Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Questions about the Therapy Process and My Services

• What should I expect during the free consultation?

  • Meeting and getting to know your child's therapist

  • Discussing your reasons for reaching out

  • Learning how I can help

  • Answers to your questions about the process

  • A snapshot into how virtual therapy works and feels
     

• How does online therapy work?

  • Online therapy works very similarly to in-person therapy. The difference online therapy brings is the convenience and ability to join sessions from wherever you feel comfortable, avoiding traffic hassles, and commuting.

  • Research shows that online therapy, especially video telehealth, is just as effective as in-person therapy

  • Online play therapy: Not surprisingly, children adapt very well to therapy using an online platform for a number of reasons. One being, they tend to be well versed and familiar with using technology to communicate and entertain. As for parents, I typically walk you through setting up the space (camera position/adding appropriate toys/material/etc), what to do when a child leaves the area, and how to support the child throughout the session.

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• Should I use my insurance?

  • It is up to you whether you use your health insurance or not. Some reasons why my clients choose not to include:

    • Increased privacy for kids and families. Insurance companies require a clinical diagnosis.

    • Gives you more control over your family or child’s treatment

    • No surprises over whether or not a service is covered

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• How long does therapy last?

  • This really depends on your child and family's needs. Each therapy experience is highly individualized and is dependent on a number of factors including, family/client engagement, presenting problems, motivation, commitment, and practice outside of session. I do not use a “one size fits all” approach. Therapy can last as long as needed to reduce or eliminate the problem, which can range from a few sessions to years. You are able to end therapy at any time.

  • Individual sessions are usually 45 minutes 

  • Family sessions are usually 45 to 60 minutes

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• Does my family/child need therapy?

  • Here are a few reasons a child/family might need therapy:

    • You’re noticing problems across multiple areas of life (home, school, community)

    • Frequent mood changes (anxiety, sadness, anger, withdrawn)

    • Frequent conflict between siblings or parents

    • Frequent negative behaviors (defiance, tantrums, aggression)

    • Attachment issues with a parent

    • Challenges with adjusting to life changes (adoption, divorce, separation, moving, a new sibling)

    • Your child or family has experienced significant life stressors (abuse, death of a loved one, foster care, etc.)

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• What ages do you work with?

  • I work with children ages 2 to 12 and parents. Individual child therapy sessions are typically offered for children starting at age 7. I also offer parent sessions without children to address parenting struggles.

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• How will you make sure that my child will feel comfortable with you? 

  • Don’t worry, I provide a warm and fun environment that allows your child to feel safe in expressing themselves without judgment or fear of making a mistake. Your child will be invited to participate at their own pace, fostering increased feelings of security, control, and confidence.

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• What are the next steps if I want to begin?

  • First, before scheduling your first session, I strongly encourage booking a free consultation to determine fit. 

  • Second, upon determining this is the right choice, you will be scheduled for an initial intake assessment. This is not a therapy session, but a session to build rapport with your child and family. This session involves gathering extensive background information including family dynamics and history, current and past problems, and goals for therapy. 

    • Intake sessions can take 1 to 2 sessions to fully complete

  • Third, we’ll develop a treatment plan, which is an outline of individualized goals and expectations for therapy appropriate for your family’s needs.

  • Fourth, treatment begins as either individual child sessions or family sessions.