Being a child/adolescent can be tough- and some growing pains are to be expected. When it comes to mental health therapy, the general guideline for caregivers to ask themselves is- Does it impact my child/teen’s functioning at home, school/work, or in social settings? If the answer is “yes” then seeking out the support of a therapist may be beneficial.

If you’re still feeling unsure- give me a call and we can discuss during a free 15 minute phone consultation. I am happy to help in any way I can!

This will depend on a variety of factors including the presenting concerns and the extent to which it is impacting the child/adolescent’s functioning. Desire for change, engagement in sessions, and attendance are other factors. I will be able to give parents/caregivers a better idea of treatment duration after the initial intake, and it’s something that will be talked about in collaboration with parents/caregivers throughout treatment.

Approach your child when they are calm. Using age-appropriate language to gently let them know that you have noticed they’re struggling with certain emotions/behaviors and provide a couple of specific examples. Then tell them that you have reached out to a therapist (“helper” for young children) who helps children/teens better understand and manage their emotions.

Normalize mental health as an important part of their overall health and wellness.

Avoid waiting until the last minute to tell your child/teen about the appointment. It is important that they be given a few days to process and have time to ask questions or express concerns.

Feel free to show your child/teen this website so they can check it out for themselves!

Normalize mental health as an important part of one’s overall health and wellness

Ensure your child’s attendance to sessions

Communicate with me before and/or after sessions to provide updates/express concerns

Extend an offer to listen if your child wants to talk to you about the work they are doing in therapy

Encourage your child to use the skills they’ve learned in therapy in real-life situations at home and school

Praise your child for learning skills to be a healthier version of themselves!

Sometimes it is helpful for me to meet one-on-one with parents/caregivers. Such sessions might include giving caregivers psychoeducation about a specific diagnosis or topic, suggesting ways for caregivers to support their children in treatment, and/or to teach positive parenting skills.