Therapists in Murfreesboro, TN

Photo of Deborah A Driggs, Counselor in Murfreesboro, TN
Deborah A Driggs
Counselor, PhD, LPC, MHSP, ACS, LADACII
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
YOU CAN heal...be empowered...and move forward in your life! Experience a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere to explore your life challenges, to regain your voice, reestablish healthy direction and move forward toward healing and healthy living. I utilize an integrative approach to treatment and will work with you to customize a plan to positively impact your specific needs. As a Christian therapist, I value the therapeutic relationship and respectfully join you where you are in this present moment of your life. Through a holistic approach, we will focus on the whole self- mind, body, and spirit.
YOU CAN heal...be empowered...and move forward in your life! Experience a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere to explore your life challenges, to regain your voice, reestablish healthy direction and move forward toward healing and healthy living. I utilize an integrative approach to treatment and will work with you to customize a plan to positively impact your specific needs. As a Christian therapist, I value the therapeutic relationship and respectfully join you where you are in this present moment of your life. Through a holistic approach, we will focus on the whole self- mind, body, and spirit.
(931) 486-8670 View (931) 486-8670
Photo of Regan Harlow, Pre-Licensed Professional in Murfreesboro, TN
Regan Harlow
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Do you feel as if you can’t escape the negative things you have experienced? Do you feel stuck in a cycle emotional turbulence? As a trauma-informed behavioral therapist, I can help you better understand yourself and develop coping skills and perspectives that work for you and not against you. My focus is helping you achieve your mental health goals so that YOU can achieve your life goals.
Do you feel as if you can’t escape the negative things you have experienced? Do you feel stuck in a cycle emotional turbulence? As a trauma-informed behavioral therapist, I can help you better understand yourself and develop coping skills and perspectives that work for you and not against you. My focus is helping you achieve your mental health goals so that YOU can achieve your life goals.
(615) 903-8965 View (615) 903-8965
Photo of Maria Bush, Licensed Professional Counselor in Murfreesboro, TN
Maria Bush
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MPA, AS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
I offer in person sessions in TN. I offer teletherapy for my clients in the states of TN, AZ, MO and FL. Is depression, anxiety, or anger holding you back from where you want to be in life? Please don't give up, because help is available. Many people feel a need to make changes, but don't know how. None of their options seem to work out. The pressure can lead to other problems, like trouble getting to sleep, difficulty making decisions, poor self-esteem, substance abuse, physical pain, or troubled relationships.
I offer in person sessions in TN. I offer teletherapy for my clients in the states of TN, AZ, MO and FL. Is depression, anxiety, or anger holding you back from where you want to be in life? Please don't give up, because help is available. Many people feel a need to make changes, but don't know how. None of their options seem to work out. The pressure can lead to other problems, like trouble getting to sleep, difficulty making decisions, poor self-esteem, substance abuse, physical pain, or troubled relationships.
(833) 854-1669 View (833) 854-1669
Photo of Nicole Bryant: As You Are Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Murfreesboro, TN
Nicole Bryant: As You Are Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
At work, you’re a rock star! You can handle anything that comes your way. Whenever there’s a problem, you’re the one who fixes it. It’s your show and you’re killing it. So why do you feel so unfulfilled? On paper, you’re successful – making your family proud. But inside, something is still missing. A longing emptiness sits deep in the pit of your stomach. You’ve always worked so hard to pursue goals “at any cost,” but you’ve begun to realize that the cost was your well-being. All of your relationships seem to be out of obligation. You never have any time to care for yourself. Unless something changes, things will only get worse...
At work, you’re a rock star! You can handle anything that comes your way. Whenever there’s a problem, you’re the one who fixes it. It’s your show and you’re killing it. So why do you feel so unfulfilled? On paper, you’re successful – making your family proud. But inside, something is still missing. A longing emptiness sits deep in the pit of your stomach. You’ve always worked so hard to pursue goals “at any cost,” but you’ve begun to realize that the cost was your well-being. All of your relationships seem to be out of obligation. You never have any time to care for yourself. Unless something changes, things will only get worse...
(615) 437-7191 View (615) 437-7191
Photo of ReNew Me Counseling Service, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Murfreesboro, TN
ReNew Me Counseling Service, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC, MHSP-S, BCTMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37130  (Online Only)
Are you ready to get clarity in some area(s) of your life? Is your life burdened with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, indecisiveness, family/relationship issues, or any other concerns? Congratulations! You have made a good decision for your life that you are ready for something better. James Baldwin wrote, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, But nothing can be changed until it is faced." Let the professionals at ReNew Me Counseling be the change agents to guide you to focus on your own personal growth.
