Child & Teen
What can therapy help with?
- Attachment and bonding
- Relationships
- Trauma
- Anxiety and depression
- Adoption
- Anger and behavioral issues
- Challenges in school
Why therapy?
The hope is that there is someone with the same values that can help. Being able to talk openly about it all could be freeing – from the confusion, guilt and shame – you name it.
I believe that God is a God of reconciliation and healing (2 Corinthians 5:18-19 and 1 Peter 2:24). And I love that He chooses to use people and creative avenues like therapy to strengthen connection as a change agent.
Kids don’t sit down and talk deeply over a cup of coffee – they play, they create. Teens also process and learn more about their feelings, thoughts, and perceptions through relationship, metaphors, creative expression, and even play! Through playfulness, they work through the things they are struggling with in order to gain insight and understanding. That is why you will see things like toys, art supplies, and sand in my office. I also utilize EMDR in my sessions when helpful. You can read more about that under my services.
Parent coaching can be integral in bringing it all together. It may not feel like it all the time but you are the expert on your child! Coaching can happen in parent consultation sessions. When appropriate we can use joint sessions to provide us with the time and space to put using the tools into practice. This often works well with children, where as teens typically desire to have more privacy in the therapy room. It is a unique process!
What should I expect?
The first session is an 80-minute intake with parent(s) to discuss the current concerns you are seeing and what you hope to get out of working with me.
We will talk through your child’s development, family history and how they are functioning in the family, at school and with peers. I love hearing the strengths and gifts that your child encompasses!
It is helpful for me to know the ways you have responded to some of these concerns in the past. We can also explore the ways to be playful and have fun with your child. One of the most important things we can do is understand what is happening in your own brain and body, as that naturally impacts your parenting.
If there is time, I will offer some techniques for you to start practicing new ways of connecting at home.
I will typically meet with your child for the second session, which is 45-50 minutes. I like to be flexible and say “yes” whenever I can with kids, so that they can feel as comfortable and in control when first meeting with me.
They get to choose if they want you in the room the first time. I even give the choice that the parent can start in the room for the first few minutes and then hang out in the waiting room.
I explain to the child what therapy is, and I give them the freedom to choose what they talk about, what they play with and who they play with. They are given the choice to invite myself or a parent into their play if they are in the room.
The first few sessions are focused on building rapport and trust as a foundation. The therapy room is a non-judgmental place where the only limits set are to be safe.
During following sessions, children typically feel comfortable to play individually with me. At times, I will recommend a parent joining a portion or all of a session when needed. I give teens autonomy to choose what they feel comfortable with.
If there are any changes, observations, events, or successes, you can can update me ahead of time. You can send an email between sessions, although my responses to those will be brief.
To help us to be on the same page and touch base on progress or concerns, we can schedule parent consultation sessions as needed.
Weekly sessions are best, as children and teens thrive in consistency and continued connection. Some people benefit from just a few sessions, while others may continue therapy for several months or even longer.
Please call or text (512) 599-7803 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation if you would like to learn if this therapy is right for your child.