Patricia Tijerina

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, explore your current concerns, review relevant background, and talk about your goals. I'll also explain my approach, answer any questions, and ensure you know what to expect from the therapy process. There's no pressure to share everything at once...we'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space from the very beginning.

Therapy looks different for everyone, but progress often shows up in meaningful ways. You may feel more confident managing stress, notice healthier relationships, gain insight into patterns, or feel more aligned with your values and goals. Together, we'll regularly review your progress, celebrate improvements, and adjust our approach as needed. Growth isn't always linear, but we'll work collaboratively to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs.

Parent involvement is an important part of the therapy process. I'll provide regular updates on your child's progress, discuss goals, and offer guidance on how to support them at home while respecting their privacy and building trust in therapy. The frequency of communication depends on your child's needs and age, but we'll work together to establish a plan that keeps you informed and engaged throughout the process.

It's completely normal for children and teens to feel hesitant about opening up at first. Building trust takes time, and I never force conversations before they're ready. I meet each child where they are, using age-appropriate, engaging approaches to help them feel safe, comfortable, and understood. As our relationship grows, most young clients begin to share more naturally. My priority is creating a space where they feel accepted and supported at their own pace.

Confidentiality is an important part of building trust with teens. I provide a safe, private space where they can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. At the beginning of therapy, I explain confidentiality and its limits in an age-appropriate way, including situations where safety concerns require involving parents or others. I believe in balancing a teen’s need for privacy with a parent’s need to support their well-being, and I work collaboratively with families to maintain trust and open communication.

At times, I may suggest activities or practices to complete between sessions to help reinforce what we discuss in therapy, build new skills, and support continued growth outside of our time together. These may include reflection exercises, coping strategies, educational resources, or practicing new approaches in everyday situations. Any assignments are tailored to your needs and goals, and they are meant to be supportive and not overwhelming. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we will work together to find what feels most helpful for your journey.

The length of therapy varies depending on each person’s unique needs, goals, and circumstances. Some clients may find support and progress through short-term therapy, while others benefit from longer-term work to address deeper concerns and create lasting change. We will regularly check in on your progress and adjust our approach as needed. My goal is to provide the support, tools, and guidance you need while honoring your individual pace and journey.

Deciding when therapy is complete is a collaborative process between us. Throughout our work together, we’ll regularly reflect on your progress, the goals we’ve established, and the skills you’ve developed. Therapy may come to an end when you feel more confident managing challenges, have achieved your goals, and feel ready to continue applying what you’ve learned independently. We’ll discuss this openly and create a thoughtful plan for transitioning out of therapy, while ensuring you feel supported moving forward.