Therapists in Hamilton County, OH
Megan Lobsinger
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cincinnati, OH 45227
Hi. My name is Megan, and I'm the owner and operator of Threaded Wellness. I've been a parent and a perinatal mental health counselor for eleven years, and I'm here to tell you that whatever feelings your parenting journey is bringing up for you, it's okay. You are not alone. Maybe you're feeling scared, or bored, or blessed-and-blissed, or underqualified, or all of this at once. Wherever you're at, the fact that you've landed here means you're trying your best, and You Are Doing A Good Job. My strong belief is that parenting wellness comes not from doing more, but from finding The Good you're already doing.
Hi. My name is Megan, and I'm the owner and operator of Threaded Wellness. I've been a parent and a perinatal mental health counselor for eleven years, and I'm here to tell you that whatever feelings your parenting journey is bringing up for you, it's okay. You are not alone. Maybe you're feeling scared, or bored, or blessed-and-blissed, or underqualified, or all of this at once. Wherever you're at, the fact that you've landed here means you're trying your best, and You Are Doing A Good Job. My strong belief is that parenting wellness comes not from doing more, but from finding The Good you're already doing.
CURRENTLY TAKING NEW PATIENTS We all desire and deserve to be healthy. Therefore, I strive to provide psychotherapy treatment for individuals, couples, and families who are looking for assistance with a wide range of problems. The most common difficulties people who have sought my help are for depression, anxiety, stress, obsessive compulsive disorder, academic problems, work-related problems, and family or marital conflict. I have extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults. I also have specialized experience with patients who are suffering from addictions, as well as complicated grief.
CURRENTLY TAKING NEW PATIENTS We all desire and deserve to be healthy. Therefore, I strive to provide psychotherapy treatment for individuals, couples, and families who are looking for assistance with a wide range of problems. The most common difficulties people who have sought my help are for depression, anxiety, stress, obsessive compulsive disorder, academic problems, work-related problems, and family or marital conflict. I have extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults. I also have specialized experience with patients who are suffering from addictions, as well as complicated grief.
Melissa Groh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Cincinnati, OH 45255 (Online Only)
Hello! Let's start with two important questions, what brought you here today? And how can I help? My style as a therapist is warm and inviting, with a healthy amount of empowerment to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself. I draw from a variety of theories and techniques centering around talk therapy and include a solution focused, mindfulness, strengths based, and nonjudgemental approach. I believe that in working together we can make progress and improvements in the areas you are seeking help with, at a pace that feels good to you. I treat each client as an individual and tailor my approach in ways that benefit you most.
Hello! Let's start with two important questions, what brought you here today? And how can I help? My style as a therapist is warm and inviting, with a healthy amount of empowerment to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself. I draw from a variety of theories and techniques centering around talk therapy and include a solution focused, mindfulness, strengths based, and nonjudgemental approach. I believe that in working together we can make progress and improvements in the areas you are seeking help with, at a pace that feels good to you. I treat each client as an individual and tailor my approach in ways that benefit you most.
I have experience in working with clients with many needs, including help with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, acceptance, borderline personality disorder, and mood disorders. I predominantly have experience in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, but I also have some experience in Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I work with the client to help guide them through stressful times and help them become self aware and accept some things as they are. I like helping clients recognize their positive qualities and increase their self-esteem.
I have experience in working with clients with many needs, including help with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, acceptance, borderline personality disorder, and mood disorders. I predominantly have experience in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, but I also have some experience in Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I work with the client to help guide them through stressful times and help them become self aware and accept some things as they are. I like helping clients recognize their positive qualities and increase their self-esteem.
Margaret Josephson Rinck, Ed.D. specializes in helping people with depression, anxiety, addiction, abuse and codependency. In 2009 she was honored with the "Be The Scream" award, given by Connections: A Safe Place, in recognition of her lifetime work with childhood sexual abuse victims. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and Gordon College, Dr. Rinck is an author, psychologist, and a retired college professor. One of her new offerings is "Intensives" which are 2-3 day treatment programs, for those who need deeper treatment in a short time.
Margaret Josephson Rinck, Ed.D. specializes in helping people with depression, anxiety, addiction, abuse and codependency. In 2009 she was honored with the "Be The Scream" award, given by Connections: A Safe Place, in recognition of her lifetime work with childhood sexual abuse victims. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and Gordon College, Dr. Rinck is an author, psychologist, and a retired college professor. One of her new offerings is "Intensives" which are 2-3 day treatment programs, for those who need deeper treatment in a short time.
