Lisa Espig

The first session is all about getting to know your child and understanding what brings your family to therapy. We'll talk about concerns, strengths, and what you hope to accomplish. I understand that meeting someone new can feel uncomfortable, so there's no pressure to share everything right away. My priority is creating a safe, welcoming space where your child feels heard and accepted. Together, we'll begin identifying goals and developing a plan that fits your child's unique needs.

Progress in therapy looks different for every child, and change doesn't always happen overnight. You may notice your child expressing emotions more openly, using healthier coping skills, managing frustrations better, or showing more confidence. Sometimes progress comes in small steps, and setbacks are a normal part of growth. We'll regularly check in on goals, celebrate successes, and adjust our approach as needed. My goal is to help your child build skills that make a meaningful difference in everyday life.

I believe parents are an important part of their child's progress. I'll provide regular updates, check in about concerns, and collaborate with you on ways to support your child at home. The frequency of communication will depend on your child's needs and treatment goals. I also value creating a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing, so I'll balance keeping you involved with respecting their privacy and confidentiality. My goal is for us to work together as a team.

I believe therapy should be a place where children feel understood, accepted, and comfortable being themselves. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every child has unique strengths, challenges, and needs. I focus on building trust, meeting children where they are, and helping them develop practical skills they can use in everyday life. My goal isn't to change who your child is, but to help them feel confident, capable, and supported as they grow.

I believe building trust is essential when working with teens. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. I explain confidentiality and its limits from the beginning, including situations involving safety concerns or required reporting. I also recognize the importance of parental involvement while respecting the teen’s privacy and independence. My goal is to encourage open communication and involve parents when appropriate, while maintaining the trust that is so important to the therapeutic relationship.

Yes! I believe growth happens both during and between sessions. I often encourage clients to practice skills or try small, manageable activities that relate to what we are working on in therapy. This might include journaling, practicing coping strategies, challenging negative thoughts, or simply becoming more aware of emotions and behaviors. I tailor these activities to each client’s needs and comfort level, with the goal of making therapy practical and meaningful in everyday life.

That’s completely okay! Building trust takes time, especially with children and teens. I never want a child to feel pressured to share before they are ready. I focus on creating a comfortable, supportive environment where they can be themselves. Sometimes that means using activities, games, or simply having casual conversations to build a connection. I meet each child where they are and allow the relationship to develop at their own pace. Often, once they feel safe and understood, opening up becomes easier.

Therapy looks different for everyone! Some clients benefit from just a few sessions to work through a specific concern, while others may need more time and ongoing support. I take a collaborative approach, working with each client to identify goals and regularly check in on their progress. My focus is on helping clients develop the tools and confidence they need to navigate life's challenges, rather than keeping them in therapy longer than necessary.