QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED BY PARENTS AND TEENS
What if My Child or Teen Refuses to Go to therapy?
This can be a very difficult part of getting your child to come to see me! Usually I suggest that you explain to your child that many kids talk to therapists, and that it can be very helpful. If possible, encourage your child to attend at least one session to meet me and then decide if they would like to come back. I don't believe that anyone benefits from "forcing" a child or teen to attend therapy, but sometimes just getting your child through the door one time can increase the chance that he or she will try therapy again, if not now, then some time in the future.
My parents are tying to force me to go to therapy, but i don't want to. What can I do?
Do you think that you could benefit at all from therapy? I would encourage you to think about it, and to decide if you are refusing to see a therapist just because your parent has suggested it or because you truly believe that it won't help. If you decide that it may be useful, you can tell your parent that you are not willing to commit to ongoing therapy, but are willing to give it a shot and then decide after one or two sessions. You may really love having someone to talk to every week who will keep your secrets and help you figure things out. If you really don't like seeing the therapist, at least your parents will know that you gave it a try!
Will everything I say be kept confidential from my parents?
Everything we discuss will be kept private. I will not share anything you say with your parents, unless you specifically ask me to. For example, there may be something you are afraid or reluctant to discuss with them that you would like me to bring up.
The only exception to your privacy rule is if I think that you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else. Even if I have to tell your parents about a dangerous situation, though, I will NEVER do so without letting you know first. Then, we can decide if you will tell them, if I will tell them, or if we will tell them together. I will not every surprise you and tell them something without you knowing.
You will tell me everything my child says to you right?
The best way for your child to get the most out of therapy is if he or she knows that what we discuss will be kept confidential. I actually have one way confidentiality rule. Everything that you tell me about your child will be told to your child, but everything he or she shares will be kept private. There is one notable exception. If at any time I am concerned about the safety of your child or think that your child is a danger to him or herself or others, I will inform you once I have told your child I am going to do so.