Are you tired of the patterns in your life that keep you from feeling happy and secure? Are you looking for a place to heal old wounds and remedy current problems in a safe and non-judgmental environment? Everyone needs a place that feels safe and supportive where one can unravel a problem or work through a difficult phase of life. Whether you are dealing with depression or anxiety, separation/divorce, or wounds from your past we can work together to find a more fulfilling and satisfying life both within yourself and in your relationships, experiencing integration emotionally, bodily and spiritually.
Are you tired of the patterns in your life that keep you from feeling happy and secure? Are you looking for a place to heal old wounds and remedy current problems in a safe and non-judgmental environment? Everyone needs a place that feels safe and supportive where one can unravel a problem or work through a difficult phase of life. Whether you are dealing with depression or anxiety, separation/divorce, or wounds from your past we can work together to find a more fulfilling and satisfying life both within yourself and in your relationships, experiencing integration emotionally, bodily and spiritually.
Hayden Mitzlaff
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cincinnati, OH 45242
I am experienced in working with individuals struggling with disordered eating, depression, anxiety, life transitions, post traumatic stress disorder, self-esteem, and LGTBQ+ issues. While I enjoy working with clients of a variety of backgrounds, life stages, and diagnoses, I am passionate about treating adolescents, teens, and young adults with eating disorders. I maintain a person-centered strengths-based approach to care, implementing elements of CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing.
I am experienced in working with individuals struggling with disordered eating, depression, anxiety, life transitions, post traumatic stress disorder, self-esteem, and LGTBQ+ issues. While I enjoy working with clients of a variety of backgrounds, life stages, and diagnoses, I am passionate about treating adolescents, teens, and young adults with eating disorders. I maintain a person-centered strengths-based approach to care, implementing elements of CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing.
Nancy Nagel
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Waitlist for new clients
Many people ask themselves, "Should I consider therapy?" Some enter therapy when health problems, anxiety, depression, or grief negatively impacts quality of life. Others seek counseling to work through past traumas and begin to weave all experiences, both good and bad, into the fabric of their lives. Sometimes, despite great personal potential, people find themselves stuck in self-destructive patterns. A common goal for therapy is to become more skilled at making deliberate and self-fulfilling choices instead of reacting to situations emotionally.
Many people ask themselves, "Should I consider therapy?" Some enter therapy when health problems, anxiety, depression, or grief negatively impacts quality of life. Others seek counseling to work through past traumas and begin to weave all experiences, both good and bad, into the fabric of their lives. Sometimes, despite great personal potential, people find themselves stuck in self-destructive patterns. A common goal for therapy is to become more skilled at making deliberate and self-fulfilling choices instead of reacting to situations emotionally.
Tiara Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cincinnati, OH 45224 (Online Only)
Being vulnerable is a strength that allows you to open doors you once thought were closed. Making the choice to attend therapy takes courage and that courage will drive you to create change within your life. Attending therapy can be a vulnerable setting, but I strive to make warm and genuine connections with my clients. I will do this by highlighting your strengths and creating awareness with tools that will help foster change within your journey
Being vulnerable is a strength that allows you to open doors you once thought were closed. Making the choice to attend therapy takes courage and that courage will drive you to create change within your life. Attending therapy can be a vulnerable setting, but I strive to make warm and genuine connections with my clients. I will do this by highlighting your strengths and creating awareness with tools that will help foster change within your journey
Carson Wassermann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Online Only)
I know reaching out to a stranger can be challenging, this is a courageous step. In areas like anxiety, depression, resolving trauma and improving relationships, I've worked collaboratively with clients like you to create a greater sense of well-being, contentment and empowerment. My approach is dynamic, integrating the latest research; it's mindful, trauma-informed, and self-compassion based. I see people as individuals with unique, valuable qualities, and the innate capacity and desire to heal, recover and grow. I focus on your goals and support positive change, while enhancing the strengths and skills you already possess.
I know reaching out to a stranger can be challenging, this is a courageous step. In areas like anxiety, depression, resolving trauma and improving relationships, I've worked collaboratively with clients like you to create a greater sense of well-being, contentment and empowerment. My approach is dynamic, integrating the latest research; it's mindful, trauma-informed, and self-compassion based. I see people as individuals with unique, valuable qualities, and the innate capacity and desire to heal, recover and grow. I focus on your goals and support positive change, while enhancing the strengths and skills you already possess.
Dr. Eleanor A. Bolar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LISW-S, LCSW, LICDC
Verified Verified
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Have you experienced situations that provoke you to question, “Who Am I?” Have you experienced trauma? Are you feeling depressed? Do you engage in negative thinking? Are you a people pleaser? Do you experience self-rejection? Do you want to improve your interactions with others? Are you a professional seeking to refuel your passion for work/career?
