Therapists in Radford County, VA

Photo of Michelle Ousley, Pre-Licensed Professional
Michelle Ousley
Pre-Licensed Professional
1 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
Life can feel heavy when you’ve been carrying pain, trauma, or uncertainty for too long. My goal is to offer a space where you don’t have to hold it all alone. I believe healing begins when we feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. Together, we’ll work to understand what’s beneath the surface (your emotions, your experiences, and your strengths) and use that understanding to create meaningful change.
Life can feel heavy when you’ve been carrying pain, trauma, or uncertainty for too long. My goal is to offer a space where you don’t have to hold it all alone. I believe healing begins when we feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. Together, we’ll work to understand what’s beneath the surface (your emotions, your experiences, and your strengths) and use that understanding to create meaningful change.
(540) 802-5227 View (540) 802-5227
Photo of Nadine Hartig, Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, RPT, BC-TMH, EMDR
Nadine Hartig
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, RPT, BC-TMH, EMDR
Radford, VA 24141
Waitlist for new clients
Thank you for the opportunity to share my counseling practice with you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and work with people of all ages, utilizing a variety of therapeutic techniques. I want to help you reach your goals and use our time together in a way that encourages your growth and supports you in this process.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my counseling practice with you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and work with people of all ages, utilizing a variety of therapeutic techniques. I want to help you reach your goals and use our time together in a way that encourages your growth and supports you in this process.
(540) 625-1253 View (540) 625-1253
Photo of Delaney Aleene Ferguson, Resident in Counseling, MS
Delaney Aleene Ferguson
Resident in Counseling, MS
Radford, VA 24141
Hello and welcome. With a background in working with survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and complex trauma, I am committed to creating a safe and empowering space for clients to explore and empower themselves to rebuild safety, trust, healthy relationships and boundaries at their own pace.
Hello and welcome. With a background in working with survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and complex trauma, I am committed to creating a safe and empowering space for clients to explore and empower themselves to rebuild safety, trust, healthy relationships and boundaries at their own pace.
(540) 346-3729 View (540) 346-3729
Photo of Kelsey Blankenship - Blue Mountain Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, QDDP
Blue Mountain Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, QDDP
2 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
Not accepting new clients
The hardest mountain to climb is the one within, what does your mountain look like? Each person's healing journey to the top of their mountain, no matter how small or fraught with twists and turns, is important and deserves a safe, authentic space to be heard. Healing is not a linear process. It takes commitment, honesty, motivation, and oftentimes tough work to face one's reality versus where they want to be. Healing also takes a supportive and empathetic shoulder to help carry the burden as you reach your goals. I would be honored to help you discover your confidence, values, truths, and ultimately, summit your mountain.
The hardest mountain to climb is the one within, what does your mountain look like? Each person's healing journey to the top of their mountain, no matter how small or fraught with twists and turns, is important and deserves a safe, authentic space to be heard. Healing is not a linear process. It takes commitment, honesty, motivation, and oftentimes tough work to face one's reality versus where they want to be. Healing also takes a supportive and empathetic shoulder to help carry the burden as you reach your goals. I would be honored to help you discover your confidence, values, truths, and ultimately, summit your mountain.
(540) 501-6468 View (540) 501-6468
Photo of Monica Swann, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Monica Swann
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
1 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
There are times in our journey where we stop and ask ourselves, “how did I get here?”. As people, we are constantly exploring our growth edges and trying to adapt to the challenges and changes in our lives. Navigating those changes on our own may be frustrating, scary and sometimes leave us feeling unclear and hopeless. No matter where in life you are currently, there is power in asking for help. I want to walk with you to safely explore the past, learn to stay mindful in the present, and work to improve your future. Sometimes the most challenging pieces of our story simply need to be acknowledged before they can be understood.
There are times in our journey where we stop and ask ourselves, “how did I get here?”. As people, we are constantly exploring our growth edges and trying to adapt to the challenges and changes in our lives. Navigating those changes on our own may be frustrating, scary and sometimes leave us feeling unclear and hopeless. No matter where in life you are currently, there is power in asking for help. I want to walk with you to safely explore the past, learn to stay mindful in the present, and work to improve your future. Sometimes the most challenging pieces of our story simply need to be acknowledged before they can be understood.
(276) 409-8671 View (276) 409-8671
Photo of Rebecca Worrell, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Rebecca Worrell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
We already hold the wisdom within us, even when our thoughts are spiraling out of control. Therapy helps us to reconnect and find our inner strength. Growth and healing happens when we embrace every part of ourselves. I provide a grounded, compassionate space to help you reconnect with your inner self and navigate the challenges life brings. Whether you're processing trauma, experiencing anxiety or grief, or searching for meaning, I’m here to support you. My approach is intuitive and integrative. I combine evidence-based modalities like CBT and mindfulness with a deep respect for your unique life story.
