We love working with children, adolescents, and their families because it is such a rewarding experience. It is amazing to watch children leave feeling relieved, supported, and looking forward to their next session, especially after witnessing them come into our offices often feeling fearful, resistant, uncertain, and sometimes even kicking and screaming. In general, children are so resilient, open-minded, and eager to learn. We don’t have to spend a lot of time convincing them to try a new coping skill; they just do it. They’re able to recognize that we are on their side, and know that we genuinely want to see them succeed in overcoming whatever obstacles are in their way.
Counseling for Kids Dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Self-Esteem Issues and More
We find it extremely important to partner with you throughout your child’s/adolescent’s therapeutic process. After all, you know your child best. We will frequently ask you for an update on how your child is doing at home and at school, and whether there are any concerns you would like us to address. In initially starting therapy with younger children we like to give them the power to make the decision if they want you to remain in the session or if they would prefer to meet with their therapist one-on-one. We think it is important that each child knows that they are in control of who is permitted to be a part of their session. Once we have established rapport, our process allows the child to grow to a place of comfort in meeting with their therapist alone, which tends to happen pretty quickly. Our goal, whether working with younger children or growing adolescents is to provide them with a safe place where they can openly express feelings without fearing how they will be perceived, and knowing they will be fully supported.
From One of Our Child Therapists in Columbus:
Carrie Kroner: From the very first session, I will ensure your child/adolescent understands confidentiality limitations. That means if they tell me they’re going to hurt themselves, hurt someone else, or if someone is hurting them, I am required to inform parents and sometimes others (Children’s Services, law enforcement, etc.) in an effort to keep them safe. I will also ensure your child recognizes that if there is something important beyond the limits of confidentiality you should know from our session, I will support them by providing a safe place to share that with you. Prior to asking you to rejoin the session, I will review with your child exactly what information will be shared with you. This is again to reassure them that our conversations will remain private and confidential. I will not share specific details of our discussion, only what they are comfortable with me sharing. Most of what I will review with you will consist of the progress your child is making towards their counseling goals, and what I would like for them to work on between sessions.
I refer to the children and families I work with as “my” because that is how I view them, like they are my own. I feel so honored to be a part of each and every one of “my children’s” and “my family’s” journeys, even if it is only for a short while. After all, my goal is not for you and your child to come to therapy forever, but to give you both the skills you need to manage problems or concerns you have on your own. I know that the time I have with you and your child is precious, and I hope that the progress we make will be something everyone will value and benefit from for years to come.