As a parent myself, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to trust someone outside of your “village” to help your child. Especially if your teen is reluctant to share session details with you, it can feel as if you’re being left in the dark. Though it can be a difficult adjustment at times, I want you to know that your role as a supportive caregiver is incredibly important.
THERAPY PROVIDES YOUR TEEN (AND YOU) WITH A COMMON LANGUAGE
FOR TALKING ABOUT CONFLICTS, EMOTIONS, AND STRUGGLES.
Supporting your teen in therapy may look like making adjustments to parenting style or communication at home. While it can be challenging to make these changes, your leading example and willingness to try new ways of relating is very important! Not only will it help your teen feel heard, it will likely ease some of the stress you’re all feeling, and improve everyone’s overall quality of life.
If your teen is struggling emotionally, it’s important to know it is not your fault. As caregivers, we have the tendency to own things that aren't fully ours to own. A big part of supporting your teen involves a willingness to own what is yours, and to release what is not. Part of my role as your teen's therapist is to provide you the tools and perspective needed to strengthen your relationship.
I PROMISE TO BE HONEST WITH YOU ABOUT WHEN I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO TAKE OWNERSHIP, AND TO POINT OUT WHEN YOU MAY BE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THINGS
THAT ARE NOT YOURS TO CARRY.
You are still one of the biggest influences in your teen's life, and you play an integral role in the success of their therapy experience. My hope is that you and I can be allies in this process. Though your teen may not want to share specifics, your willingness to support their decision and jump on board - whatever that looks like- is so important.
IS YOUR TEEN READY TO GIVE THERAPY A TRY?
Caregivers
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
ANXIETY
MILD DEPRESSION
EMOTION REGULATION CHALLENGES
TIME MANAGEMENT
DISTRESS TOLERANCE
RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
SCHOOL TRANSITION
SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES
EXECUTIVE FUNCTION AND WORKING MEMORY
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND TRAUMA
FAMILY SUPPORT
Sometimes, teens and their families could benefit from additional support. If you or your teen need additional support, I will work with you to find resources that fit your needs.
Additional support may look like:
PARENT- ONLY SESSIONS
FAMILY SESSIONS
REFERRALS TO RESOURCES OR GROUPS
SCHOOL/TEACHER COLLABORATION
SCHOOL OR ACCOMODATION ADVOCACY
A NOTE ABOUT HIPAA COMPLIANCE
As we begin the therapeutic relationship, it's important to know that your teen gets to decide what I am able to share about our sessions together. In the state of Washington, individuals age 13 and older have the right to consent for mental health treatment on their own. They are also allowed to decide what information is shared with others, including parents.
If your child is over the age of 13, they will need to sign the initial paperwork themselves. If they are comfortable with me sharing information with you, they will also need to sign a release of information. In my experience, when we put more heads together to tackle a problem or multiple problems, we typically have better outcomes. I do encourage clients 13-17 to allow general communication between myself and their parents, when appropriate.
This does not mean that you aren't able to communicate concerns or behavioral updates with me. It just means I may or may not be able to share details about your child’s therapeutic work. This also does not mean that I cannot make general recommendations to you. If your 13+ teen declines to allow any information sharing, it is still my practice to meet with parents and provide suggestions/recommendations. I believe that therapy for teens works best when we can be open and share ideas together, with some parameters or boundaries about more personal details.
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