Frequently Asked Questions

“The most important thing is to never stop questioning.”

-Albert Einstein

what does counseling with children look like?

You and your child’s counseling session will last 50 minutes. During that time, we will start sessions with parent and child in the room for a check in. We will then, depending on age and maturity of your child, we will either work on discussing their concerns and working on skills or explore with play.

What will my first visit look like?

For children 12 and under, I will meet with both the parents and child for the intake appointment. Prior to the first appointment, you will fill out paperwork that gives me information and history about your child and your family.

For children and teenagers 13 and up, I also like to meet with both you and your teen. For all children it is very important that they feel they can trust me and that I won’t be aligned with the parent or an extension of a parent when they come to counseling.

Confidentiality.

In Washington State, teens 13 and older have a unique set of rights. They are allowed to seek mental health therapy for themselves without parental permission. This also creates limited confidentiality for you and your teen. This is something we will cover at your first appointment or prior to if you have concerns.

Do you accept insurance?

I accept insurance for payment and can bill your insurance company directly for therapy sessions. If I am out-of-network with your particular insurance company I can provide you with a statement to submit to your provider for reimbursement. Please contact me if you need further information on insurance.

*Please make sure to verify your insurance coverage prior to scheduling an appointment

What are your hours?

Appointments can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

WHAT IS PLAY THERAPY?

Play therapy is a form of counseling or therapy in which play is used as a means of helping children express or communicate their feelings.

Play therapy works best when a safe relationship has been created between the counselor and child. Research suggests that play therapy is an effective mental health approach and works best when a parent, family member or caregiver is actively involved in the treatment process.

Click here for more information on play therapy: a4pt.org

What is autplay?

AutPlay is a play and behavioral therapy approach to working with children and families affected by autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, dysregulation issues, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. It integrates therapuetic models of play therapy and behavioral therapy along with relationship development approaches together in a collaborative model to assist children and adolescents in gaining needed skills and abilities.

Click here for more information about AutPlay: autplaytherapy.com

How can counseling help my family?

Counseling can benefit your family in a variety of ways. From providing support, coping skills, and increasing positive communication, a counselor can provide a new way of looking at situations and issues.

As a Child Mental Health Specialist, I am trained to specifically work with children and families to find hope and healing through play and other evidenced based practices, but mostly through supporting you as the parent, who I believe are the true experts on your children.

HOw do i know if we need help?

Children have many of the same mental health issues as adults and may need help. Here are a few signs your child or teen may need counseling:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Constant anger and a tendency to overreact to situations

• Persistent worry, anxiety, or fearfulness

• A sudden, unexplained drop in grades at school

• A loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed

• Changes in patterns of sleeping or eating

• Reclusiveness, preferring to be alone rather than in the company of friends or family

• Expressing thoughts of suicide

• An inability to sit still