I have found that there are many paths to helping kids and families. Typically, the first step involves meeting with parents to gain a better understanding of what led them to seek help for their child. After these initial meetings, we will decide together whether to go forward with therapy. On some occasions, we may decide that parent consultation or family therapy is preferable to bringing in a child or adolescent for therapy. We may also consider referrals for a learning assessment or psychiatric consultation if this seems necessary.
The majority of children and adolescents who enter therapy are struggling with a developmental challenge (academic pressure, problems with peers, family conflict, identity concerns, etc..). My goal is to help them get back on track and feel better about themselves. Parents are a crucial resource in my work with children and adolescents so I often recommend a monthly parent meeting (in addition to weekly sessions with kids). The exception to this model is with older adolescents who may enter psychotherapy independently and may require less parental involvement.
