Information for Kids and Teens

Coming to counseling is a brave step, and this space is meant to help you feel understood, supported, and safe. Therapy is a place where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without being judged. My job is to help you learn about yourself, understand what you’re going through, and build skills that make life feel a little easier. You get to show up exactly as you are.

A Little About Me

I’ve been working with children, teens, and young adults for almost twenty years, from ages four all the way up to twenty‑one. I’ve supported kids in many different environments—living at home with parents, in foster families, in residential programs, in schools, and in group settings. I’ve used a variety of therapeutic approaches depending on what each person needs, and I’ve heard a wide range of stories, feelings, and experiences. Many young people have shared difficult or confusing situations with me, and my role has always been to help them feel safe, supported, and not alone. You don’t have to worry about surprising me or saying the “wrong” thing. This is a place where you can be yourself.

What You Can Expect

In our sessions, you can talk about anything that’s on your mind—school, friends, family, stress, big feelings, or things you’re not sure how to handle. You don’t have to have the “right” words or know what to say. There is no right or wrong answer here. This is a space where you can speak openly, express yourself honestly, and explore what you’re feeling at your own pace.

We might use talking, drawing, activities, or coping tools to help you understand what’s going on inside. You don’t have to pretend or hide parts of yourself. You get to be real, curious, confused, hopeful, or anything in between. This is a non‑judgment zone.

Your Privacy and Safety

Most of what you share with me stays private. That means I don’t repeat your conversations to other people—not friends, not teachers, not family—unless you want me to. Your thoughts and feelings matter, and you deserve a place where you can talk freely.

There are a few times when I must share information to keep you or someone else safe. These are called mandated reporting laws, and they apply to all therapists. I have to tell someone if:

• You are in danger of being seriously hurt

• You are planning to seriously hurt yourself or someone else

• Someone is hurting you or not keeping you safe

• You tell me about abuse or neglect happening to another child

If I ever need to share something for safety reasons, I will talk with you about it first so you’re not surprised. We will figure out the next steps together.

How Parents and Guardians Are Involved

Even though you are the focus of therapy, I also check in with your parent or guardian from time to time. These check‑ins are meant to share general updates—things like progress, concerns, or skills we’re working on—not the private details of what you say in session. Your privacy matters, and I protect it.

Parents are encouraged to share observations or concerns with me, but your voice is always at the center of our work.

Your Space to Be You

Therapy is a place where you can come exactly as you are. You don’t have to be perfect, have everything figured out, or say things a certain way. You can speak openly, express yourself freely, and explore your feelings without fear of being judged. This is your space to grow, heal, and understand yourself more deeply.