Parent and Clinician Collaboration 

Children and teens are referred for psychotherapy for many reasons. Some are brought in due to behavioral concerns, academic challenges, or changes in mood. Others may be encouraged to seek support after experiencing a loss, exposure to a frightening or overwhelming event, bullying, or when someone close to them is concerned about their well-being.

Our work with children and adolescents is grounded in the belief that society’s younger population (ages 2–17) are unique, capable, and resilient individuals who are, first and foremost, children. The difficulties they experience, the ways they communicate distress, and the behaviors that draw concern are understood in the context of their developmental stage and lived experience. To truly understand a child or teen, and to help them open up, we must first honor who they are, born to play, explore, question, seek connection, and grow, before we can understand how and why they struggle.

How We Support Children, Adolescents, and Their Caregivers

While psychotherapy is provided to the child or adolescent individually, we recognize that meaningful progress often involves collaboration with parents and caregivers. Our clinicians work together with guardians/parents to strengthen parental confidence, increase understanding, and support the therapeutic goals of the young person’s treatment.

Family Systems Perspective
Children and teens exist within larger systems: home, school, community, culture, and beyond. While treatment remains focused on the child or adolescent, we view parents and guardians as essential partners in the healing process. Working together, clinicians help parents better understand patterns, dynamics, and stressors that may influence their child’s emotional and behavioral well-being.

Play- and Creative-Based Approaches
Many children and adolescents do not yet have the language or cognitive tools to fully express their inner experiences. Therapeutic play and creative expression provide developmentally appropriate ways for young people to communicate emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

Parenting Support & Behavioral Guidance
Clinicians often serve as a source of guidance and support for parents, helping to co-create practical strategies that address specific behavioral concerns. This work emphasizes each child’s strengths and inherent goodness, while supporting caregivers in establishing developmentally appropriate structure, boundaries, and expectations. Parents are viewed as valuable collaborators in reinforcing growth and change outside of sessions.

What to Expect: Initial Session & Informed Consent

Treatment begins with an initial session that includes the custodial parent/legal guardian and the child/teen. During this first visit, we take time to understand your concerns, review therapeutic goals, discuss the recommended treatment approach, and obtain informed consent for services.

Following the initial appointment, sessions are typically held one-on-one with the child or teen. These sessions focus on building a safe, supportive therapeutic space where the child or adolescent can express themselves openly and work toward their treatment goals. Parents or guardians may be invited to participate in sessions as clinically recommended or when additional support or collaboration is helpful.

To learn more about how we work with parents and caregivers as part of a child or teen’s treatment, please review our Informed Consent for Collateral Support by clicking the link below.

Informed Consent – Fillable