Brittany Daniel

Our first session is all about getting to know you and creating a safe, comfortable space where you feel supported. We’ll talk about what brings you to counseling, the challenges you may be facing, and what goals you have for therapy. I may ask questions about your background, emotions, relationships, and coping skills so I can better understand how to support you. There is never any pressure to share more than you feel ready to, and you are always welcome to move at your own pace.

I believe parent involvement is an important part of supporting a child or teen in counseling. I typically provide regular check-ins with parents as needed while also maintaining your child’s privacy and trust within the therapeutic relationship. I will always communicate concerns related to safety, significant behavioral changes, or important treatment updates. We can also schedule parent consultations whenever needed to discuss progress, goals, and ways to support your child outside of sessions.

The length of therapy looks different for everyone and depends on your goals, needs, and the challenges you are working through. Some clients benefit from short-term counseling focused on a specific issue, while others prefer longer-term support for deeper healing and personal growth. Together, we will regularly check in on your progress and make sure therapy continues to meet your needs at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive for you.

Yes, at times I may encourage practice or small activities between sessions to help you apply what we talk about in therapy to your daily life. This could include coping skills, journaling, communication exercises, grounding techniques, or reflection activities. Any homework or practice is always tailored to your needs and comfort level, and the goal is to help support your growth and progress outside of sessions in a manageable and supportive way.

It’s completely normal for some children and teens to take time to feel comfortable opening up in counseling. I focus on building trust, creating a safe and supportive environment, and meeting each client at their own pace. I never force conversations or pressure a child to share before they are ready. Often, connection develops naturally over time through consistency, patience, and creating a space where they feel heard, respected, and understood.

You may begin to notice progress in different ways, such as improved communication, healthier coping skills, reduced anxiety or stress, better emotional regulation, stronger relationships, or positive changes in behavior and confidence. Sometimes progress is gradual, and other times it can be more noticeable. Throughout the counseling process, we will regularly check in on goals, discuss growth and challenges, and make sure therapy continues to feel helpful and supportive for you or your child.

One of the best ways you can support your child outside of therapy is by creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Consistency, patience, active listening, and encouragement can make a significant difference in their progress. I also encourage parents to practice healthy communication, reinforce coping skills discussed in therapy, and celebrate small steps of growth along the way.