Elsie Pena

I communicate a lot with parents through the portal, text or calling. I want my parents to feel as comfortable and as included as possible in the therapeutic process. I am happy to collaborate with parents and answer any questions or concerns they may have.

If I feel that it will be helpful and the client and the parents are open to this then yes but I always leave it up to the clients discretion as I don't want parents or clients to feel that they are forced to do homework or feel disappointed in themselves if they don't get to complete it. Homework should be seen as a helping tool in addition to the work we do in session.

With this topic I handle confidentiality with teenagers by creating a sage and trusting therapeutic environment while also maintaining appropriate parent involvement when clinically necessary. I explain confidentiality to teenagers always with the parents present so that both parties can know what the limits are. Safety concerns such as risk of harm to self or others. I aim to protect the teens sense of privacy and autonomy while at the same time collaborating with caregivers/ parents in ways that support treatment goals and emotional safety.

First sessions with me are warm, collaborative and focused on helping children and teens feel emotionally safe and understood. I also focus a lot on building a good solid rapport foundation as I feel this is key to having a good therapeutic relationship. During this time, we will get to know each other, go over the background information, discuss goals for treatment and explain confidentiality and its limits in an age-appropriate way. Depending on age and comfort level I include conversation, creative activities, art based interventions, play based