HOW LONG ARE SESSIONS?

Sessions are 45-60 minutes.

DO SESSIONS NEED TO BE WEEKLY?

Sessions are weekly until everyone is comfortable decreasing frequency based on symptom remission and problem resolution. Usually this takes at least few months and can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Increasing session frequency to twice per week can help teens gain needed traction in some cases.

HOW ARE PARENTS INVOLVED?

Teens typically meet together with their parents for the first portion of our initial session, and then individually with me for the remainder of the session. Thereafter, sessions are individual with teen clients, except when one of us requests to meet together. Otherwise, parents and I will correspond regarding treatment progress and observations while maintaining confidentiality of session content. Exceptions to confidentiality include disclosures of risks to safety.

WHAT IF MY TEEN IS RESISTANT?

It is completely normal for your teen to be hesitant or even downright against starting therapy! I work with parents to persuade their teen to join for just a portion of our initial session "no strings attached" with any commitment to continue. Often they are able find something positive (or even just tolerable enough) to allow them to agree to meet again.
Developing comfort in talking about oneself is different for everyone and taking time to do so is a protective strategy and/or personality style which should not be judged.