Katia Torres

Our first session is a chance to get to know you or your child, discuss what brings you to therapy, and identify goals for support. I’ll ask questions about current concerns, history, strengths, and what you hope to see improve. For children and teens, I also work to create a comfortable, age-appropriate space where they feel safe opening up. Together, we’ll begin building a plan that feels supportive, practical, and tailored to your needs.

That is very common, and I never force a child or teen to open up before they feel ready. I focus first on building trust, safety, and rapport at their pace. Some children communicate best through play, activities, art, or practical conversations rather than direct questions. I also collaborate with parents when appropriate, while still respecting the child’s need for privacy. Over time, the goal is to help them feel comfortable, understood, and supported.

Therapy length varies depending on your needs, goals, and consistency with sessions. Some patients benefit from short-term support focused on specific concerns, while others may need longer-term therapy for anxiety, trauma, family conflict, or ongoing life stressors. We will regularly check in on progress and adjust the plan as needed. My goal is to provide support that feels helpful, practical, and tailored to you or your child.

You may notice therapy is working when you or your child begin to feel more understood, better able to manage emotions, and more confident using coping skills outside of session. Progress may also look like fewer outbursts, improved communication, stronger boundaries, better school or family functioning, or increased self-awareness. Therapy progress is not always perfect or linear, so we will regularly check in on goals and adjust support as needed.

I value collaboration with parents and caregivers. Communication may include brief check-ins, updates on treatment goals and progress, and guidance on ways to support your child at home. The frequency of parent communication depends on your child’s age, needs, and treatment plan. I also work to protect your child’s privacy in therapy so they feel safe being open, while always keeping parents informed about safety concerns or important issues that require support.