Are you ready to get clarity in some area(s) of your life? Is your life burdened with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, indecisiveness, family/relationship issues, or any other concerns? Congratulations! You have made a good decision for your life that you are ready for something better. James Baldwin wrote, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, But nothing can be changed until it is faced." Let the professionals at ReNew Me Counseling be the change agents to guide you to focus on your own personal growth.
(629) 249-6746 View (629) 249-6746
Photo of Julie Bradley Counseling, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Murfreesboro, TN
Julie Bradley Counseling
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, NCAC II, LADC II, CPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Accepting New Clients - Grief, low self-esteem, trauma and shame are a part of addiction. Whether you are living in addiction, loving someone in addiction or grieving the loss of someone you love - it is exhausting! What could have been done to prevent it? How do you take care of yourself and begin to heal when addiction seems to have taken everything? I am passionate about helping individuals/families create strategies to overcome barriers that keep them stuck in unhealthy thought patterns and choices. I have a heart for providing a safe space to heal and to begin to explore life on the other side.
Accepting New Clients - Grief, low self-esteem, trauma and shame are a part of addiction. Whether you are living in addiction, loving someone in addiction or grieving the loss of someone you love - it is exhausting! What could have been done to prevent it? How do you take care of yourself and begin to heal when addiction seems to have taken everything? I am passionate about helping individuals/families create strategies to overcome barriers that keep them stuck in unhealthy thought patterns and choices. I have a heart for providing a safe space to heal and to begin to explore life on the other side.
(615) 471-7110 View (615) 471-7110
Photo of Burgess Adams Rye, Pre-Licensed Professional in Murfreesboro, TN
Burgess Adams Rye
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Sometimes life can get complicated and knock us down. Most times it takes a helping hand to get out of those hard moments. I pledge to give you my very best to be a helping hand, working with you, to move forward and up through those difficult circumstances. Need a hand? Email me. Let's work together.
Sometimes life can get complicated and knock us down. Most times it takes a helping hand to get out of those hard moments. I pledge to give you my very best to be a helping hand, working with you, to move forward and up through those difficult circumstances. Need a hand? Email me. Let's work together.
(615) 703-6312 View (615) 703-6312
Photo of Lindsay Whiteman, Pre-Licensed Professional in Murfreesboro, TN
Lindsay Whiteman
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
It takes courage and strength to take an inventory of your mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health. For some, just taking that first step can be the hardest part and it may feel quite overwhelming. For others, it may be difficult to get back into the rhythm of caring for your overall well-being. Wherever you find yourself on this journey towards living a healthier, more meaningful life, I want to meet you where you are at. Life can throw a lot of curveballs and it doesn’t hurt to have someone come alongside you to help you learn the skills to navigate them.
It takes courage and strength to take an inventory of your mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational health. For some, just taking that first step can be the hardest part and it may feel quite overwhelming. For others, it may be difficult to get back into the rhythm of caring for your overall well-being. Wherever you find yourself on this journey towards living a healthier, more meaningful life, I want to meet you where you are at. Life can throw a lot of curveballs and it doesn’t hurt to have someone come alongside you to help you learn the skills to navigate them.
(615) 488-4981 View (615) 488-4981
Photo of Samantha Acosta, Counselor in Murfreesboro, TN
Samantha Acosta
Counselor, LIMHP, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
I wonder if you are feeling like life has been particularly difficult lately? This is especially difficult when we are feeling excessive stress, a sense of overwhelm, anxious, depressed, lonely and isolated.
I wonder if you are feeling like life has been particularly difficult lately? This is especially difficult when we are feeling excessive stress, a sense of overwhelm, anxious, depressed, lonely and isolated.
(629) 263-4339 View (629) 263-4339
Photo of Harmony Health Medical in Murfreesboro, TN
Harmony Health Medical
DNP, APRN , FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
We specialize in mental healthcare, medication management and therapies. We accept patients age 5 and up. Our practitioners have been trained in behavior modification therapies, and specialize in many different areas ranging from anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ptsd, eating disorders, divorce, anger management to substance abuse and recovery. Our focus is on helping you set therapeutic goals and achieving those goals through medications or counseling or both.
We specialize in mental healthcare, medication management and therapies. We accept patients age 5 and up. Our practitioners have been trained in behavior modification therapies, and specialize in many different areas ranging from anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ptsd, eating disorders, divorce, anger management to substance abuse and recovery. Our focus is on helping you set therapeutic goals and achieving those goals through medications or counseling or both.
(615) 551-1202 View (615) 551-1202
Photo of Kathryn S Hahn, Psychologist in Murfreesboro, TN
Kathryn S Hahn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
As a clinical psychologist with extensive training, research, and experience in understanding anxiety and depressive disorders, I provide evidence-based services for psychological difficulties. Anxiety and depression are all natural parts of life until they become extreme. Trauma, difficult life circumstances, and genetics can result in emotional distress that interfere with your life.
