ages 15 and up, plus a few men who want to dig deep.
“Well, this isn’t how I thought life would be! What did I do so badly to end up here?” I used to think if I played it safe or followed the rules, the outcomes of life were guaranteed. This is not always so. Often, when we are stuck, floundering, or even failing, we approach ourselves with criticism and shame to address problems. Then we feel worse, and many times, hide our inner selves from others. I welcome anyone who wants to be curious about themself, take risks to divulge vulnerable thoughts and emotions, and dare to strive for healing. I see mostly women, ages 15 and up, plus a few men who want to dig deep.
(423) 793-3062 View (423) 793-3062
Photo of Mary Moore, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMFT, LPC, MHSP
Mary Moore
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMFT, LPC, MHSP
6 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
I believe that people make sense within their context. And so, I am mindful of context - cultural background, attachment style, family and relationship history, etc. I enjoy the process of listening and attending, especially to those whose voices may feel unheard, such as teens, women, and trauma survivors. My work is informed by an integrative and embodied approach, utilizing various family system theories and trauma-informed interventions. Through establishing a sound therapeutic relationship and safe environment, I am hopeful that your difficult emotions will "make sense," and a story of resilience and compassion will be heard.
I believe that people make sense within their context. And so, I am mindful of context - cultural background, attachment style, family and relationship history, etc. I enjoy the process of listening and attending, especially to those whose voices may feel unheard, such as teens, women, and trauma survivors. My work is informed by an integrative and embodied approach, utilizing various family system theories and trauma-informed interventions. Through establishing a sound therapeutic relationship and safe environment, I am hopeful that your difficult emotions will "make sense," and a story of resilience and compassion will be heard.
(423) 226-5845 View (423) 226-5845
Photo of Rachel Martin, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC
Rachel Martin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC
Chattanooga, TN 37405
If you’re trying to reconnect in your relationship—or questioning whether to stay—it can help to talk with someone who understands how sex, intimacy, and connection are tied together. Over time, stress, life demands, and past experiences can affect desire, performance, and closeness. I work with individuals and couples navigating issues like erectile dysfunction, infidelity, arousal difficulties, and anxiety around intimacy. My approach is practical, respectful, and focused on helping you feel more connected and less stuck. You don’t have to have this figured out before reaching out.
If you’re trying to reconnect in your relationship—or questioning whether to stay—it can help to talk with someone who understands how sex, intimacy, and connection are tied together. Over time, stress, life demands, and past experiences can affect desire, performance, and closeness. I work with individuals and couples navigating issues like erectile dysfunction, infidelity, arousal difficulties, and anxiety around intimacy. My approach is practical, respectful, and focused on helping you feel more connected and less stuck. You don’t have to have this figured out before reaching out.
(423) 651-8348 View (423) 651-8348
Photo of Laverna Soucie, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC/, MHSP
Laverna Soucie
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC/, MHSP
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Sometimes in life there are confusing thoughts and emotions. It can be overwhelming. My passion is listening and helping to untangle, whether it is life transitions, marriage, or trauma situations. My therapy style involves understanding the client from their point of view. I work from a holistic view, believing all systems of the body, physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual, help in the healing process. I worked as a nurse for 20 years, with 13 of those years in hospice care, before becoming a therapist. I provide premarital and marital counseling using Gottman and Emotional Focused Therapy.
Sometimes in life there are confusing thoughts and emotions. It can be overwhelming. My passion is listening and helping to untangle, whether it is life transitions, marriage, or trauma situations. My therapy style involves understanding the client from their point of view. I work from a holistic view, believing all systems of the body, physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual, help in the healing process. I worked as a nurse for 20 years, with 13 of those years in hospice care, before becoming a therapist. I provide premarital and marital counseling using Gottman and Emotional Focused Therapy.
(423) 657-8323 View (423) 657-8323
Photo of Kristen Moore, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Kristen Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Guiding women and couples toward greater peace, clarity, and connection in life and relationships, I cultivate a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can navigate life’s challenges. I work with women experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or life transitions, and with couples who want to improve communication, rebuild connection, or manage conflict.
Guiding women and couples toward greater peace, clarity, and connection in life and relationships, I cultivate a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can navigate life’s challenges. I work with women experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or life transitions, and with couples who want to improve communication, rebuild connection, or manage conflict.
(423) 436-8755 View (423) 436-8755