We already hold the wisdom within us, even when our thoughts are spiraling out of control. Therapy helps us to reconnect and find our inner strength. Growth and healing happens when we embrace every part of ourselves. I provide a grounded, compassionate space to help you reconnect with your inner self and navigate the challenges life brings. Whether you're processing trauma, experiencing anxiety or grief, or searching for meaning, I’m here to support you. My approach is intuitive and integrative. I combine evidence-based modalities like CBT and mindfulness with a deep respect for your unique life story.
(540) 426-0704 View (540) 426-0704
Photo of Jenna Ayers Reece, Counselor, LPC
Jenna Ayers Reece
Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
I consider myself very lucky to have found my passion for helping others early in life and plan to continue on this journey as long as I can. I find that I am always learning from others and from life, soaking up information and pushing myself to explore new things, evolving constantly into the person I want to be. Man, this is hard at times! In life, we seem to encounter many obstacles to success, love and happiness. It is here that I believe that counseling can be so beneficial to those struggling with the things life throws at us and more importantly, the things we throw at ourselves (self-defeating thinking.
I consider myself very lucky to have found my passion for helping others early in life and plan to continue on this journey as long as I can. I find that I am always learning from others and from life, soaking up information and pushing myself to explore new things, evolving constantly into the person I want to be. Man, this is hard at times! In life, we seem to encounter many obstacles to success, love and happiness. It is here that I believe that counseling can be so beneficial to those struggling with the things life throws at us and more importantly, the things we throw at ourselves (self-defeating thinking.
(540) 258-4576 View (540) 258-4576
Photo of Kendra Smith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Kendra Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
I am so glad you’re here! I have many years of experience supporting clients through life’s challenges and I am passionate about building strong, trusting relationships. I believe the most powerful part of therapy is connection and I work to join with each client on their journey, creating a safe and supportive environment.
I am so glad you’re here! I have many years of experience supporting clients through life’s challenges and I am passionate about building strong, trusting relationships. I believe the most powerful part of therapy is connection and I work to join with each client on their journey, creating a safe and supportive environment.
(540) 315-1224 View (540) 315-1224
Photo of Katlyn Hash, Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Katlyn Hash
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
1 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
As a counselor, I feel honored to work with clients who are navigating complex challenges such as anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma. My ideal client is not defined by a lack of struggle, but by a willingness to show up, even when things feel overwhelming or uncertain. My role is to guide, support, and challenge my clients in ways that help them reclaim their agency, reconnect with themselves, and begin to imagine a life beyond survival—a life rooted in clarity, peace, and meaning.
As a counselor, I feel honored to work with clients who are navigating complex challenges such as anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma. My ideal client is not defined by a lack of struggle, but by a willingness to show up, even when things feel overwhelming or uncertain. My role is to guide, support, and challenge my clients in ways that help them reclaim their agency, reconnect with themselves, and begin to imagine a life beyond survival—a life rooted in clarity, peace, and meaning.
(540) 787-2890 View (540) 787-2890
Photo of Zackary Ryan Leigh Cockrum - Zack Cockrum, Counselor, LPC
Zack Cockrum
Counselor, LPC
Online Only
Hello! Thank you for taking time to read a bit about my therapeutic work. I typically engage in counseling that involves working with couples and families, navigating gender and sexuality, religious trauma, and ADHD support. While I consider these my niche areas, I have experience working with a broad range of mental health needs and would love to support you on your journey of healing and discovery.
Hello! Thank you for taking time to read a bit about my therapeutic work. I typically engage in counseling that involves working with couples and families, navigating gender and sexuality, religious trauma, and ADHD support. While I consider these my niche areas, I have experience working with a broad range of mental health needs and would love to support you on your journey of healing and discovery.
(540) 361-6927 View (540) 361-6927
Photo of Blake Burdack, Pre-Licensed Professional
Blake Burdack
Pre-Licensed Professional
3 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
Not accepting new clients
I’m an Australian native, now a legal resident, who came to the United States to pursue college athletics. Over time I transitioned from the pursuit of a professional sports career to building a fulfilling life beyond competition. My therapeutic approach is shaped by this journey. It’s designed for driven, goal-oriented individuals who may struggle to balance the beliefs, pressures, and expectations that come from a high-achievement mindset.
I’m an Australian native, now a legal resident, who came to the United States to pursue college athletics. Over time I transitioned from the pursuit of a professional sports career to building a fulfilling life beyond competition. My therapeutic approach is shaped by this journey. It’s designed for driven, goal-oriented individuals who may struggle to balance the beliefs, pressures, and expectations that come from a high-achievement mindset.
(540) 386-1329 View (540) 386-1329
Photo of Lindsay Schwertz - Lindsay Schwertz, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Lindsay Schwertz, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
