During your child's first session, the initial part will involve both the parent and child together to build rapport and discuss any concerns or goals. This helps me understand the family dynamic and ensure everyone feels comfortable with the process. After that, I will spend some time speaking with the parent alone to gather more background information and discuss any specific concerns. Finally, I will meet with the child on their own to create a safe space where they can express themselves freely. The goal of the first session is to make sure your child feels heard, respected, and supported while starting to lay the foundation for the work we’ll do together in future sessions.

Yes, I welcome parents to attend therapy sessions with their child or teen, especially during the initial sessions to help gather important background information and discuss goals. However, there is a different fee for family sessions ($100) compared to individual sessions ($75). It's also important to note that some sessions may need to be held with your child or teen alone. Particularly with teens, having space to speak freely without parental presence often helps them open up more. While I encourage parents to stay involved and informed, I also prioritize confidentiality in these sessions to create a safe space where your child or teen can express themselves honestly. Depending on the situation, I can offer updates or discuss progress with you as needed.

While therapy with children and teens is confidential, I will provide updates and share general progress when appropriate, especially for minors. I encourage ongoing communication with parents to ensure you feel informed and can support your child’s therapeutic journey. However, certain details may remain confidential to protect the therapeutic process.

It’s common for children and teens to feel resistant to therapy, especially at first. I recommend talking with your child about the benefits of therapy in a positive and supportive way. For teens, I give them the space to process and make their own decisions, helping them feel more in control of the process. If needed, I can provide strategies to help ease the transition and make therapy feel more approachable.

To support your child’s progress, create a safe and open environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. Encourage them to share what they’re learning, but avoid prying—ask open-ended questions and let them know you're there for them when they're ready to talk. Reinforce any new skills they’re practicing, and be patient, as progress can take time.

With your permission, I can collaborate with your child’s school to ensure they receive additional support, such as addressing school-related stress, social challenges, or behavioral concerns. I can work with school counselors, teachers, or administrators to provide recommendations for accommodations or resources that could support your child’s mental health and well-being.

To ensure a successful therapy session, it's important to create a quiet, private space where your child can feel comfortable and focused. Choose a room where they won’t be interrupted, with the door closed for added privacy. If possible, have them sit with their back to the door to avoid distractions. Using headphones can help them focus and block out background noise. Please make sure no one else is present in the room during the session to maintain confidentiality and allow your child to speak freely. Creating this kind of space helps set the tone for a productive and supportive session.

Yes, online therapy can be very beneficial for kids 10+ and teens, and many actually feel more comfortable participating in therapy from home. For some, the familiar, private environment of their own space can reduce anxiety and make them feel more at ease, allowing them to open up more freely. While online therapy can sometimes feel less personal than in-person sessions, I use interactive and age-appropriate techniques to keep kids and teens engaged, making it an effective alternative when set up properly.

For children, I encourage activities like drawing or coloring while talking, which helps them focus and feel comfortable. For teens, I might suggest doing a calming hobby during sessions, like knitting, drawing, painting, making bracelets, to help them stay relaxed and open. I also incorporate visual tools, such as worksheets (which can be printed if parents have access), videos, and books, to make sessions more dynamic. By sharing my screen, we can work through activities and materials together in real-time, creating an interactive and engaging experience. My goal is to ensure that therapy is both productive and enjoyable, while helping your child or teen stay connected to the process.