Photo of Braxton Foster, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Braxton Foster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Many of the people that I work with feel stuck–in relationships, in majors or careers that no longer serve them, in addictive patterns, or in finding meaning and purpose in daily life. These chapters of change can feel overwhelming and defeating. They also give us the opportunity and often the motivation to heal, grow, and learn more about ourselves in the process.
Many of the people that I work with feel stuck–in relationships, in majors or careers that no longer serve them, in addictive patterns, or in finding meaning and purpose in daily life. These chapters of change can feel overwhelming and defeating. They also give us the opportunity and often the motivation to heal, grow, and learn more about ourselves in the process.
(423) 522-8271 View (423) 522-8271
Photo of Luke Sorrell, Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Luke Sorrell
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
If you are carrying pain related to trauma, grief, identity, sexuality, or faith, including religious trauma, it would be my honor to provide a non-judgmental, non-coercive space for you on your healing journey. Maybe traditional talk therapy hasn’t felt authentic or effective. I get it. I use an experiential approach including Brainspotting, Psychodrama, and TraumaPlay, along with other ways of engaging what words alone cannot always access. We will move at the pace of safety, trust, and connection from which we can slow things down enough to notice what is happening in you emotionally, relationally, and in the body.
If you are carrying pain related to trauma, grief, identity, sexuality, or faith, including religious trauma, it would be my honor to provide a non-judgmental, non-coercive space for you on your healing journey. Maybe traditional talk therapy hasn’t felt authentic or effective. I get it. I use an experiential approach including Brainspotting, Psychodrama, and TraumaPlay, along with other ways of engaging what words alone cannot always access. We will move at the pace of safety, trust, and connection from which we can slow things down enough to notice what is happening in you emotionally, relationally, and in the body.
(423) 564-7437 View (423) 564-7437
Photo of Elizabeth Parker, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Elizabeth Parker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Has it been a difficult season or maybe life hasn't turned out how you hoped it would? Are you experiencing emotional or physical pain from your childhood or past traumatic experiences? Are you tired of feeling somewhere between wanting to run away yet being frozen? Are you ready to begin prioritizing yourself? I use Somatic Experiencing (SEI) to help restore your nervous system by deactivating years of unhealthy stress responses. Somatic Experiencing brings awareness to the mind/body connection and assists the nervous system in finding completion and relief from stress responses.
Has it been a difficult season or maybe life hasn't turned out how you hoped it would? Are you experiencing emotional or physical pain from your childhood or past traumatic experiences? Are you tired of feeling somewhere between wanting to run away yet being frozen? Are you ready to begin prioritizing yourself? I use Somatic Experiencing (SEI) to help restore your nervous system by deactivating years of unhealthy stress responses. Somatic Experiencing brings awareness to the mind/body connection and assists the nervous system in finding completion and relief from stress responses.
(423) 376-9658 View (423) 376-9658
Photo of Kirk McDermott, Counselor, MA, LPC, CSAT
Kirk McDermott
Counselor, MA, LPC, CSAT
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Life is both beautiful and painful. At times the pain from events of the past, unwanted feelings and behaviors, or difficult relationship dynamics keeps us from experiencing life's beauty. With 25 years experience from working in a hospital, private practice and outpatient intensive treatment, Kirk brings a high level of insight and expertise to meet his clients where they are and to help them overcome the obstacles that keep them from living to the fullest.
Life is both beautiful and painful. At times the pain from events of the past, unwanted feelings and behaviors, or difficult relationship dynamics keeps us from experiencing life's beauty. With 25 years experience from working in a hospital, private practice and outpatient intensive treatment, Kirk brings a high level of insight and expertise to meet his clients where they are and to help them overcome the obstacles that keep them from living to the fullest.
(423) 379-6121 View (423) 379-6121
Photo of West Breedlove, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
West Breedlove
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
4 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Are intrusive thoughts taking over your day? Has infidelity shaken your relationship? Do you feel stuck in behaviors you’ve tried—and failed—to stop? I help individuals and couples break out of patterns that feel impossible to change.
Are intrusive thoughts taking over your day? Has infidelity shaken your relationship? Do you feel stuck in behaviors you’ve tried—and failed—to stop? I help individuals and couples break out of patterns that feel impossible to change.
(423) 401-6211 View (423) 401-6211
Photo of Karen Fortuno, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Karen Fortuno
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Does life with your partner look different then you imagined? Are you worried to bring up issues because it always seems to end in a blowout? Is the person you used to love and adore now a source of pain and stress? Or maybe there been a betrayal of trust that has made it impossible to move forward and find joy with each other? Is it difficult to enjoy your partner because of the demands of raising children, working and running a household? Has there has been a loss of passion and intimate connection? Perhaps you feel you are simply roommates.
Does life with your partner look different then you imagined? Are you worried to bring up issues because it always seems to end in a blowout? Is the person you used to love and adore now a source of pain and stress? Or maybe there been a betrayal of trust that has made it impossible to move forward and find joy with each other? Is it difficult to enjoy your partner because of the demands of raising children, working and running a household? Has there has been a loss of passion and intimate connection? Perhaps you feel you are simply roommates.