Counseling is known as a stepping stone to a more peaceful, meaningful life. It is my honor to work with individuals to pave their pathway to a more fulfilling and satisfying state of being. My professional background includes working with adults, teens, and children to heal trauma wounds, regulate emotions, strengthen self-affirmation, and strengthening independence/ADLs. My passions include trauma healing, mindfulness, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and play therapy. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities to support individuals in strengthening safety and security within their core self, and connecting to their brighter side of life.
Counseling is known as a stepping stone to a more peaceful, meaningful life. It is my honor to work with individuals to pave their pathway to a more fulfilling and satisfying state of being. My professional background includes working with adults, teens, and children to heal trauma wounds, regulate emotions, strengthen self-affirmation, and strengthening independence/ADLs. My passions include trauma healing, mindfulness, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and play therapy. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities to support individuals in strengthening safety and security within their core self, and connecting to their brighter side of life.
(540) 453-7195 View (540) 453-7195
Photo of Denise Ritter Bernardini, Resident in Counseling, QMHPT
Denise Ritter Bernardini
Resident in Counseling, QMHPT
2 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
Are you struggling with anxiety, burnout, or navigating a major life transition? Do you feel like an imposter despite your accomplishments, or find it hard to manage the pressures of work, school, caregiving or growing older? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through it alone. I help people reconnect with their inner resilience. As an in-residence-counselor with a background in higher education and clinical mental health, I bring experience supporting individuals through major life and identity transitions. I have presented internationally on the intersections of anxiety, imposter syndrome, and performance.
Are you struggling with anxiety, burnout, or navigating a major life transition? Do you feel like an imposter despite your accomplishments, or find it hard to manage the pressures of work, school, caregiving or growing older? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through it alone. I help people reconnect with their inner resilience. As an in-residence-counselor with a background in higher education and clinical mental health, I bring experience supporting individuals through major life and identity transitions. I have presented internationally on the intersections of anxiety, imposter syndrome, and performance.
(540) 251-1663 View (540) 251-1663
Photo of Stacey T Bolt - Calmed Counseling & Consulting LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Calmed Counseling & Consulting LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
2 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
An update as of August 2025: Katie Hash & Denise Bernardini, Residents in Counseling and Kendra Smith, LCSW are accepting new clients in Blacksburg & Radford. Chloe Scales, Resident is accepting new clients in Blacksburg. Ellie Schultz, Resident in Counseling is accepting clients for TeleHealth. Aaron Gleaves, LPC, Maria Flaccavento, LPC, Stacey Bolt, LPC are not accepting new clients. Please send an email, leave a voicemail or submit an inquiry through our website if you are interested in becoming a new client.
An update as of August 2025: Katie Hash & Denise Bernardini, Residents in Counseling and Kendra Smith, LCSW are accepting new clients in Blacksburg & Radford. Chloe Scales, Resident is accepting new clients in Blacksburg. Ellie Schultz, Resident in Counseling is accepting clients for TeleHealth. Aaron Gleaves, LPC, Maria Flaccavento, LPC, Stacey Bolt, LPC are not accepting new clients. Please send an email, leave a voicemail or submit an inquiry through our website if you are interested in becoming a new client.
(540) 218-1902 View (540) 218-1902
Photo of Brittany Sesek, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Brittany Sesek
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I help anxious, overthinkers learn how to trust themselves and find their own identity and independence. Have you ever had the thought “why won’t my brain just shut up and be quiet”? Your feeling stuck and wondering "who am I?" after a life altering event like a divorce, career change, or health complication. You’re stressed out, burnt out, and honestly exhausted to your core. Together, we will explore identity, self-discovery, and personal growth so you can rebuild confidence, make empowered decisions, and move forward with clarity while learning how to create better boundaries and manage your stress.
I help anxious, overthinkers learn how to trust themselves and find their own identity and independence. Have you ever had the thought “why won’t my brain just shut up and be quiet”? Your feeling stuck and wondering "who am I?" after a life altering event like a divorce, career change, or health complication. You’re stressed out, burnt out, and honestly exhausted to your core. Together, we will explore identity, self-discovery, and personal growth so you can rebuild confidence, make empowered decisions, and move forward with clarity while learning how to create better boundaries and manage your stress.
(843) 548-8082 View (843) 548-8082
Photo of Courtney S Brooks, Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd
Courtney S Brooks
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd
2 Endorsed
Radford, VA 24141
Not accepting new clients
Providing a space that feels safe, calming, and welcoming to anyone who sits in my chair is paramount to my therapeutic process. I enjoy working with college students, young adults and adults experiencing a variety of issues: life transitions, relationship issues (romantic, familial, and friendships), men's issues, religious trauma/deconstruction, motivation/executive functioning difficulty, struggles with work/life balance, as well as issues such as anxiety and depression. I have worked with folks of various backgrounds, cultures, and gender identities.
