What is Therapy for Kids and Teens?
We believe that every child and teen deserves a space where they feel heard, understood, and supported. Our therapists specialize in working with young people, using evidence-based approaches that are thoughtfully tailored to their age, needs, and stage of development. Whether through play, creative expression, or conversation, we help kids and teens make sense of their feelings, build confidence, and develop tools to manage challenges like anxiety, mood changes, school stress, family transitions, and more.
We also collaborate closely with parents and caregivers, knowing that healing and growth happen best when the whole family is supported.
Treatment Specialities at Transitions Counseling
What Happens In The First Several Sessions?
Before your child’s session, you will receive an email from our electronic healthcare system called Opus. That email includes a link inviting you to register for your patient portal. Please register by following the on-screen instructions included in the email. The portal will contain your records, appointments, telehealth links, billing and payment information, and will be our secure platform to communicate. If you have trouble registering, please reach out to us as we may need to verify your email address or date-of-birth.
At first, the focus of therapy with your child is on building a safe and trusting relationship. The therapist will spend time getting to know your child—learning about their strengths, interests, and the challenges they may be facing. These early sessions may include playing games, conversation, or creative art activities, depending on your child’s age and comfort level.
As a parent or caregiver, you’ll also be involved in the process, helping the therapist understand your child’s background as well as your concerns. Together, you’ll begin to identify goals for therapy and explore how to best support your child’s emotional well-being. The therapist will work with you and your child to create a plan to guide sessions towards your goals. Your child’s therapist can also provide options for practicing skills introduced in therapy between sessions – and these are often best done as a family.
How Can I Help My Child Get the Most Out of Therapy?
Starting therapy is a courageous step for both kids and their parents. It’s natural to feel a little nervous in the beginning — for you and for them. In the first few sessions, your child’s therapist will focus on building trust, getting to know your child or teen, and understanding the concerns that brought you to counseling. They’ll make sure everyone is on the same page about important topics like privacy and shared decision-making.
Therapy is a collaborative process, where young clients are encouraged to share their experiences and feelings at their own pace. As a parent, your input is valuable and sharing your goals and hopes for therapy helps us tailor care to meet your family’s needs.
One of the best ways to support your child’s success in therapy is through consistent attendance. Research shows that steady participation over a full course of therapy — typically between 18 and 24 sessions help screatelasting change, not just short term relief.
