Brittney Shaw

Our first session is a chance to get to know one another and create a comfortable, supportive space. We'll discuss your child or teen's strengths, challenges, goals, and any concerns that brought you to counseling. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are invited to attend, as your perspective helps me better understand your child's needs. Depending on age and comfort level, we may spend time together and individually. My goal is for everyone to leave feeling welcomed, understood, and confident about the path forward.

Communication with parents and caregivers is an important part of supporting children and teens in counseling. The frequency of communication will depend on your child's age, needs, and treatment goals. While I provide periodic updates and collaborate with parents as needed, I also strive to create a safe and trusting space where children and teens feel comfortable being open and honest. If concerns arise between sessions, I encourage you to reach out. My goal is to balance parental involvement with fostering a supportive environment that promotes growth, confidence, and connection.

It's common for children and teens to feel unsure about counseling at first, and building trust can take time. I focus on creating a safe, welcoming environment where clients can move at their own pace without pressure to share more than they are comfortable with. Through conversation, activities, and a genuine therapeutic relationship, most children and teens gradually become more comfortable opening up. My goal is to help them feel heard, respected, and confident enough to share when they are ready. Patience and consistency are often key parts of the process.

Every child, teen, and family is unique, so the length of therapy varies based on individual needs and goals. Many clients begin to see meaningful progress within 6–8 sessions, especially when working on a specific concern or skill. However, some children and teens benefit from longer-term support, particularly when navigating more complex challenges or life transitions. There is no "right" timeline for therapy, and taking longer is completely okay. We will regularly check in on progress and work together to determine the approach and pace that best supports your child.

Practice between sessions will vary based on your child or teen's age, goals, and individual needs. While I don't always assign formal "homework," I often encourage practicing coping skills, strategies, or new ways of thinking both during sessions and in everyday life. Consistent practice outside of therapy can help build confidence, strengthen new skills, and support lasting growth. Any activities or practice suggestions will be tailored to what feels manageable and meaningful for your child and family.

You'll know therapy is working when you begin to feel more comfortable opening up during sessions and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. You may become better at recognizing your symptoms and triggers, while healthier coping strategies become a regular part of daily life. Progress often shows through moving closer to your therapy goals, feeling more positive about yourself, your life, and the future. You may also notice improved relationships, fewer arguments, stronger boundaries, and healthier communication with others.