Age Range: 12-17

If you are an adolescent this intro is for you!  I’m not sure if therapy was your idea.  It might be that your parent is concerned and thinks it’s a good idea.  If therapy is not your idea, you may be determined not to see me or unsure.  Who knows, maybe you’re right and it’s not actually what you need.  But what if you’re wrong? What I advise everyone whether you are an adult client or an adolescent client, is to try it out for 4 sessions. At the end of 4 sessions, I propose a plan for action that I believe will make sense for you. In your case, I would apply the same approach and discuss my recommendations with you and your parent. You and your parent discuss whether I’m the right fit for you or if you agree with the recommended plan. By the way, the plan may be that you don’t need therapy, but would benefit from something else. But generally, 4 sessions will give us both a sense of what is best—and you deserve to give yourself that chance- right?

General Guidelines for Treatment

So, what is a therapy session like?  The first sessions are really getting to know you and you getting to know me.  Sometimes I use games as a way of doing that or we just talk.  I will also ask you to complete a form with me during session or prior to treatment (whichever is easiest) so I can get a better sense of how you view your life, your health, your personal strengths and personal challenges (we all have them).  

As therapy progresses, I see you weekly (more if appropriate).  Sessions (up to 50 minutes long) are typically driven by us talking about things that are relevant to your experiences that day or from the prior week.  We will sometimes practice techniques or skills during the session, that I believe will help you and I will ask you to practice them before our next session.  I will also meet with your parent or caregiver (as much or as little as needed) to give them a “general” idea of what we are working on and how they can help support you.  When I meet with your parent, I don’t give a play by play of everything you say when we work together in therapy. I focus on overall experiences and themes.  

For the Parent:

Youth between the ages of 12 to 17 can be candidates for treatment in the areas of depression and anxiety at Canvas Psychological.  Treatment offerings include, individual therapy, parent consultation or collateral sessions that may take place with the adolescent or separate from the adolescent.  

Although every case offers its unique set of needs by way of parent or caregiver involvement, periodic sessions with parent(s) or caregivers is expected as part of the package of treatment.  The child is viewed as part of a system that helps to further support improvement over time.  

After a brief phone call to determine whether I can address your child’s treatment needs, you will be asked to complete an intake prior to the first scheduled visit.  You and your child will not be seen without the intake completed prior to appointment.  

Initial appointment(s):

The first appointment will be with the parents(s) without the child present. This appointment will be up to 90 minutes long and will involve a comprehensive collection of history (developmental history, medical, social, academic, and parent self report). Up to 2 visits generally will only be with the child and therapist. At the end of the 3rd or 4th visit a plan for treatment will be shared. This is a guideline that is subject to change based on the needs of the case as they present themselves during the initial stages.