Frequently Asked Questions About Child and Teen Therapy

The duration of therapy varies for each child, as it deeply depends on the unique needs and circumstances of your child. However, since my approach is centered on long-term, deep work, therapy with your child typically lasts for about a year on average. This timeframe allows us to engage in a comprehensive and thorough exploration of the issues at hand, ensuring that we address not just the symptoms but the root causes of your child's challenges. By committing to this depth of work over an extended period, we aim to facilitate meaningful, lasting change that supports your child's well-being and development.

That depends on what symptoms and behaviors your child is experiencing and the diagnosis that fits your child. I will talk with you about medication and refer you to child psychiatrists if I feel it could be beneficial for your child. Research shows that people recover the most from their symptoms when medication and consistent therapy are combined.

In my practice, I specialize in play therapy and child therapy, modalities that are best experienced in person due to their interactive and experiential nature. Consequently, I do not offer a Telehealth option for these services. The unique approach of my therapy modality relies heavily on the use of toys, art, and other expressive tools that facilitate communication and therapeutic work in ways that are most accessible and effective for children. This in-person experience allows for a richer, more nuanced interaction between the therapist and the child, which is essential for the therapeutic process. It enables me to observe and engage with your child in a shared space, fostering a therapeutic connection and environment that is conducive to healing and growth.

However, I do Telehealth services for parent coaching sessions. I offer Telehealth options for these sessions, allowing for flexibility and accessibility for parents and caregivers. These remote sessions are designed to provide you with support, guidance, and strategies to assist in your child’s therapeutic process, making it easier for you to engage in this crucial component of therapy from the comfort of your own home or any other private space.

For the most effective progression in therapy, I require children to attend sessions on a weekly basis. This frequency is designed to ensure that therapy remains a consistent and stable part of your child's routine, fostering a sense of security and trust in the therapeutic process. Regular weekly sessions allow for deeper exploration and more consistent work on the challenges your child may be facing. I have found that this level of continuity is vital in child therapy, as it helps to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Your involvement in your child's therapy is crucial to their progress and overall well-being.

I require all caregivers to participate in monthly parent coaching sessions with me. These sessions are designed to provide you with insights, strategies, and support to effectively contribute to your child's therapeutic journey. Your active participation is vital for several reasons: it helps reinforce the skills and behaviors your child is learning in therapy, creates a consistent and supportive environment at home, and allows for open communication between you and me regarding your child's needs and progress.

• If parents/caregivers are married:

  • Only one parent/legal guardian is required to provide consent for therapy.

    • Both parents, however, are required to attend the intake session. This ensures that both caregivers are aligned in understanding the therapy process and goals. Both parents must also attend any conjoint parent coaching sessions.

  • If parents/caregivers are not married (separated or divorced):

    • Both legal guardians are required to provide consent for therapy.

    • Both parents must attend the intake session, regardless of custody arrangements. If attending together is not feasible, each parent can schedule a separate intake session to ensure both perspectives are heard and incorporated into the therapy process.

  • For sole custody situations:

    • If one caregiver has sole legal custody, that caregiver can provide consent for therapy. Documentation confirming sole legal custody may be required before the intake session.

  Attendance at Intake Sessions:

  • Intake sessions are a critical part of the therapy process and are designed to provide a full understanding of the child's challenges and goals. All caregivers/parents involved in the child's life are strongly encouraged to attend. This includes step-parents or other significant caregivers if they play a primary role in the child’s care.

  By ensuring all necessary parties are present and consenting, we can create the most supportive and effective therapeutic environment for your child.

The intake session is an important first step in your child’s therapeutic journey. Here’s what will happen:

• Discussion of challenges: We will explore the concerns and problems you’re experiencing at home with your child.

• Goal-setting: Together, we’ll define therapy goals and establish what you can expect from the process.

• Scheduling: We will plan recurring weekly therapy sessions for your child and monthly conjoint parent coaching sessions to ensure the whole family is supported.

• Payment Information: We will collect and securely store your payment details via IvyPay to facilitate future billing.

This session is designed to ensure everyone involved is on the same page and to set a solid foundation for therapy.