Laura Bownds

Our first session is really just a chance for us to get to know each other and help everyone feel comfortable. I'll spend some time talking with both you and your child about what brings you in, but I'll also want to hear about the things your child enjoys, like favorite hobbies, friends, pets, or activities. Depending on your child's age, we might play a game, draw, or do something fun together while we chat. My goal is simply to create a warm, safe space where everyone feels heard, supported, and comfortable taking things one step at a time.

Parent involvement is an important part of the process, and we'll work together to find a level of involvement that feels comfortable and helpful for your family. Depending on your child's age and needs, I may check in with you briefly before or after sessions to share observations, discuss progress, answer questions, and collaborate on ways to support your child outside of therapy. We'll talk openly about expectations and communication so that everyone feels informed, supported, and respected throughout the therapeutic process.

I sometimes offer things to practice between sessions, but I try to keep therapy from feeling like school. That said, I may provide helpful resources, coping strategies, or simple interventions to practice at home when they seem beneficial. In some situations, we might work together on a behavior plan, safety plan, or other structured supports to help meet specific goals. Any recommendations are always tailored to the child and family, and we'll collaborate on what feels realistic, comfortable, and helpful for everyone involved.

The length of therapy can vary quite a bit because every child and family has different needs. Sessions are typically (depending on age) 30, 45, or 60-minutes long and are usually scheduled weekly to start. Some children may come for just a few months to work through a specific challenge, while others benefit from longer-term support over six months, a year, or more. Throughout the process, we'll regularly check in about goals, progress, and whether the frequency or duration of therapy still feels like the right fit for your child and family.

Therapy is something we continually evaluate together. As we see progress toward the goals we identified, we'll have ongoing conversations about how things are going at home, school, and in other areas of your child's life. Ending therapy is typically a collaborative decision rather than a sudden one, and we can also plan for less frequent sessions or occasional check-ins to help make the transition feel comfortable and supported.