Kela Collins

Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We'll discuss what brought you to therapy, your current concerns, your personal history, and your goals. I'll explain confidentiality, answer any questions, and work with you to create a plan tailored to your needs. There's no pressure to share everything at once—we'll move at a pace that's comfortable for you. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where healing can begin.

Progress looks different for everyone. You may notice improved coping skills, healthier relationships, reduced symptoms, increased self-awareness, or greater confidence in managing life's challenges. We'll regularly review your goals, celebrate progress, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Therapy isn't about being perfect—it's about creating meaningful, lasting change that improves your overall well-being.

It's common for children and teens to feel hesitant at first. Building trust takes time, and I never force conversations. Instead, I meet young people where they are by using age-appropriate activities, play, art, games, and genuine conversation to help them feel safe and comfortable. As trust grows, most children and teens naturally begin to share. My priority is creating a supportive relationship where they feel heard, respected, and understood.

Therapy ends when you and I agree that your goals have been met or you feel confident managing challenges on your own. We'll regularly review your progress, discuss any remaining concerns, and develop a plan to help you maintain the skills you've learned. If new needs arise in the future, you're always welcome to return for additional support.

Sometimes. Depending on your goals, I may suggest simple activities to practice between sessions, such as journaling, coping skills, mindfulness exercises, communication strategies, or reflecting on specific situations. These are designed to help you apply what we discuss in therapy to your everyday life. Any practice is collaborative, personalized, and tailored to your comfort and needs.

I believe parents are important partners in the therapeutic process. I'll provide regular updates on your child's progress, discuss goals, and offer strategies to support them at home while respecting your child's privacy and confidentiality. The frequency of communication depends on your child's needs, treatment goals, and age, and we'll discuss what works best during the intake process.

Building trust is essential for effective therapy. What your teen shares in session is generally kept confidential so they have a safe space to be open and honest. However, I will always inform parents if there are safety concerns, such as risk of harm to themselves or others, suspected abuse or neglect, or other situations required by law. I also encourage healthy family communication and work with teens to share important information with parents when appropriate.

The length of therapy varies based on your goals, concerns, and individual needs. Some clients find relief in just a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support to work through more complex challenges. We'll regularly review your progress and adjust your treatment plan as your needs evolve. My goal is to help you build the skills and confidence to thrive—at a pace that's right for you.