Anuja Khadka

A first session is a welcoming, collaborative space where we get to know each other and begin understanding what brought you to therapy. We’ll discuss your concerns, goals, background, and what you hope to change. I’ll explain how therapy works and answer any questions you have. Together, we’ll identify initial goals and create a plan that feels comfortable and meaningful for you.

You’ll know therapy is working when you begin noticing meaningful changes in how you feel, think, and respond-not necessarily because every problem disappears. We’ll regularly check in on your goals and progress. You may notice improved coping, healthier boundaries, greater self-awareness, less emotional distress, stronger relationships, and increased confidence in handling life’s challenges. Therapy is collaborative, so we’ll adjust the approach if something isn’t working for you.

For children and adolescents, parent communication is an important part of treatment. We’ll discuss the appropriate level and frequency of communication during the initial session, based on your child’s needs, age, treatment goals, and your concerns.

I may provide general updates about progress, treatment goals, and ways you can support your child at home while respecting your child’s privacy and therapeutic space. If there are safety concerns or other situations requiring parental involvement, I will communicate with you promptly.

It’s completely normal for children and teens to feel hesitant about opening up, especially at the beginning of therapy. I won’t pressure them to talk before they’re ready. Instead, I focus on building trust and creating a safe, judgment-free space.

We may use conversation, activities, creative approaches, or age-appropriate techniques to help them feel comfortable. Over time, the goal is to build a genuine therapeutic relationship where they feel safe enough to share at their own pace.

Sometimes. Depending on your goals and what we work on in session, I may suggest simple, practical activities to continue the work between sessions. This could include journaling, mindfulness or grounding exercises, noticing thought patterns, practicing coping skills, or trying a new communication or boundary skill.

These are always collaborative and tailored to you. The goal isn’t to give you more work-it’s to help you apply what we discuss in therapy to your everyday life.