(423) 299-4917 View (423) 299-4917
Photo of Jaclyn Beckler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP, C-DBT, TF-CBT, PCIT
Jaclyn Beckler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP, C-DBT, TF-CBT, PCIT
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
I enjoy helping clients build resilience and feel a sense of safety both within themselves and with the outside world. Professional experience includes serving children, adolescents, adults, and families in the settings of community outreach, outpatient services, foster care, adoption, and mental health/addiction treatment centers. I am passionate about promoting personal growth, empowerment, advocacy, and self-efficacy. I strive to connect with clients in a safe therapeutic alliance to help increase tolerance thresholds through psycho-education, therapeutic interventions, skills practice, mind-body connection, and self-awareness.
I enjoy helping clients build resilience and feel a sense of safety both within themselves and with the outside world. Professional experience includes serving children, adolescents, adults, and families in the settings of community outreach, outpatient services, foster care, adoption, and mental health/addiction treatment centers. I am passionate about promoting personal growth, empowerment, advocacy, and self-efficacy. I strive to connect with clients in a safe therapeutic alliance to help increase tolerance thresholds through psycho-education, therapeutic interventions, skills practice, mind-body connection, and self-awareness.
(423) 269-2343 View (423) 269-2343
Photo of Aubrey Perin, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, -MHSP
Aubrey Perin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, -MHSP
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Life is a journey you take toward owning your story. Unfortunately, we often encounter obstacles that distort our perspective and hinder our ability to see ourselves accurately as we try to move toward the things that bring us the most joy and peace. Whether you’ve been derailed by traumatic life events, disordered eating, depression and anxiety, self-harm, attachment wounding, spiritual abuse, or other life altering transitions, it is my belief that you have the strength and resiliency to find a meaningful life living into the fullest expression of who you are.
Life is a journey you take toward owning your story. Unfortunately, we often encounter obstacles that distort our perspective and hinder our ability to see ourselves accurately as we try to move toward the things that bring us the most joy and peace. Whether you’ve been derailed by traumatic life events, disordered eating, depression and anxiety, self-harm, attachment wounding, spiritual abuse, or other life altering transitions, it is my belief that you have the strength and resiliency to find a meaningful life living into the fullest expression of who you are.
(423) 214-2173 View (423) 214-2173
Photo of Trey Sommerfeld, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Trey Sommerfeld
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
6 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
If chaos were a specialty, it would be mine. I work well with people who feel overwhelmed, underwater, or like life has started to unravel. Whether you're dealing with emotional distress, relationship conflict, or navigating a crisis, therapy can be a space to slow down, get your bearings, and figure out how to build a life for yourself that is empowering and fulfilling.
If chaos were a specialty, it would be mine. I work well with people who feel overwhelmed, underwater, or like life has started to unravel. Whether you're dealing with emotional distress, relationship conflict, or navigating a crisis, therapy can be a space to slow down, get your bearings, and figure out how to build a life for yourself that is empowering and fulfilling.
(423) 556-3596 View (423) 556-3596
Photo of Naomi Boothe, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LPCMHSP
Naomi Boothe
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LPCMHSP
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
You’re tired, exhausted from holding it together. You feel things deeply, picking up on subtle shifts- tone, energy, unspoken tension. This can leave you overwhelmed, overstimulated, or disconnected- like it's too much. From the outside, you probably look like you have it all together, capable, and self-aware. You might be the one others turn to for support. No one would guess how much energy it takes just to get through the day. You may understand your patterns, can explain your triggers. Yet they keep repeating, like your nervous system is still in survival mode. Perhaps insight alone isn’t enough. Something deeper needs to shift.
You’re tired, exhausted from holding it together. You feel things deeply, picking up on subtle shifts- tone, energy, unspoken tension. This can leave you overwhelmed, overstimulated, or disconnected- like it's too much. From the outside, you probably look like you have it all together, capable, and self-aware. You might be the one others turn to for support. No one would guess how much energy it takes just to get through the day. You may understand your patterns, can explain your triggers. Yet they keep repeating, like your nervous system is still in survival mode. Perhaps insight alone isn’t enough. Something deeper needs to shift.
(423) 218-4314 View (423) 218-4314
Photo of Emma DuBose, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA CFT, LMFT
Emma DuBose
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA CFT, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
As a secular therapist committed to social justice, I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community, especially polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationships. I enjoy working with couples, families, and alternative relationship structures who might be struggling with a range of issues, from communication hangups to parenting to mismatched sexual desire or infidelity.
