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HOW do I KNOW IF MY CHILD NEEDS THERAPY?

If you are reading this, there is a good chance your child would benefit from an evaluation with a child therapist. Like any good parent, you may be wondering if your child’s behavior is “normal” or developmentally appropriate and how you can help your child.

Parents often seek therapy for a child after they have tried every strategy, consequence, or reward that they can think to try to change negative behavior. Therapy can be useful to address behavior and to help a child cope with struggles from adjustment or loss, such as a deployment, death, or starting a new school. During these times, parents often sense a child may need extra help dealing with emotions.

We are always happy to meet with you and discuss your concerns as well as offer information about how therapy could help your child.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THERAPY FOR MY CHILD?

During the initial visit, it is important for you and your child to be made to feel comfortable and at ease. During this session, we will learn more about your child, including your concerns, how long you have been worried about your child, and how you will know when your child is better. We will also help identify treatment goals and explain a plan for how often to meet based on your child’s issues.

When possible, the therapist may meet for a brief time alone with your child, to help him or her feel comfortable in the office. During the first session, the rules about confidentially will be explained and information about how therapy works will be shared.

WHAT ARE THE RULES ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?

Many parents tell their children that they can say anything and the therapist won’t tell anyone. This is partly true, and can be explained in greater detail during the first visit. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic process for children and adults. All therapists are bound by legal rules (HIPAA) to safeguard confidential information.

HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT MY CHILD TO BE IN THERAPY?

Length of treatment varies for each child. Some children need a few sessions to work through an adjustment issue or to help with minor behavioral issues while other children may need therapy for longer periods of time. We will keep you informed of your child’s progress and together we will make a plan for your child’s therapy goals.

I AM GOING THROUGH A DIVORCE. CAN THE FRASER counseling CENTER HELP my child adjust?

We understand that divorce is painful for all family members and that children often need outside support to adjust to this life change. We have experience helping children deal with family changes and working through feelings of confusion, sadness, or anger about an upcoming or recent divorce. We are happy to work with both parents to help them understand how to support their child and how to maintain a positive relationship for their child’s best interest. We also offer counseling for blended families, helping children adjust to a new stepparent or stepsiblings.

Unfortunately, the Fraser Counseling Center does not offer court assessments regarding custody.

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