Frequently Asked Questions

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I primarily work with children birth to 10 years old - infants, toddlers, and elementary-aged children.

In case-by-case situations, I will work with older children, typically returning clients, developmentally younger children, and/or for family therapy.

Short answer, yes. 

My intake process includes parent sessions as well as parent-child observations. Depending on presenting issues and potential relational needs, ongoing sessions may involve individual sessions with child, parent sessions without child, family sessions, or some combination of these.

Yes. 

No matter the situation or circumstances, both legal guardians/parents must sign and provide verbal consent to treatment. This includes situations in which there is sole decision-making. However, that does not always mean that including parents in sessions is what a child needs at a given time, and appropriateness of individual and family services may be discussed and/or determined at intake.

My role as a child and family therapist is not a mediator or to determine or make recommendations on custody. While these services are sometimes needed, my clinical focus is on mental health, development, and caregiver/parental support.

Due to the age of clients I work with, weekly therapy sessions are initially required. Young children often need higher frequency to stay on track with progress and processing. Once substantial changes have occurred and been maintained for a period of time, sessions can then reduce to bi-weekly appointments until discharge is appropriate.

This will depend on many factors. Minor concerns, with high parental involvement and support, may benefit from 3-6 months of services. When there are multiple presenting issues and/or extenuating factors, services may take longer, possibly 1-2 years or more. My goal is always to support children and families reach their goals and to discharge from services, but therapy is a process and one in which I hope results in long term changes and success, not merely short-term solutions that manifest in new issues down the road.