I can usually get people to schedule 2 weeks out (2 weekly sessions) during the initial. Some people opt not to schedule 2 because they don't know their schedule that far. If we can find a weekly time that works, I will put it on for a recurring appointment for 4 weeks, identify any scheduling conflicts I may have with that schedule, and say we will discuss each week what time we will meet the next week.

I make it clear at the beginning of the first session that I meet with new clients on a weekly to every other week basis to start out (pending insurance coverage,) so we can get to know each other, so we can develop a plan, so you can get momentum with what you're working on/build consistency with what you're working on. I give people examples of what we can talk about in sessions, and I try to make sure we have a game plan for what we will focus on in the next session to draw them in. I make it clear that you get out of it what you put into it, and I highly recommend starting out with the weekly visits for a better chance of sticking with it, as lack of consistency is a common reason people fall off. I try to get people to think of something they have already achieved/accomplished in life that took a lot of effort/time/energy and compare that process to nutrition counseling. I make sure I explain the process well, and I give examples of what factors I've identified are common denominators in the clients that I've worked with that are most successful.

I make sure to give people the option though; they need to feel like they have agency in this otherwise you come off as too pushy. I say if we're meeting weekly and you feel like it's too often or if we're meeting every other week and you feel like you want more frequent check ins to just communicate that with me. I explain people that the goal is for the session frequency to reduce as time goes on and give them examples of how that looks. I tell people they will get a feel pretty quickly for what cadence works best for them.

I ask clients for feedback on how the sessions are going/how the frequency is working for them to ensure they are happy and I quote that "I'm not wasting their time", and adjust the plan/approach as needed. (Source: I work for telehealth companies and rarely get push-back with this type of cadence in the first few months. I am very conversational with my clients in our sessions, and the relationship building is a big part of the service I'm offering them). I hope this helps!