Therapists in Fort Worth, TX

View neighborhoods in Fort Worth
Photo of Nathan Kortu, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
Nathan Kortu
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76105
Hi, I am delighted to be your counselor. I am currently a licensed professional counselor, LPC-S in the state of Texas. I hold a MA from Amberton University in Garland Texas, and BA in pastoral counseling from Criswell college in Dallas Texas, I have twenty-five years experience in christian counseling, and a multicultural therapist. I help clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures. My treatment approach includes cognitive behavioral, rational emotive, solution-focus, behavior modification, and evidence-based theories.
Hi, I am delighted to be your counselor. I am currently a licensed professional counselor, LPC-S in the state of Texas. I hold a MA from Amberton University in Garland Texas, and BA in pastoral counseling from Criswell college in Dallas Texas, I have twenty-five years experience in christian counseling, and a multicultural therapist. I help clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures. My treatment approach includes cognitive behavioral, rational emotive, solution-focus, behavior modification, and evidence-based theories.
(682) 310-6104 View (682) 310-6104
Photo of Madison Westbrook, LPC Intern in Fort Worth, TX
Madison Westbrook
LPC Intern, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76107
I acknowledge how messy life can get and have a natural passion for helping others, specifically young adults traversing through their everyday life whether that includes emotional disturbances or psychological difficulties.
I acknowledge how messy life can get and have a natural passion for helping others, specifically young adults traversing through their everyday life whether that includes emotional disturbances or psychological difficulties.
(817) 672-8792 View (817) 672-8792
Photo of Kristin Castillo, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Fort Worth, TX
Kristin Castillo
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76109
Sometimes we just get stuck and need a little help getting through it. I'd love the opportunity to be the person that can come into your life and guide you through getting "unstuck" and connecting again with trust and patience. Through working with clients I am able to help people break through the stigma of mental health and build healthy relationships.
Sometimes we just get stuck and need a little help getting through it. I'd love the opportunity to be the person that can come into your life and guide you through getting "unstuck" and connecting again with trust and patience. Through working with clients I am able to help people break through the stigma of mental health and build healthy relationships.
(682) 628-0963 View (682) 628-0963
Photo of David Forrest Martin in Fort Worth, TX
David Forrest Martin
Dmin , MA, ACC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76119
Struggling in your marriage? Can’t seem to get past square one?
Struggling in your marriage? Can’t seem to get past square one?
(682) 356-3964 View (682) 356-3964
Photo of Conor Francis Hawley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
Conor Francis Hawley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76107
My name is Conor Hawley I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I enjoy working with both adults and children. I believe in utilizing an ecelitic blend of techniques to fit the person. As one thinks of change an individual might not want the same perspective used, I believe that something different can be used. A different approach can help to instill change. I would like to enjoy having a conversation with you and you being apart of a process.
My name is Conor Hawley I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I enjoy working with both adults and children. I believe in utilizing an ecelitic blend of techniques to fit the person. As one thinks of change an individual might not want the same perspective used, I believe that something different can be used. A different approach can help to instill change. I would like to enjoy having a conversation with you and you being apart of a process.
(254) 213-6631 View (254) 213-6631
Photo of Le Shepard, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
Le Shepard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76104  (Online Only)
You knew parenting would be hard but never guessed it would look like this. Caring for kids who struggle is exhausting and isolating. Maybe you adopted and now you’re living in a house ruled by trauma. Maybe your child has special needs and you are wading through grief. You absolutely love your kids but your own struggles are making it hard to show that. Now you’re ready to put on your own oxygen mask and get some help for yourself. You’re ready to start healing and face the parenting trauma you’ve walked through. Most of all, you’re ready to find peace inside yourself so you can show up for your kids in a way that you’re proud of.
You knew parenting would be hard but never guessed it would look like this. Caring for kids who struggle is exhausting and isolating. Maybe you adopted and now you’re living in a house ruled by trauma. Maybe your child has special needs and you are wading through grief. You absolutely love your kids but your own struggles are making it hard to show that. Now you’re ready to put on your own oxygen mask and get some help for yourself. You’re ready to start healing and face the parenting trauma you’ve walked through. Most of all, you’re ready to find peace inside yourself so you can show up for your kids in a way that you’re proud of.
(940) 324-0594 View (940) 324-0594
Photo of Mike Throneberry, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fort Worth, TX
Mike Throneberry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76110
