What to Expect From Therapy

Before meeting with a clinician:

Consider carefully what you (and/or your child) want and need. Think through these questions:
- What are the problems or concerns in which you want support?
- Are you looking for individual and/or family therapy?
- What style of interaction will you find most helpful?
       - Will you work better with someone who offers advice and direction in a structured way? Or someone who listens, solicits your thoughts and solutions, and offers guidance in an unstructured way? Or a combination?

During the first meeting with your clinician:
Be honest and voice your concerns and questions directly. Observe how you (and/or your child) and other family members respond during the meeting with the clinician.‍

Your clinician will ask questions about:
- Your main concerns and how they are affecting functioning across domains
- What you have tried to so far to improve the situation
- Relevant medical, developmental, social, and academic history‍

Ask your clinician these questions:
- What areas she identifies as crucial for you (and/or your child)?
- How often will you meet and for how long?
- How will the proposed intervention address the issues or concerns?
- How will progress be evaluated?
- How is confidentiality or issues of safety handled?
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After the first meeting with your clinician, think through these questions:
- Did you (and/or your child) feel as if you had been listened to?
- Were your feelings (and those of your child) respected?
- Was there a sense of safety, support or understanding?
- Listen to your instincts. While all of our clinicians are highly trained and experienced professionals, treatment with you (and/or your child) will not be effective if you are not able to establish a partnership with your clinician.

Future sessions are focused on the main areas of concern identified in the initial and subsequent sessions.
- Your clinician will work closely with you at each session to ensure ongoing concerns are being addressed collaboratively.

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