Britianella Washington-Edwards

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what’s bringing you or your child to therapy. We’ll talk through what challenges feel most present, what strengths already exist, and what you’re hoping might feel different through this process.

For children and teens, we’ll also explore family dynamics and how they feel about starting therapy. Some people open up quickly, others take more time—both are completely normal.

The first session is also a chance for both of us to assess whether working together feels like the right fit moving forward.

Therapy progress isn’t always dramatic or immediate—and that’s okay. Change often starts in small, meaningful ways before becoming more noticeable over time.

You may notice:
• emotions feeling less overwhelming
• fewer/shorter outbursts
• improved communication
• increased confidence/self-awareness

Sometimes progress looks like:
• pausing before reacting
• asking for help
• recovering quicker after hard moments
• even one better day than last week

Small shifts matter. Growth is gradual, layered, and non-linear—and those subtle changes are often the strongest signs therapy is working!

Parents are an important part of the therapy process, and I never want you to feel disconnected from the process. Our rhythm/theme of communication will vary based on your child’s age, needs, and goals.

With younger children, involvement is often more frequent and may include brief check-ins about progress, concerns, skills being practiced, and ways to support growth at home.

With teens, communication focuses more on overall themes, progress, and support strategies rather than session details, helping build trust and emotional safety. Safety concerns are always communicated appropriately.

Confidentiality is one of the biggest ways trust is built in therapy, especially with teens. Many teens open up more honestly when they know thoughts/conversations will be protected.

At the same time, I understand parents want to feel informed and confident their teen is receiving meaningful support. I work to balance your teen’s privacy with appropriate parent involvement by sharing overall themes, progress, concerns, and ways to support them outside sessions.

That said, confidentiality does have limits. If ever there are safety concerns, parents/guardians will be informed as appropriate.

Therapy looks different for everyone, and duration, depends on your goals, needs, and challenges. Some people benefit from short-term support around a specific concern or transition, while others need longer-term care. Using a Solution-Focused approach, we’ll build on strengths and what’s already working to create meaningful progress.

On average, clients attend around 12–15 sessions, though this varies. Rather than focusing only on how long therapy “should” take, we’ll pay attention to whether: therapy feels helpful, progress is being made, and life feels more manageable outside of session.

Therapy doesn’t end after a set number of sessions — it’s something we decide together, based on progress, goals, and readiness.

From the beginning, we’ll talk about what you hope will feel different and continue checking in along the way. As things improve, we'll reflect on questions like:

• Are concerns feeling more manageable?
• Is daily life improving?
• Are coping skills being used more consistently?

We'll approach this transition thoughtfully and collaboratively so you or your child feel supported, prepared, and confident moving forward—not simply “finished” with therapy.