As depression, anxiety, grief, and other mental health issues get bigger, our lives get smaller. They weigh us down, isolate us, and make even simple things seem difficult. Frustration, shame, and confusion from the constant struggle can add to the weight we are already carrying. Friends and loved ones may inadvertently make things worse by offering advice or trying to make us feel better. We put off seeking help because we feel guilty, embarrassed, or don’t want to burden people (especially when we are the "Strong" one who usually helps others). It can happen to anyone. The good news is that treatment works and therapy helps!
As depression, anxiety, grief, and other mental health issues get bigger, our lives get smaller. They weigh us down, isolate us, and make even simple things seem difficult. Frustration, shame, and confusion from the constant struggle can add to the weight we are already carrying. Friends and loved ones may inadvertently make things worse by offering advice or trying to make us feel better. We put off seeking help because we feel guilty, embarrassed, or don’t want to burden people (especially when we are the "Strong" one who usually helps others). It can happen to anyone. The good news is that treatment works and therapy helps!
(469) 617-5472 View (469) 617-5472
Photo of Carie Chandler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
Carie Chandler
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76109
Carie loves working with children, adolescents, and their parents. She specializes in helping individuals with grief, depression, anxiety, relationships, behavior issues, and self-esteem concerns. She believes that children are special gifts that sometimes need help in navigating our world. Carie believes that all people deserve the chance to have joy and embrace their best life. She will walk alongside you and help you explore your concerns and obstacles to your joy. Carie's goal is to help equip you with tools to help you cope with life's challenges and move forward towards the life you want.
Carie loves working with children, adolescents, and their parents. She specializes in helping individuals with grief, depression, anxiety, relationships, behavior issues, and self-esteem concerns. She believes that children are special gifts that sometimes need help in navigating our world. Carie believes that all people deserve the chance to have joy and embrace their best life. She will walk alongside you and help you explore your concerns and obstacles to your joy. Carie's goal is to help equip you with tools to help you cope with life's challenges and move forward towards the life you want.
(682) 356-4106 View (682) 356-4106
Photo of Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76102
We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals. We believe you're best served by a therapist passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to helping therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. Working with us, you'll get results.
We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals. We believe you're best served by a therapist passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to helping therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. Working with us, you'll get results.
(817) 993-5511 View (817) 993-5511
Photo of Jennifer Monjack, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fort Worth, TX
Jennifer Monjack
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76116
I have worked with Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Families in all stages of life for over 16 years. I currently serve clients age 5 to 65. The question is not what’s wrong with you, but rather what happened to you and how do you move forward? I assist you in working though situations of anxiety, depression, focus and attention, disrupted sleep, irritability, life stressors such as strained family dynamics, major life changes, poor self-esteem, medical diagnosis and grief.
I have worked with Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Families in all stages of life for over 16 years. I currently serve clients age 5 to 65. The question is not what’s wrong with you, but rather what happened to you and how do you move forward? I assist you in working though situations of anxiety, depression, focus and attention, disrupted sleep, irritability, life stressors such as strained family dynamics, major life changes, poor self-esteem, medical diagnosis and grief.
(817) 934-7905 View (817) 934-7905
Photo of Boisey Bristo, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
Boisey Bristo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76123  (Online Only)
Currently accepting new clients. My name is Boisey Bristo, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Brain Injury Specialist based in Ft. Worth, Texas delivering services statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults specializing in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, stress and adjustment challenges, trauma, culture and diversity, and brain injury. My counseling philosophy is that “every journey begins with the first step.” I consider the therapeutic alliance to be the most essential to success in therapy. I will never judge you, but I will always be real with you.
Currently accepting new clients. My name is Boisey Bristo, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Brain Injury Specialist based in Ft. Worth, Texas delivering services statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults specializing in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, stress and adjustment challenges, trauma, culture and diversity, and brain injury. My counseling philosophy is that “every journey begins with the first step.” I consider the therapeutic alliance to be the most essential to success in therapy. I will never judge you, but I will always be real with you.
(832) 551-3578 View (832) 551-3578
Photo of Nikki Dear, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fort Worth, TX
Nikki Dear
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76132
