Child & Adolescent Therapy at Blooming Minds
We look forward to helping your child flourish in the areas where they are currently struggling. The first session is dedicated to gathering information, understanding the reasons for therapy, and developing goals together with you and your child.
The First Visit
At the initial appointment, the therapist will meet with parents to discuss the frequency and length of sessions, as well as the limits of confidentiality. Your psychologist will also review the personal and family history forms you submitted and ask for clarification on areas that may be a focus in treatment.
Because a child’s self-concept is so critical to their emotions and achievement—and this first session is focused primarily on identifying and clarifying problems—we strongly encourage parents to attend the first visit without their child. If childcare is unavailable, our staff can arrange supervised playroom time during the majority of the session.
The Second Visit
The purpose of the second session is to build a trusting relationship with your child while laying the foundation for positive change. During this appointment, the psychologist will focus on getting to know your child and creating a safe, supportive environment.
As a parent, you can help set the tone by presenting therapy in a positive, non-stigmatizing way. Introduce the idea calmly, not immediately after an argument or stressful event. If you find it difficult to explain, here are some suggestions:
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For younger children
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“Therapists are like doctors for our feelings. They help us talk through problems at home or school and find new solutions through talking and playing.”
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“Therapists are like coaches. Just as your [insert sport] coach helps you get better at your game, a therapist helps you get better at handling challenges so you can be the best version of yourself.”
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For adolescents
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“Sometimes we all need extra support. A therapist gives us tools to handle situations more effectively and feel better about ourselves.”
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Using Books
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There are many wonderful children’s books that explain therapy in age-appropriate ways. We are happy to provide recommendations.
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Parents’ Role
Parents are welcome to remain in the waiting room during sessions. This allows us to connect with you afterward to discuss treatment goals. Please note that, to preserve your child’s trust, only general progress updates will be shared unless your child provides authorization. Exceptions will be made if there are safety concerns (e.g., self-harm, harm to others, or abuse), in which case appropriate steps will be taken. Whenever possible, we will first discuss these matters with your child and work to address any concerns about sharing information.
We are honored to partner with you in helping your child unlock their potential and grow into the best version of themselves.