Providing a space that feels safe, calming, and welcoming to anyone who sits in my chair is paramount to my therapeutic process. I enjoy working with college students, young adults and adults experiencing a variety of issues: life transitions, relationship issues (romantic, familial, and friendships), men's issues, religious trauma/deconstruction, motivation/executive functioning difficulty, struggles with work/life balance, as well as issues such as anxiety and depression. I have worked with folks of various backgrounds, cultures, and gender identities.
(540) 584-1219 View (540) 584-1219
Photo of Mary Gaskill, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAEd
Mary Gaskill
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAEd
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you navigating a season of change—midlife, college, a great loss, a career shift, or a deep inner restlessness you can’t quite name? Whether you're a student or an adult in transition, life can feel overwhelming when the old ways of coping no longer work. You may look put-together on the outside, but inside, you may feel anxious, stuck, or unsure of your next step. I offer a therapy space that blends intuitive insight & depth with practical tools for healing. My approach is rooted in psychodynamic and trauma-informed work, helping you explore the “why” behind your patterns while learning how to feel more grounded in the now.
Are you navigating a season of change—midlife, college, a great loss, a career shift, or a deep inner restlessness you can’t quite name? Whether you're a student or an adult in transition, life can feel overwhelming when the old ways of coping no longer work. You may look put-together on the outside, but inside, you may feel anxious, stuck, or unsure of your next step. I offer a therapy space that blends intuitive insight & depth with practical tools for healing. My approach is rooted in psychodynamic and trauma-informed work, helping you explore the “why” behind your patterns while learning how to feel more grounded in the now.
(540) 386-0611 View (540) 386-0611
Photo of Sherry L. Shuler, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, AFCC, ACA, VCA
Sherry L. Shuler
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, AFCC, ACA, VCA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Sherry L. Shuler is a licensed therapist who prioritizes understanding your individual situation and who works to tailor treatment to address your specific needs while maintaining a welcoming, and comfortable atmosphere. Sherry is committed to providing clients with the highest quality care regardless of economic status, religion, race, ethnicity, lifestyle preferences or cultural differences.
Sherry L. Shuler is a licensed therapist who prioritizes understanding your individual situation and who works to tailor treatment to address your specific needs while maintaining a welcoming, and comfortable atmosphere. Sherry is committed to providing clients with the highest quality care regardless of economic status, religion, race, ethnicity, lifestyle preferences or cultural differences.
(540) 215-7190 View (540) 215-7190
Photo of Shameka Bolden - Bolden Therapy & Wellness, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT
Bolden Therapy & Wellness, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
We are Antonio and Shameka Bolden! We established Bolden Therapy & Wellness, LLC in 2022, following our dream of creating a therapy experience as unique as we are. Our mission is to establish a therapeutic experience where we value and affirm individuals and families that feel unseen. We are committed to creating access for marginalized and disenfranchised groups within our community and beyond to foster healing and wellness.
We are Antonio and Shameka Bolden! We established Bolden Therapy & Wellness, LLC in 2022, following our dream of creating a therapy experience as unique as we are. Our mission is to establish a therapeutic experience where we value and affirm individuals and families that feel unseen. We are committed to creating access for marginalized and disenfranchised groups within our community and beyond to foster healing and wellness.
(276) 383-2513 View (276) 383-2513
Photo of Katie Anderson, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Katie Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Welcome all, I'm Katie! If you are looking for a safe space to talk about whatever may be bothering you, I'm the lady you are looking for! It can be hard to start therapy, but I provide a judge-free zone. I work with preteens, teenagers, young adults/college students, and young adults. I have experience working with depression, many forms of anxiety, relationship concerns, confidence building, gender identity, trauma, LGBTQIA+, multicultural perspectives, high functioning neurodivergence, internalization/negative coping skills, fandom/internet culture impact, and understanding the weight of family patterns and generational trauma!
Welcome all, I'm Katie! If you are looking for a safe space to talk about whatever may be bothering you, I'm the lady you are looking for! It can be hard to start therapy, but I provide a judge-free zone. I work with preteens, teenagers, young adults/college students, and young adults. I have experience working with depression, many forms of anxiety, relationship concerns, confidence building, gender identity, trauma, LGBTQIA+, multicultural perspectives, high functioning neurodivergence, internalization/negative coping skills, fandom/internet culture impact, and understanding the weight of family patterns and generational trauma!
(540) 889-3188 View (540) 889-3188

See more therapy options for Radford County

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Radford County, VA

60+

Average cost per session

$146

Therapists in Radford County, VA who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
84% Depression
75% Stress
74% Relationship Issues
70% Self Esteem
67% Trauma and PTSD
58% Grief

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

85% Aetna
83% Anthem
73% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Therapists in Radford County, VA see their clients

78% In Person and Online
22% Online Only

Gender breakdown

86% Female
14% Male
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Radford County?

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.