As a clinical psychologist with extensive training, research, and experience in understanding anxiety and depressive disorders, I provide evidence-based services for psychological difficulties. Anxiety and depression are all natural parts of life until they become extreme. Trauma, difficult life circumstances, and genetics can result in emotional distress that interfere with your life.
(615) 751-5780 View (615) 751-5780
Photo of Lighthouse Counseling and Mental Health, LLC, Counselor in Murfreesboro, TN
Lighthouse Counseling and Mental Health, LLC
Counselor, MC, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Percy Ford, MC, LPC-MHSP, NCC established Lighthouse Correctional Counseling and Mental Health Services in 2012 to provide Individual Psychotherapy, Family Counseling, Group Therapy and Couples Counseling to offenders and their families. Mr. Ford earned a BS in Social Work from Tuskegee University in 1997 and graduated from Argosy University School of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences in 2007 with a MA in Professional Counseling.
Percy Ford, MC, LPC-MHSP, NCC established Lighthouse Correctional Counseling and Mental Health Services in 2012 to provide Individual Psychotherapy, Family Counseling, Group Therapy and Couples Counseling to offenders and their families. Mr. Ford earned a BS in Social Work from Tuskegee University in 1997 and graduated from Argosy University School of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences in 2007 with a MA in Professional Counseling.
(615) 442-7106 View (615) 442-7106
Photo of Christine Robertini, Licensed Professional Counselor in Murfreesboro, TN
Christine Robertini
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP-S, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37128  (Online Only)
Beginning counseling can be a difficult, sometimes scary step. I want to walk that journey with you. I believe in a therapeutic relationship that fosters trust and respect. I desire to help you find health and wholeness through finding balance in your mental, physical, and spiritual health. You will find a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere when you enter my office. I believe in meeting you where you are in your journey and helping you to find the path that leads you to your goals.
Beginning counseling can be a difficult, sometimes scary step. I want to walk that journey with you. I believe in a therapeutic relationship that fosters trust and respect. I desire to help you find health and wholeness through finding balance in your mental, physical, and spiritual health. You will find a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere when you enter my office. I believe in meeting you where you are in your journey and helping you to find the path that leads you to your goals.
(615) 933-4895 View (615) 933-4895
Photo of Melissa Lowery, Licensed Professional Counselor in Murfreesboro, TN
Melissa Lowery
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Seeking counseling can feel like a vulnerable experience. With the belief that counseling is tailored to the individual needs of the person, I have a supportive and strengths-based approach, customized to your unique story of grief, loss, transition or trauma. I work to create a place of safety and acceptance in which you can comfortably explore the direction best suited for your personal healing and wholeness.
Seeking counseling can feel like a vulnerable experience. With the belief that counseling is tailored to the individual needs of the person, I have a supportive and strengths-based approach, customized to your unique story of grief, loss, transition or trauma. I work to create a place of safety and acceptance in which you can comfortably explore the direction best suited for your personal healing and wholeness.
(615) 219-4480 View (615) 219-4480
Photo of Angie (Angelique) Davis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Murfreesboro, TN
Angie (Angelique) Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Life can be hard, and sometimes we need some extra help and support to get through those difficult times. Whether it's dealing with young children or teenagers, relationship or family issues, anxiety or depression, the challenges of college life or jobs, or the curve ball that life throws at us, it can be stressful to manage, and can be helpful to have someone outside of the situation to talk with.
Life can be hard, and sometimes we need some extra help and support to get through those difficult times. Whether it's dealing with young children or teenagers, relationship or family issues, anxiety or depression, the challenges of college life or jobs, or the curve ball that life throws at us, it can be stressful to manage, and can be helpful to have someone outside of the situation to talk with.
(615) 235-1628 View (615) 235-1628
Photo of Samantha Campbell, Pre-Licensed Professional in Murfreesboro, TN
Samantha Campbell
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Accepting new clients! Every name has a story and every story is worth telling. Finding the best fit for a new therapist can be challenging and scary as you step into a place of vulnerability. We all experience challenging seasons and chapters in our lives and sometimes we need support and guidance to navigate through them. I'm passionate about helping people write their own stories, learn how to move through emotions, embrace where they are at, and gain the skills to thrive and live life abundantly.
Accepting new clients! Every name has a story and every story is worth telling. Finding the best fit for a new therapist can be challenging and scary as you step into a place of vulnerability. We all experience challenging seasons and chapters in our lives and sometimes we need support and guidance to navigate through them. I'm passionate about helping people write their own stories, learn how to move through emotions, embrace where they are at, and gain the skills to thrive and live life abundantly.
(615) 703-6467 View (615) 703-6467
Photo of Kaylin Flamm Lawrence, Occupational Therapist in Murfreesboro, TN
