What to expect
Starting therapy can feel like a big step for both adolescents and their parents or caregivers. I want the process to feel as clear, supportive, and comfortable as possible, so here’s what you can expect from our first conversation onwards.
STEP ONE
Initial Parent/Guardian Consultation
This initial 90-minute consultation gives you space to share your perspective, talk through your concerns and provide some context about what your young person may be experiencing.
We’ll also talk about how I work, answer any questions you may have and consider together what might be most helpful for your adolescent and your family.
There’s no expectation that you have all the answers. This is simply a space to pause, talk things through, and work out the best next step.
STEP TWO
Family Session
This session is attended by the adolescent and their parent(s) or caregiver(s), creating an opportunity for everyone to have a voice and feel heard.
Together, we’ll talk about what has been happening, explore the challenges your young person is experiencing and, where helpful, consider how things are working within the family.
We’ll also talk about what you and your adolescent hope to gain from therapy and begin thinking together about which support might be most helpful.
This gives us a shared starting point for therapy, while ensuring that the approach reflects the needs of your adolescent and the wider family.
STEP THREE
Individual Adolescent Therapy
Initial block of 6 sessions
These one-to-one sessions provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where your adolescent can talk openly, make sense of what they’re experiencing, and begin to find ways to manage what feels difficult.
Therapy moves at your young person’s pace. There is no pressure to talk about anything before they’re ready. Together, we might explore emotions, relationships, identity, anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, school pressures, family challenges or anything else that may be affecting their wellbeing.
Sessions are held weekly or fortnightly, depending on what feels most appropriate for your adolescent.
STEP FOUR
Family Review
Following the initial six sessions, we’ll arrange a review meeting with parents or caregivers and, where appropriate, with your adolescent.
This is an opportunity to pause and reflect on how things have been going, notice any changes or progress, and consider what feels helpful and what may still need support.
Together, we’ll review the goals we started with and talk about what might be most helpful going forward. This might mean continuing with therapy, adjusting the focus, taking a break, or considering whether any additional support would be beneficial.
The aim is to make sure the next step feels right for your adolescent and your family.