Frequently Asked Questions

First, it is very important to introduce the idea of counseling to your child when they are calm and ready to listen. Don't bring it up in the middle of an argument or a meltdown as we don't want to connect therapy with shame or guilt or for your child to think of therapy as a punishment. Second, express to them what is different in them, For example: ‘I have noticed that you lose your temper very quickly, and you don't come out of your room and don't want to do much. You said you are tired and bored and you seem down.' Based it on observations, not on assumptions. Third, avoid blaming or making him or her feel like they are the problem. Acknowledge that as a parent you also have a role in too. For instance, you can say: 'I don’t always know the best way to help you with your feelings, so we are going to a therapist to help us figure it out. The therapist will help you deal with your feelings and she’ll also meet with me to help me understand you better.”

Once you have done this, you can explain what a counselor is and how counseling works in a kid-friendly way. For instance, ‘a therapist is a person that can help you with your feelings, it is like a- feeling doctor. If your worries, sadness, or anger are bothering you, then the therapist can help you learn ways to feel better. You can also get to talk about anything that comes to your mind. It is a place where you will have fun and feel special.’

Children need to know that a therapist is someone who can help THEM and YOU deal with strong emotions. They need to know that therapy is not something they need to feel ashamed of; instead, it is something that is going to help them and the family. In fact, we could ALL use some support when times get rough!

Yes! I encourage you to be involved. Having your support makes therapy so much more effective. In fact, there may even be times you are invited to participate in sessions with your child.

In the intake therapy appointment, we'll meet to discuss what our therapy goals are. And future sessions, I will keep you updated on the progress and how you can continue to help your child achieve those goals.

For adults, there isn't necessarily a correct answer. Some individuals find a few sessions are sufficient, while others choose to continue long-term.

For children, there is no definitive answer either. Though it's safe to say that especially for kids in order to help create change, I have found weekly appointments on the same day and time work best. The length of therapy for a child depends if their struggles are very recent or limited to just one area. If so, they may be done with therapy much more quickly. Contrary, if a child has a long history of struggles or trauma and whose symptoms affect many parts of their lives, they may need more time.

We can collaborate together to help you make the ultimate choice for yourself or your child.

I use a video conferencing platform that has strong security features to make sure counseling sessions stay confidential. It’s easy to use. To take part in online therapy, you will click a link to go to my virtual waiting room. Simply hang out on the website until I start our call. Online therapy happens in real-time, just like any other therapy session. There’s no need to download or install anything.

Many of the same techniques I use with in-person clients are transferable online. In fact, research shows that online therapy works just as well as face-to-face therapy.

For children or teen therapy: Even if your child struggle with online school, know that online therapy is different. Online classrooms can be chaotic, with lots of children, and a lot going on at the same time. In online therapy, you don't have to worry about that. Your child is one on one with me, and I will make it fun so your child is focused.