Jennifer Onibudo

Typically, families see that therapy is working when their children are better able to cope with life's challenges. