Heather Boen

Our first session is really about getting to know each other! I know meeting a new counselor can feel a little weird, so we're keeping things easy. No pressure, no judgment, and no expectation that your child tells me their deepest, darkest secrets in the first five minutes! We'll chat about what's going on, what they'd like to be different, and what they're hoping for. I believe relationships come before anything else, so my biggest goal is for your child to leave thinking, “Okay, I think I can talk to her!”

That's a great question! And the truth is, progress doesn't always look like a big, dramatic change. Sometimes it's your child handling a tough situation a little differently, opening up more, or bouncing back from a hard day a little faster. We'll talk about what we're working toward and check in along the way. And remember, progress isn't always a straight line! There will be good days and hard days, and that's okay. We're looking for growth, not perfection. Those little wins? They add up!

I believe parents are an important part of the team, so I definitely want to keep you in the loop regularly! We'll check in regularly about how things are going, what we're working on, and ways you can support your child at home. At the same time, I want your child to feel like counseling is their safe space, so I won't share every little detail of our conversations. My goal is to build trust with your child while making sure you feel supported and included, too. We're all on the same team!

That's perfectly okay! After 15 years of working with kids and teens, I've learned that trust takes time, and that's something I'm happy to give them. We might start by chatting about music, hobbies, or whatever makes them smile. There's no pressure to share before they're ready. My job is to meet your child where they are, help them feel comfortable, and let that connection grow naturally. Sometimes the smallest conversations open the biggest doors!

I know it's hard to hand your teen over to someone else and not know every little thing they're talking about! But here's the thing: kids need a space where they can just be themselves without worrying about what Mom or Dad might think. I take that trust seriously! I'll absolutely keep you involved and updated on how things are going, while respecting your teen's privacy. And if there's ever a safety concern, we'll address it. We're on the same team, and we both want what's best for your kiddo!

I wish I had a magic number for you, but every kiddo is different! Some just need a little extra support to get through a tough season, while others benefit from having someone in their corner a bit longer. We'll set goals together, celebrate the little wins, and check in along the way. My goal isn't to keep your child in therapy forever. It's to help them build the confidence and skills they need to handle life's ups and downs on their own!

We'll figure that out together! I always tell parents that the goal isn't for your kiddo to need me forever. It's for them to feel confident handling life's ups and downs on their own. We'll check in on their progress, celebrate how far they've come, and talk about whether they're ready to spread their wings. And if they need a little extra support down the road? That's okay, too! My door is always open.

Sometimes! But don't worry, I'm not sending your kiddo home with a packet of worksheets! We might practice a coping skill, try something new, or work on a small goal between sessions. I love giving kids little tools they can actually use in real life. And if something doesn't work? That's okay! We'll figure out what does. Therapy isn't about getting a perfect grade. It's about learning, growing, and finding what works for your child!