Jacqueline Castaneda

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and discuss your concerns, your child’s strengths, and your goals for therapy. For younger children, I may use play, games, or creative activities to help them feel comfortable. With teens, I focus on building trust and understanding their perspective. Parents are included in the process and will have time to share concerns and ask questions. Together, we will create a plan that supports your child’s growth and success.

Therapy progress looks different for every child and family, but there are often clear signs that positive changes are happening. You may notice your child communicating more effectively, managing emotions more successfully, showing improved behavior at home or school, or using coping skills when faced with challenges. Throughout treatment, I regularly review goals with both the child and parent, discuss progress, and adjust strategies as needed. My goal is to ensure that therapy remains meaningful, measurable, and focused on your family's needs.

Parents and caregivers are an important part of the therapeutic process. While the frequency of communication may vary depending on your child's age, needs, and treatment goals, I provide regular updates and collaborate with parents throughout treatment. We will discuss progress, concerns, and ways to support your child outside of sessions while also respecting appropriate therapeutic boundaries and confidentiality.

It's very common for children and teens to feel hesitant about therapy at first. Building trust takes time, and I never force a child to talk before they are ready. Instead, I focus on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where they can feel comfortable expressing themselves. Through conversation, activities, games, creative interventions, and relationship-building, most children and teens gradually become more comfortable and engaged in the therapeutic process.

Confidentiality is an important part of helping teens feel safe and supported in therapy. I encourage open communication while respecting their privacy. Parents will be informed about important themes, treatment goals, and safety concerns, but I do not share every detail of what a teen discusses in session. If there is a concern involving safety, risk of harm, abuse, or situations requiring parental involvement, I will take the necessary steps to ensure appropriate support and protection.

The length of therapy varies based on each child's needs, goals, and circumstances. Some families seek short-term support for a specific concern, while others benefit from longer-term treatment to address more complex challenges. We regularly review progress together and discuss whether treatment goals are being met. Therapy is typically completed when the child has developed the skills needed to manage challenges more independently, goals have been achieved, and both the family and therapist feel confident in maintaining progress outside of therapy.