We live in a world where we are expected to do it all, perfectly, and without struggling. We are constantly comparing ourselves to others and we declare ourselves "not good enough." These feelings tend to dictate our response to those around us, so that we are really just reacting to what is going on behind the scenes without even realizing it. I believe that a lot of the issues that present on the surface -- family issues, addiction, depression, and anxiety -- can be treated by focusing on overcoming shame, negative self-talk, and trauma. If this can be done, then the chances of improving your quality of life increases.
We live in a world where we are expected to do it all, perfectly, and without struggling. We are constantly comparing ourselves to others and we declare ourselves "not good enough." These feelings tend to dictate our response to those around us, so that we are really just reacting to what is going on behind the scenes without even realizing it. I believe that a lot of the issues that present on the surface -- family issues, addiction, depression, and anxiety -- can be treated by focusing on overcoming shame, negative self-talk, and trauma. If this can be done, then the chances of improving your quality of life increases.
(682) 255-3520 View (682) 255-3520
Photo of Lucy Walters, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fort Worth, TX
Lucy Walters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76179
Hello and welcome! Thank you for taking the courageous decision in seeking a counselor to walk with you towards a more fulfilling life. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and authentic space for you to express the fullness of what your life experience has to offer. I look forward to the privilege of being a part of your mental health journey.
Hello and welcome! Thank you for taking the courageous decision in seeking a counselor to walk with you towards a more fulfilling life. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and authentic space for you to express the fullness of what your life experience has to offer. I look forward to the privilege of being a part of your mental health journey.
(682) 327-5507 View (682) 327-5507
Photo of Mina Casey-Pang, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fort Worth, TX
Mina Casey-Pang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76137  (Online Only)
I believe each of us can live a fulfilling life by understanding the relationship between what we think, feel, and do in order to help us identify helpful and unhelpful ways of being. By letting go of what hinders us from reaching our goals, we can make intentional decisions and commit to attitudes that align with our values and goals. When we are faced with life hardships and feel stuck; intentional living reminds us that we have power over how we respond to situations out of our control. It’s about self-awareness and clarity about who we are and aspire to achieve.
I believe each of us can live a fulfilling life by understanding the relationship between what we think, feel, and do in order to help us identify helpful and unhelpful ways of being. By letting go of what hinders us from reaching our goals, we can make intentional decisions and commit to attitudes that align with our values and goals. When we are faced with life hardships and feel stuck; intentional living reminds us that we have power over how we respond to situations out of our control. It’s about self-awareness and clarity about who we are and aspire to achieve.
(808) 736-5299 View (808) 736-5299
Photo of Susan Baldelomar, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
Susan Baldelomar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76104
I am here for you, as an experienced therapist who specializes in counseling individuals, couples, and adolescents. Using a holistic approach, I strive to create a caring and safe environment, where you can feel empowered to reach your personal goals. 1) I am highly trained in helping adults and adolescents let go of anxiety using CBT and mindfulness strategies. 2) Another specialty is guiding trauma and PTSD survivors in their personal journey towards healing and reclaiming their life. 3) My practice is also neurodiversity affirming, where ADHD and ADD adolescents and adults can find the tools they need to flourish in life.
I am here for you, as an experienced therapist who specializes in counseling individuals, couples, and adolescents. Using a holistic approach, I strive to create a caring and safe environment, where you can feel empowered to reach your personal goals. 1) I am highly trained in helping adults and adolescents let go of anxiety using CBT and mindfulness strategies. 2) Another specialty is guiding trauma and PTSD survivors in their personal journey towards healing and reclaiming their life. 3) My practice is also neurodiversity affirming, where ADHD and ADD adolescents and adults can find the tools they need to flourish in life.
(817) 522-1475 View (817) 522-1475
Photo of Tomas Altamirano, Pre-Licensed Professional in Fort Worth, TX
Tomas Altamirano
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76104
I'm a bit of a jack of all trades when it comes to therapy, and I haven't found a client that I couldn't work with yet! I can work with a client who knows exactly what they want out of therapy, and I can also work with clients who aren't sure of how to move forward. I make sure that I will only work as hard as you do, so I love working with people who want to be pushed to make progress. For me, as long a client wants to come to therapy, I will do what I can to help you.
I'm a bit of a jack of all trades when it comes to therapy, and I haven't found a client that I couldn't work with yet! I can work with a client who knows exactly what they want out of therapy, and I can also work with clients who aren't sure of how to move forward. I make sure that I will only work as hard as you do, so I love working with people who want to be pushed to make progress. For me, as long a client wants to come to therapy, I will do what I can to help you.