As a secular therapist committed to social justice, I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community, especially polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationships. I enjoy working with couples, families, and alternative relationship structures who might be struggling with a range of issues, from communication hangups to parenting to mismatched sexual desire or infidelity.
(423) 455-9770 View (423) 455-9770
Photo of Andi Fisher - Northshore Counseling Group, Licensed Professional Counselor
Northshore Counseling Group
Licensed Professional Counselor
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Northshore Counseling Group is dedicated to creating a safe space for individual counseling needs in the greater Chattanooga area. We all have experiences that have led to where we are today. Individual counseling is designed to create space for you to come alongside a counselor and navigate how your story has impacted the way you view yourself and the world around you.
Northshore Counseling Group is dedicated to creating a safe space for individual counseling needs in the greater Chattanooga area. We all have experiences that have led to where we are today. Individual counseling is designed to create space for you to come alongside a counselor and navigate how your story has impacted the way you view yourself and the world around you.
(423) 205-7980 View (423) 205-7980
Photo of Kelly Culpepper Towe, Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP, LMFT, MA, NCC
Kelly Culpepper Towe
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP, LMFT, MA, NCC
7 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Kelly supports individuals, couples, and families who are seeking meaningful change and a compassionate therapeutic space. Although she works with a broad range of mental health concerns, Kelly most often partners with clients navigating relationship challenges, affair recovery, grief, career transitions, family and attachment patterns, and codependency. Within Kelly's work, she has found grief to be a vital skill. She believes that learning to grieve well is central to living well, and she is honored to walk alongside clients as they navigate the complexities of loss, transitions, and recovery from past relationship wounds.
Kelly supports individuals, couples, and families who are seeking meaningful change and a compassionate therapeutic space. Although she works with a broad range of mental health concerns, Kelly most often partners with clients navigating relationship challenges, affair recovery, grief, career transitions, family and attachment patterns, and codependency. Within Kelly's work, she has found grief to be a vital skill. She believes that learning to grieve well is central to living well, and she is honored to walk alongside clients as they navigate the complexities of loss, transitions, and recovery from past relationship wounds.
(423) 401-6124 View (423) 401-6124
Photo of William A Wray, Psychologist, EdD
William A Wray
Psychologist, EdD
Chattanooga, TN 37405
I provide counseling and consultative services. With the help of my colleague, Mark Shively, we also provide training using biofeedback technology. As a counselor, my role is to listen, discern strengths and vulnerabilities, and invite growth/advancement from those placing trust in my care. As a consultant, I strive to provide fair/impartial answers (in the manner of a scientist) to posed questions. Cognitive-behavioral training can address many thought patterns, behaviors and physiological states (such as stress).
I provide counseling and consultative services. With the help of my colleague, Mark Shively, we also provide training using biofeedback technology. As a counselor, my role is to listen, discern strengths and vulnerabilities, and invite growth/advancement from those placing trust in my care. As a consultant, I strive to provide fair/impartial answers (in the manner of a scientist) to posed questions. Cognitive-behavioral training can address many thought patterns, behaviors and physiological states (such as stress).
(423) 212-4580 View (423) 212-4580
Photo of Jenna Parker, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Jenna Parker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Chattanooga, TN 37405
My passion is to support individuals and families who are feeling disconnected from themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Together, we will seek to better understand the patterns that influence your life and tap into your inner strength to cultivate lasting wellness. Through talk and body-based therapies, will work together to explore your past, gain insight into your present, and clarify the path ahead. This is your unique journey, and my role is to walk alongside you with empathy and reflection, offering support as you move toward greater wellness and self-discovery.
My passion is to support individuals and families who are feeling disconnected from themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Together, we will seek to better understand the patterns that influence your life and tap into your inner strength to cultivate lasting wellness. Through talk and body-based therapies, will work together to explore your past, gain insight into your present, and clarify the path ahead. This is your unique journey, and my role is to walk alongside you with empathy and reflection, offering support as you move toward greater wellness and self-discovery.
(865) 413-5158 View (865) 413-5158

See more therapy options for 37405

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in 37405

100+

Average cost per session

$125

Therapists in 37405 who prioritize treating:

93% Anxiety
93% Social Anxiety
93% Health Anxiety
93% Driving Anxiety
88% Relationship Issues
82% Relationship Anxiety
80% Depression

Average years in practice

8 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

81% Aetna
81% BlueCross and BlueShield
77% Cigna and Evernorth

How Therapists in 37405 see their clients

78% In Person and Online
22% Online Only

Gender breakdown

81% Female
19% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in 37405?

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.