Kaylin Flamm Lawrence
Occupational Therapist, MSOT, OTR/L
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Hi, I’m Kaylin. I’m an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals across the life span develop life and work skills, emotional regulation techniques, sensory strategies, interpersonal skills, and grow into a life that brings joy and fulfillment. You may be dealing with difficulties adapting to current life demands or transition periods, struggle with sensory sensitivities, find difficulty with parenting, or are just ready for a hands-on skill and activity-based approach to therapy. Let’s work together to figure out what brings you meaning, independence, and stability in your life.
Hi, I’m Kaylin. I’m an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals across the life span develop life and work skills, emotional regulation techniques, sensory strategies, interpersonal skills, and grow into a life that brings joy and fulfillment. You may be dealing with difficulties adapting to current life demands or transition periods, struggle with sensory sensitivities, find difficulty with parenting, or are just ready for a hands-on skill and activity-based approach to therapy. Let’s work together to figure out what brings you meaning, independence, and stability in your life.
(615) 645-1126 View (615) 645-1126
Photo of Stephanie Berglund, Licensed Professional Counselor in Murfreesboro, TN
Stephanie Berglund
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-, MHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
I love to work with clients who feel stuck in unhealthy relationships or habits. Many of my clients tell me that they have a hard time opening up, or that they did not think therapy would help them. I appreciate the struggle of unhealthy patterns, toxic relationships, or finding one’s path; and I’m honored to have the opportunity to support individuals who want to better understand themselves, heal, and grow. My clients leave therapy feeling hopeful, supported, and empowered to meet their goals.
I love to work with clients who feel stuck in unhealthy relationships or habits. Many of my clients tell me that they have a hard time opening up, or that they did not think therapy would help them. I appreciate the struggle of unhealthy patterns, toxic relationships, or finding one’s path; and I’m honored to have the opportunity to support individuals who want to better understand themselves, heal, and grow. My clients leave therapy feeling hopeful, supported, and empowered to meet their goals.
(615) 880-9367 View (615) 880-9367
Photo of Cameron Carpenter, Licensed Professional Counselor in Murfreesboro, TN
Cameron Carpenter
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
At some point in time, every person experiences an impasse or issue in his or her life, and might need to regain some perspective or obtain support to help improve the situation. As a counselor, I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment in which to work on life's issues, problems, or roadblocks. I work with and assist children, adolescents, and adults aged 11 years and up experiencing any number of issues such as, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, adjustment problems, financial health disorders, life stage changes, grief, parenting issues, relationship difficulties, work/career problems, and health concerns.
At some point in time, every person experiences an impasse or issue in his or her life, and might need to regain some perspective or obtain support to help improve the situation. As a counselor, I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment in which to work on life's issues, problems, or roadblocks. I work with and assist children, adolescents, and adults aged 11 years and up experiencing any number of issues such as, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, adjustment problems, financial health disorders, life stage changes, grief, parenting issues, relationship difficulties, work/career problems, and health concerns.
(615) 412-0491 View (615) 412-0491
Photo of Megan Dawkins, Pre-Licensed Professional in Murfreesboro, TN
Megan Dawkins
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Murfreesboro, TN 37129  (Online Only)
I desire to journey alongside and help others as they begin to piece together their stories and see the beauty in their brokenness. I have been greatly influenced by the Spiritual Root SystemTM, Townsend Institutes Character Structure Development, Attachment Theory, and somatic experiencing. Rather than only looking at the symptoms a person is experiencing, I aspire to go deeper with the client and search through the root causes of their symptoms. Through this deeper dive, my hope is that clients will begin to see their story more clearly and even see redemption in the wounds they have experienced in life.
I desire to journey alongside and help others as they begin to piece together their stories and see the beauty in their brokenness. I have been greatly influenced by the Spiritual Root SystemTM, Townsend Institutes Character Structure Development, Attachment Theory, and somatic experiencing. Rather than only looking at the symptoms a person is experiencing, I aspire to go deeper with the client and search through the root causes of their symptoms. Through this deeper dive, my hope is that clients will begin to see their story more clearly and even see redemption in the wounds they have experienced in life.
(615) 551-5209 View (615) 551-5209

See more therapy options for Murfreesboro

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Murfreesboro, TN

200+

Average cost per session

$120

Therapists in Murfreesboro, TN who prioritize treating:

89% Anxiety
83% Depression
72% Relationship Issues
72% Self Esteem
71% Stress
69% Coping Skills
68% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

82% Aetna
80% Cigna and Evernorth
72% Optum

How Therapists in Murfreesboro, TN see their clients

82% In Person and Online
18% Online Only

Gender breakdown

79% Female
21% Male

FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Murfreesboro?

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.