This is a tough question that many parents and individuals grapple with. While there are certain challenges that can clearly indicate a need for professional support, it’s important to remember that things don’t have to be “bad” to reach out. Therapy and consultation aren’t just for crises—they’re also for guidance, growth, and support when things feel uncertain or overwhelming.

If you or your child are facing challenges that feel hard to navigate—even after reading the books, trying different strategies, or seeking advice—getting professional input can help. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Some reasons families seek support include:

• Emotional distress that affects daily life (frequent meltdowns, persistent worry, mood swings)

• Behavioral challenges that feel difficult to navigate (tantrums, school struggles, difficulty with transitions)

• Social or communication difficulties (trouble making or maintaining friendships, withdrawal, anxiety in social settings)

• Significant life changes (new sibling, parental separation, medical concerns, grief)

• Parenting stress—feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure how to support your child despite your best efforts

If you’re not sure where to start, I can help assess your needs and recommend the best path forward—whether that’s therapy, parent coaching, or other helpful resources.

You don’t have to have all the answers before reaching out. Sometimes, just having someone to guide you through the next steps can make all the difference.

Therapy is a collaborative process tailored to meet each person’s unique developmental needs, whether working with young children, teens, or adults.

For all clients, therapy begins with intake sessions, where we discuss concerns, background information, and goals. This is followed by introductory sessions, where we build rapport and begin exploring strengths and challenges.

For child therapy, I follow a structured approach that includes parents as essential partners:

• After 3-4 sessions, I meet with parents to discuss impressions, goals, and strategies for supporting their child both in and outside of therapy.

• I provide parent sessions every 4-6 sessions, depending on the child’s needs, to offer guidance, answer questions, and adjust treatment plans as needed.

• Therapy for younger children is play-based and interactive, allowing them to process emotions in a developmentally appropriate way. As children grow, interventions shift to match their cognitive and emotional abilities.

For adults and teens, therapy is always adapted to match developmental level and functioning. Sessions may focus on emotional regulation, self-exploration, relationships, identity, or executive functioning challenges. For neurodivergent individuals, therapy is affirming and adjusted to accommodate sensory, processing, or communication preferences.

Regardless of age, therapy is a flexible, evolving process designed to meet you or your child where they are and grow alongside them.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this, and that’s okay. Therapy is a process that unfolds at its own pace, depending on each person's unique needs and goals. Some individuals find short-term therapy (a few months) helpful for addressing a specific challenge, while others benefit from longer-term support to navigate deeper emotional patterns, developmental concerns, or ongoing life transitions.

For children, therapy length often depends on their developmental stage, the challenges they’re facing, and how they’re progressing in therapy and at home. Regular check-ins with parents help adjust the approach and goals as needed.

Rather than focusing on a specific timeline, I work collaboratively with clients and families to ensure that therapy continues to align with their goals and adapt to ongoing needs.

Confidentiality is a key part of therapy—it’s what allows clients to feel safe sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Whether you're an adult in therapy or a parent seeking support for your child, you deserve a space where privacy is respected.

For adults and teens, everything discussed in therapy is confidential unless there’s a concern about immediate harm to yourself or others, or if there’s a legal obligation to report safety concerns (such as child or elder abuse).

For children, therapy remains a safe and private space for them to express themselves. However, because parents play such an important role in their child’s progress, I provide general updates and meet with parents every 4-6 sessions to discuss goals and strategies—while still respecting a child’s need for trust and privacy in the therapy room.

If you ever have questions about confidentiality, I’m happy to walk you through what it looks like for you or your child’s specific situation.

Therapy is just one piece of the puzzle—what happens between sessions is just as important as what happens in them. Children grow and heal best when they feel supported in all areas of their lives, which is why I involve parents throughout the process.

I offer regular parent sessions every 4-6 sessions to check in, provide insights, and share strategies tailored to your child’s progress. These sessions give us space to discuss what’s working, where challenges remain, and how you can best support your child at home, in school, and in daily interactions.

Some ways you can help outside of therapy include:

• Practicing strategies at home – I’ll provide guidance on ways to reinforce skills and emotional regulation techniques.

• Creating a supportive environment – Consistency, structure, and connection are key in helping children feel secure and understood.

• Modeling emotional awareness – Children learn by watching. Expressing and naming emotions in your own life helps them do the same.

• Collaborating with teachers or caregivers – I can provide recommendations to help extend support beyond therapy sessions.

Most importantly, know that progress takes time, and your child’s journey is unique. You don’t have to do it alone—I’m here to support both you and your child every step of the way.

It’s completely normal for children to feel hesitant about starting therapy. New environments, unfamiliar people, and the idea of talking about feelings can feel overwhelming—especially if a child doesn’t fully understand why they are going. I respect each child’s comfort level and always work at their pace, creating a space that feels safe, engaging, and tailored to their needs.

If your child is resistant, there are still ways to offer support:

• Parent Sessions in Lieu of Therapy – Sometimes, parents can be the best agents of change. I offer parent consultation sessions where we discuss strategies to support your child at home, which can be just as impactful as direct therapy.

• Therapy Groups (In-Person & Online) – Some children prefer a more social setting over individual therapy. I offer groups focused on emotional regulation, developing social comfort, and neurodivergent-affirming support that may be a better fit.

• Pacing & Engagement – If your child is unsure about therapy, we can start slow. I use play-based, developmentally appropriate techniques to help children feel more at ease.

Therapy should never feel forced—it’s most effective when children feel safe, respected, and ready. If you’re unsure about the best approach, I’m happy to discuss alternative ways to support your child’s growth.

Finding a therapist who is the right fit for your child is an important step in ensuring a positive and effective experience. Here are some things to consider:

• Look for Licensed & Certified Professionals – Your child’s therapist should be licensed in their field (e.g., psychologist, LMFT, LCSW) and trained in the modalities they use (such as play therapy, DIR-Floortime, EMDR, or Child-Parent Psychotherapy).

• Ask About Their Approach – Every therapist has a different style. Some focus on talk-based interventions, while others (especially for young children) use play, art, or movement to help children process emotions.

• Check for Developmental Expertise – If your child is experiencing social-emotional, behavioral, or developmental concerns, a therapist with experience in early childhood mental health, neurodivergence, or family therapy can provide more specialized support.

You can also use trusted directories to find licensed child therapists. Try the following resources:

• Psychology Today (filter by specialty, age range, and location)

• Your child’s pediatrician – They often have trusted referrals

• Local parenting groups or school counselors

For a deeper guide on choosing the right therapist for your child, check out my article:

[How to Choose the Best Therapist for Your Child] (Link)