Question 1

How do I know if my child or teen needs therapy?

Accepted Answer

Determining whether to bring your child or adolescent to therapy is a deeply personal choice. Studies indicate that Play Therapy is a valuable approach to mental health care, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. It is most effective when a caregiver actively participates in the treatment process.Here are some indicators that your child or teen may benefit from therapy:sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or other traumatic eventslearning or attention problems (such as ADHD)behavioral problems (such as excessive anger, acting out, bedwetting or eating disorders)a significant drop in grades, particularly if your child normally maintains high gradesepisodes of sadness, tearfulness, or depressionsocial withdrawal or isolationbeing the victim of bullying or bullying other childrendecreased interest in previously enjoyed activitiesoverly aggressive behavior (such as biting, kicking, or hitting)sudden changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents)insomnia or increased sleepinessmood swings (e.g., happy one minute, upset the next)development of or an increase in physical complaints (such as headache, stomachache, or not feeling well) despite a normal physical exam by your doctormanagement of a serious, acute, or chronic illnesssigns of alcohol, drug, or other substance use (such as solvents or prescription drug abuse)problems in transitions (following separation, divorce, or relocation)bereavement issues

Question 2

What does the first session look like?

Accepted Answer

During the first session we will go over the paperwork that you have completed prior to this day. We will gather details about your child, discuss confidentiality and answer any questions you may have.

Question 3

Can I prepare my child or teen for therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Instead of directly informing your child or teen that therapy is necessary because something is wrong with them, you can frame it as seeking support to enhance their well-being. You might express that you're considering therapy (or counseling as this may be an easier word for kids to understand) to gain insights on how to support them better in areas such as improving relationships, emotional well-being, learning effective ways to express feelings, among others.

Question 4

How long will my child need to be in therapy?

Accepted Answer

The length of treatment can vary based on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the regularity of sessions, the level of participation, and the involvement of parents.You will periodically discuss progress with your therapist, and potential number of remaining sessions.Weekly sessions are typical.

Question 5

Will you give my child medication?

Accepted Answer

We cannot prescribe medication because we are not medical doctors or psychiatrists. If you are interested in medication for your child, we can discuss this further and provide recommendations for psychiatrists.

Question 6

Is therapy confidential? What information is shared with parents or caregivers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Therapy is a confidential space designed to help clients feel safe, supported, and comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.For adult clients, information shared in therapy is kept confidential and will not be disclosed without written permission, except in situations required by law, such as concerns involving safety, abuse, neglect, or court orders.For children and teens, we work to balance confidentiality with caregiver involvement. Parents and caregivers play an important role in treatment, and we provide regular updates about progress, goals, and ways to support growth outside of sessions. At the same time, maintaining an appropriate level of privacy helps children and adolescents build trust and engage openly in therapy. Specific details shared during sessions may remain private unless there is a safety concern or something that legally must be disclosed.If concerns related to safety arise — such as risk of harm to self or others, suspected abuse or neglect, or other legally mandated situations — confidentiality may need to be broken to protect the client or others. We are happy to discuss confidentiality practices and answer any questions during the intake process.

Frequently asked questions