Frequently Asked Questions

Bringing a child to therapy is a big decision for most parents. Some parents worry that seeking therapy for their child means that they are not an adequate parents and can’t handle problems on their own. They might worry what others think of them and their child, or feel bad that there is something wrong with them. These thoughts can easily run through a parent’s head because our society forgets that a psychological problem is no different than a physical problem.

Our bodies, thoughts, and feelings are all interconnected. Social and emotional struggles occur for many different reasons and children’s challenges can come in all shapes and sizes. The fact that parents are seeking support for their child should be seen as a strength, not a weakness.  The first session will be an Intake Session where the therapist will meet with both the parent and the child to obtain a family history, a clear understanding of the presenting problem and then make clinical recommendations, including frequency of sessions. The sessions following that will likely be the therapist and your child.

Any information you need to provide to the therapist should be given prior to the session. It is important not to ask your child what they talked about as they may not want to share or be able to verbalize. The therapist will give you feedback from time to time and may schedule separate sessions to discuss progress or make suggestions regarding the client’s needs at home.

We use a number of different approaches in child therapy, depending on your child’s age, needs, temperament and life situation. Typically, we start with either structured or unstructured play therapy. Within the play, we integrate different therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic Therapy, Art Therapy Techniques or other Expressive Arts Therapies. In our offices, we have toys, games, tons of art supplies, music and more that provide your child with opportunities to express feelings as well as the situations and relationships (real or symbolic) they connect to their feelings. Sometimes we offer verbal interpretation of their play for discussion. Sometimes we reflect their feelings for them, allowing them to resolve their feelings as we interact symbolically in the play process. Young children don’t usually come in and talk directly about their issues as adults do. Play is the language of the young child and is how they process their feelings and experiences. Oftentimes, we do help children find words to express their thoughts and feelings through play. In this way, we reflect and mirror the child’s experiences and help them to understand it verbally and consciously. We will often problem-solve with a child about how to handle a problem or feeling they are having. Sometimes parents join their children in the room for discussion or play if we think it would be beneficial. 

Your child is likely to do art projects, play games, play in the sand, role-play, do movement, listen to music or create in therapy. Parents often wonder if this is  “real therapy” or if it is “really helping.” A lot of what helps and heals in therapy with both adults and children, is the therapy relationships itself. Because children don’t naturally spent a lot of time talking about their problems, playing and having fun together helps to build a trusting and safe relationship between a therapist and child. Child therapists are trained professionals who are experienced in understanding the metaphorical and symbolic meaning of children’s play and about how to intervene therapeutically with children through play.

Here are some signs that your child should talk to a therapist:

• Changing Eating or Sleeping Habits
• Engaging in Destructive Behaviors
• Extreme Feelings of Sadness or Worry
• Behaving Badly
• Isolating From Friends
• Regressing
• Increased Physical Complaints
• Talks About Death Frequently

How long therapy lasts depends on the goals you and/or your child’s therapist have. Most of the time, a therapist will want to meet with you/your child once a week until their treatment goals are met.

Deciding to start therapy can be a huge decision. There are many reasons to seek therapy. Going to see a therapist does not make you weak, it makes you human. One of the biggest reasons people go to therapy is that a therapist can help you sort through your problems, unbiased and teach you coping skills to manage your life challenges. If you are dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, anger or interpersonal relationship issues, you may want to seek help in the form of therapy. Many people find that therapy helps relieve stress or deal with everyday problems that are agitating their physical body like digestive issues or chronic headaches. Stress and anxiety can cause these symptoms, and therapy is a great resource to help you figure out what is bothering you.

When committed romance collides with regular life, things are guaranteed to change and we are soon to encounter complications. When is Couples Therapy indicated? When there are clearly identifiable and realistically addressed issues, and when there are two willing and motivated participants. Such issues may be: Enhancing communications styles and patterns, Improving and deepening intimacy or Clearly identifying toxic conditions and behaviors. But there are many times in which an individual working on their own individually can lead to better and more effective outcomes. Almost always, the happier and more stable you are within yourself, the better your most important relationships will be regardless of what they do or do not do.

Parents can help their child get the most from therapy, here are some of the things they can do:

• Find a therapist you and your child feel comfortable with. Your child’s health care team is important. 
• Take your child to all the appointments. Change takes time. It takes many therapy visits for your child to learn new skills and keep them up.
• Follow through with homework and recommendations made by the therapist
• Meet with your child’s therapist. As what to do when your child shows problems at home. Ask how to help your child do well.
• Spend time with your child. Play, cook, read. Etc. Do this every day, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
• Parent with patience. Use kind words, even when you need to correct your child. Show love. Give praise when your child is doing well or trying hard.

Medication alone will not work to solve mental health or behavioral issues. Medication treats the symptoms. At times, we will make recommendations to a psychiatrist or medical doctor to discuss medication for a particular diagnosis or symptom, however we speak with this doctor about the symptoms, prognosis and treatment. The therapist and client work together to explore the root of the issue, dig deeper into the behaviors and teach you coping skills that can help you achieve your goals.