Speedbump Sessions
When it's a Speedbump, Not a Pothole
Not every challenge requires ongoing therapy. Sometimes you need a thoughtful, neutral perspective to help you sort through a difficult moment, make a decision, or figure out your next step.
A Speedbump Session is 90 focused, solution-oriented minutes designed around one goal, one topic, and one conversation.
What Is a Speedbump Session?
A Speedbump Session isn't the first appointment in a course of ongoing therapy. It's a different way of working...one that's intentionally focused on helping you with one specific issue in a single session.
There isn't a lengthy intake or a deep dive into your entire history. We'll spend just enough time understanding the context, then get to work on the reason you came.
Traditional therapy might begin with:
"I've always struggled with relationships at work."
That conversation naturally leads to exploring patterns, history, and the experiences that have shaped those relationships over time.
A Speedbump Session sounds more like:
"I had a difficult interaction with my supervisor this week, and I need help figuring out how to handle this specific situation."
We'll focus on that one challenge. Together, we'll sort through your options, identify what's getting in the way, and develop a practical plan you can leave with that day.
Why would I do this instead of talking to a friend?
Friends are invaluable, and sometimes they're exactly who you need. But they're not trained to guide a focused, solution-oriented conversation.
In a Speedbump Session, we'll make room for the emotions while staying focused on the problem that brought you here. Together, we'll consider possibilities you may not have thought of, identify practical next steps, and create a plan you can take with you when the session ends.
Is a Speedbump Session Right for Me?
A Speedbump Session may be a good fit if you:
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Have a specific situation you want help navigating
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Feel stuck and need a fresh perspective
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Are facing a difficult decision and want help sorting through your options
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Need support preparing for a challenging conversation
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Want help thinking through a specific stressor or life transition
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Are looking for a place to think things through before taking your next step
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Do not need (or want) ongoing therapy but would benefit from a structured, clinically informed conversation
Examples of topics that may work well for a Speedbump Session include:
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A difficult conversation with a partner, family member, friend, or coworker
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Workplace conflict or communication challenges
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Setting boundaries
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Navigating a transition or major decision
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Parenting challenges
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Managing stress around a specific event or situation
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Understanding a pattern you want to approach differently
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Feeling overwhelmed and needing help prioritizing what comes next
What a Speedbump Session Is Not
A Speedbump Session is not psychotherapy and does not establish an ongoing therapist-client relationship.
There is no diagnosis, treatment of a mental health condition, or ongoing treatment plan.
Some concerns require more time, space, or ongoing clinical support. A Speedbump Session is not intended to replace psychotherapy when that level of care is needed, and it is not crisis care.
Instead, it offers another option: focused, clinically informed support for moments when one conversation, one goal, and a clear plan are exactly what you need.
What You Can Expect
Your session will be focused, collaborative, and practical.
Together, we will:
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Identify the specific challenge you want to address
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Explore what's contributing to the situation
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Consider different perspectives and options
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Identify strengths and resources you already have
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Create practical next steps you can use moving forward
Many people discover that one thoughtful, solution-focused conversation is exactly what they need. A Speedbump Session is designed to stand on its own, helping you leave with greater clarity, practical next steps, and a plan you can put into action.
You don't have to enter therapy to benefit from a thoughtful, clinically informed conversation. Sometimes one focused conversation is exactly what's needed.
Practical Details
Speedbump Sessions are 90 minutes and are private pay.
Because Speedbump Sessions do not include diagnosis or treatment, they are not eligible for insurance reimbursement.
There is no expectation of ongoing care.