(682) 243-8573 View (682) 243-8573
Photo of Khandyce Pitner, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
Khandyce Pitner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76137
My name is Khandyce Pitner, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over seven years of experience counseling children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups. I have worked with many individuals suffering from Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Coping Skills, Life Transitions, Substance Use, Low-SES, Women’s issues, and more. I use a mix of Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Eclectic, and Trauma Focused therapies. I believe that my passion is to guide, assist, and support you in recognizing and utilizing your most significant potential for change.
My name is Khandyce Pitner, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over seven years of experience counseling children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups. I have worked with many individuals suffering from Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Coping Skills, Life Transitions, Substance Use, Low-SES, Women’s issues, and more. I use a mix of Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Eclectic, and Trauma Focused therapies. I believe that my passion is to guide, assist, and support you in recognizing and utilizing your most significant potential for change.
(682) 297-5732 View (682) 297-5732
Photo of Helen Williamson Elliott, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
Helen Williamson Elliott
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Sometimes it seems that nothing works. You may feel angry, sad, or out of control and need help to navigate through rough times. I have been there! I was inspired to be a counselor by my own struggles with family codependency. There is hope! Through a combination of therapeutic techniques, cognitive behavioral, solution focused, reality, family systems, feminist, and humanistic therapies, I will help you identify what is holding you back. The goal is to provide you with the insights and tools you need to move past old, limiting beliefs and behaviors. I will provide dedicated, confidential listening to create a bright future.
Sometimes it seems that nothing works. You may feel angry, sad, or out of control and need help to navigate through rough times. I have been there! I was inspired to be a counselor by my own struggles with family codependency. There is hope! Through a combination of therapeutic techniques, cognitive behavioral, solution focused, reality, family systems, feminist, and humanistic therapies, I will help you identify what is holding you back. The goal is to provide you with the insights and tools you need to move past old, limiting beliefs and behaviors. I will provide dedicated, confidential listening to create a bright future.
(817) 409-3249 View (817) 409-3249
Photo of Jamie E Skyta, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
Jamie E Skyta
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76112
You feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, you have a hard time living in the present, always looking back at what was missing, or looking forward to how things could be. You want to enjoy life, to be happy, and it is exhausting. Or maybe you don’t even know how you feel but you know it doesn’t feel good. You might know where these feelings started, a tough relationship, trauma, a difficult childhood. Or maybe the feelings seem to come from nowhere. You are surviving, but, it doesn't have to be so hard.
You feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, you have a hard time living in the present, always looking back at what was missing, or looking forward to how things could be. You want to enjoy life, to be happy, and it is exhausting. Or maybe you don’t even know how you feel but you know it doesn’t feel good. You might know where these feelings started, a tough relationship, trauma, a difficult childhood. Or maybe the feelings seem to come from nowhere. You are surviving, but, it doesn't have to be so hard.
(682) 452-6499 View (682) 452-6499
Photo of Brittany Green, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TX
Brittany Green
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76244  (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Brittany Green and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas. I have been counseling for over seven years and have loads of mental health experience prior to licensure. I have worked inpatient hospital settings, outpatient such as intensive out patient (IOP), private practice, group counseling...you name it! All of which have aided in how I approach therapy. I believe it should be individualized and diverse for each client.
Welcome! My name is Brittany Green and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas. I have been counseling for over seven years and have loads of mental health experience prior to licensure. I have worked inpatient hospital settings, outpatient such as intensive out patient (IOP), private practice, group counseling...you name it! All of which have aided in how I approach therapy. I believe it should be individualized and diverse for each client.
(817) 783-4497 View (817) 783-4497

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Fort Worth, TX

1,000+

Average cost per session

$125

Therapists in Fort Worth, TX who prioritize treating:

92% Anxiety
88% Depression
77% Self Esteem
74% Coping Skills
69% Relationship Issues
67% Trauma and PTSD
65% Stress

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

88% Aetna
83% Cigna and Evernorth
82% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Therapists in Fort Worth, TX see their clients

60% In Person and Online
40% Online Only

Gender breakdown

82% Female
17% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Fort Worth?

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.