Amanda Jackson

Your first session is about connection! For parents seeking therapy for their children, I see myself as coming alongside you as you raise your child. I value hearing directly from parents about what they have been observing, what concerns have brought them to therapy, and what they hope will be different. From there, we focus on getting to know the client. For younger clients, this may look like get-to-know-you games or other age-appropriate ways to build rapport. With older clients it may simply mean having a genuine conversation and learning what matters most to them.

I make it a priority to acknowledge and connect with parents each time we meet, even if it’s simply a quick, “Hi, how are you?” or a brief update following the session. When appropriate, I’ll share general observations, or strategies that can help parents better understand and support what we’re working on in therapy. My goal is to help connect the dots between sessions, because a lot of life happens between the time we meet. At times, I may also send parents helpful resources or suggestions following a session so we can continue reinforcing the work together.

Sometimes! Therapy isn’t meant to only happen during our scheduled session. Lasting change comes from practicing what we learn in real life. Depending on the client and their treatment goals, I may suggest simple, age-appropriate activities to practice between sessions. This could look like practicing a grounding technique, journaling, noticing emotional triggers, or trying a new communication strategy at home. These activities are not meant to feel like another assignment or something overwhelming. They’re simply opportunities to take what we’re learning in therapy and apply it in daily life.