Have you experienced situations that provoke you to question, “Who Am I?” Have you experienced trauma? Are you feeling depressed? Do you engage in negative thinking? Are you a people pleaser? Do you experience self-rejection? Do you want to improve your interactions with others? Are you a professional seeking to refuel your passion for work/career?
15 Second Videos
Clermont Mental Health
Alison Price
Counseling Center of Cincinnati
Christin Mcilwain
Dornice Friday
Donna Hurd Counseling, LLC
Shawn Ferrell Hillis
Ashley Weber
Brittany Wise
Tina Pocock
Sebrina Cotton
Amy Williams
Erika Eisenberg
Erin Fitzpatrick
Bright Counseling Services, LLC
Elena Allen
Lauren Hueber
Aisling Henschel
Nikki Winchester
Stevie Arlene Lamblin
Dave Payne
Samantha Ruwe
Jodi Jones
Karen Nahra
Dayana Alequin
Latonya T Reese
Mindfully - Montgomery, OH
Teresa Lawhead
Desirae Allen
Nancy Reali
Rebecca May
Rebecca Serfozo
Be Connected Counseling & Coaching
Kristen Pribanich
Erin Thomas
Angela Touchton, EMDR Certified Therapist
Maggie Mary Anderson
Jacob Meyer Rosedale
Samuel Eshleman Latimer
Nicholas Hunter, EMDR
Linda McMurray
Marta C. Trujillo
Colleen Brown
Julie Meade
Jason Armentrout
Ralph Rivera
Jennifer Lape Kaiser
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cincinnati
Ashley Mauric
Kalia Haile
If you find yourself just going through the motions of life or feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to check in with yourself. Perhaps you struggle to manage your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, or you feel ashamed because "others have it worse." Most of us experience anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or other personal challenges at some point in our lives. These challenges may result in feeling isolated, sad, angry, or even numb. When this happens, it is time to stop fighting our feelings and begin listening to them. It is my honor and privilege to support and guide you throughout this process.
If you find yourself just going through the motions of life or feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to check in with yourself. Perhaps you struggle to manage your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, or you feel ashamed because "others have it worse." Most of us experience anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or other personal challenges at some point in our lives. These challenges may result in feeling isolated, sad, angry, or even numb. When this happens, it is time to stop fighting our feelings and begin listening to them. It is my honor and privilege to support and guide you throughout this process.
Sarah E Dance
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blue Ash, OH 45242
Accepting new patients. I am honored that you are considering me to walk along with you on your journey to meeting your mental health and life goals. As a licensed social worker for twenty-five years, I have worked with a wide variety of individuals and families providing both in-home and outpatient-based diagnostic and therapeutic services. I have often worked with children and families in the child welfare system. I treat a history of complex trauma as well as children/adults with depression, anxiety, or other adjustment needs who are facing barriers to moving forward and achieving their goals. I am an independent contractor.
Accepting new patients. I am honored that you are considering me to walk along with you on your journey to meeting your mental health and life goals. As a licensed social worker for twenty-five years, I have worked with a wide variety of individuals and families providing both in-home and outpatient-based diagnostic and therapeutic services. I have often worked with children and families in the child welfare system. I treat a history of complex trauma as well as children/adults with depression, anxiety, or other adjustment needs who are facing barriers to moving forward and achieving their goals. I am an independent contractor.
Sometimes life is hard. Do you find yourself struggling to find your way? Maybe trauma, depression, anxiety, a major mental illness or a substance use disorder is standing in your way to a comfortable, successful life. As Rumi reminds us "When you start to walk on the way, the way appears". I am here to empower you to do just that; discover your strengths and your way to creating or recapturing the healthy life you deserve.
Sometimes life is hard. Do you find yourself struggling to find your way? Maybe trauma, depression, anxiety, a major mental illness or a substance use disorder is standing in your way to a comfortable, successful life. As Rumi reminds us "When you start to walk on the way, the way appears". I am here to empower you to do just that; discover your strengths and your way to creating or recapturing the healthy life you deserve.
Caroline Oelker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cincinnati, OH 45227
My therapeutic practice is rooted in a holistic and client-centered approach. I believe in creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. Together, we work to identify personal strengths, build resilience, and develop practical strategies to address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
My therapeutic practice is rooted in a holistic and client-centered approach. I believe in creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. Together, we work to identify personal strengths, build resilience, and develop practical strategies to address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
Clermont Mental Health
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC-S, CCDVC, CCMHC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Cincinnati, OH 45255
Our practice provides affordable mental health care aimed to help you live a happy and healthy life. We are down-to-earth, nonjudgmental professionals who specialize helping clients who are recovering. Our slogan is "Survivors Thrive Here" because our clients have endured and survived life's most difficult circumstances. We address childhood abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, spiritual abuse, chemical dependency, narcissistic abuse, medical trauma, intimate partner abuse and racial trauma. We offer recovery coaching, and the SNAP Educational Recovery program (Survivors of Narcissistic & Abusive Personalities).
