The first session will be spent getting to know each other and we will discuss the reasons you or your child has come to counseling and the current issues that you want to work on. This is called a counseling intake and it can range from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how much information needs to be gathered. I will be asking a lot of background questions to gather more information and get a better idea about what is going on and how we can work on it together. If you bring your child in for counseling I have toys, games, and coloring books available for them to use during the intake session.
As a client you always have the right to let me know if you don't want to answer a question or talk about something uncomfortable. I will never force you or your child to talk about something you don't want to talk about. I understand that sometimes things can be difficult to talk about and I want to work together at a pace that feels comfortable to you or your child.
Do we talk the whole time?
This depends on your preference. Counseling sessions after the intake are usually about 50 minutes. Many adults prefer to talk for the entire session. Many teens prefer to combine talking, art, and activities. Children often do best with a mix of talking and other activities such as play, art, and games to help them process their thoughts and feelings.
How long does counseling last? When does counseling end?
The length of treatment will be different for every person and family based on their identified needs and goals. Typically, treatment is shorter for children and teens than for adults. Most treatment will last 6 months to 1 year but it can vary. Ideally, treatment ends when you feel that you or your child have accomplished your goals in counseling and feel better. However, you always have the right to end counseling whenever you wish.
How does counseling work with a child? With a teen?
Counseling children looks very different from counseling an adult. Depending on the age of the child and the identified needs, counseling will typically include talking with activities that help them learn about healthy ways to express and cope with their emotions. These activities can include therapeutic play and games, art, and writing.
Parents/guardians will accompany children to the first session to discuss concerns, goals and any past mental health treatment. We will decide as we move forward, based on your comfort level and that of your child, how often your child will meet individually with me, when we will meet all together, and when we will meet without your child present. Teens aged 13 years and older have more rights to privacy and confidentiality, and can consent to their own mental health treatment. I will discuss the limits of confidentiality with my adolescent clients and his/her parents if present. Adolescence can be a difficult time for families, and I strive to balance the wishes of my teen clients with those of his/her parents whenever appropriate.
How do I know that my counseling sessions will be confidential?
As a licensed therapist, I am legally and ethically bound to keep our conversations and all of your personal information confidential. There are limited exceptions to confidentiality which are outlined in my disclosure statement and which we will review during treatment.