Our practice provides affordable mental health care aimed to help you live a happy and healthy life. We are down-to-earth, nonjudgmental professionals who specialize helping clients who are recovering. Our slogan is "Survivors Thrive Here" because our clients have endured and survived life's most difficult circumstances. We address childhood abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, spiritual abuse, chemical dependency, narcissistic abuse, medical trauma, intimate partner abuse and racial trauma. We offer recovery coaching, and the SNAP Educational Recovery program (Survivors of Narcissistic & Abusive Personalities).
Kristina Murray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blue Ash, OH 45242
As a dual specialist in sports performance and sex therapy, my ideal client seeks peak physical and emotional well-being. Are you experiencing sports performance problems, chronic injuries, performance anxiety, low self-esteem, or sexual health concerns? I treat those looking for change, achievement, self-improvement, support, and long-term fulfillment, striving to excel as an athletes or sexual health aspects.
As a dual specialist in sports performance and sex therapy, my ideal client seeks peak physical and emotional well-being. Are you experiencing sports performance problems, chronic injuries, performance anxiety, low self-esteem, or sexual health concerns? I treat those looking for change, achievement, self-improvement, support, and long-term fulfillment, striving to excel as an athletes or sexual health aspects.
Dr. Becker received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Miami University and holds a bachelor degree in psychology from The Ohio State University. She has over 20 years of experience as a therapist including work with adolescents and adults providing individual and couples counseling. She works with ages 18 years old to 65+. Some of her specialty treatment areas include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress management strategy, grief counseling, reproductive concerns, post-partum depression, and other women's issues.
Dr. Becker received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Miami University and holds a bachelor degree in psychology from The Ohio State University. She has over 20 years of experience as a therapist including work with adolescents and adults providing individual and couples counseling. She works with ages 18 years old to 65+. Some of her specialty treatment areas include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress management strategy, grief counseling, reproductive concerns, post-partum depression, and other women's issues.
Ntatu Nomandla North
Marriage & Family Therapist, DMin, MS, IMFT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cincinnati, OH 45215
Waitlist for new clients
Engaging in therapy services and being willing to work through the process is an important aspect of the journey. I enjoy working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and who have experienced trauma. Their needs include identifying and addressing their triggers, in order to develop the necessary skills to be able to process through their responses to trauma. Their goals include reducing their symptoms and learning how to manage their symptoms more effectively. They learn that each step on the journey builds endurance that increases our strength and resilience so that they build our capacity to persist.
Engaging in therapy services and being willing to work through the process is an important aspect of the journey. I enjoy working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and who have experienced trauma. Their needs include identifying and addressing their triggers, in order to develop the necessary skills to be able to process through their responses to trauma. Their goals include reducing their symptoms and learning how to manage their symptoms more effectively. They learn that each step on the journey builds endurance that increases our strength and resilience so that they build our capacity to persist.
I work specifically with couples who have discovered infidelity. Couples are traumatized when infidelity is discovered and the clinician needs to help the couple implement immediate steps to prevent further damage to the relationship. Counselor strategies for infidelity are much different than what a traditional counselor would utilize. When couples set up an appointment with me, they will get in quickly, and experience a specific treatment approach for infidelity. I also help couples with creating intimate communication, conflict skills, creating emotional and sexual intimacy, and increasing love and affection.
I work specifically with couples who have discovered infidelity. Couples are traumatized when infidelity is discovered and the clinician needs to help the couple implement immediate steps to prevent further damage to the relationship. Counselor strategies for infidelity are much different than what a traditional counselor would utilize. When couples set up an appointment with me, they will get in quickly, and experience a specific treatment approach for infidelity. I also help couples with creating intimate communication, conflict skills, creating emotional and sexual intimacy, and increasing love and affection.
See more therapy options for Hamilton County
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Hamilton County, OH
1,000+
Average cost per session
$125
Therapists in Hamilton County, OH who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
72% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Self Esteem |
64% | Stress |
62% | Relationship Issues |
61% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
80% | Aetna |
78% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
66% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Hamilton County, OH see their clients
59% | In Person and Online | |
41% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Hamilton 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
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.
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.
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.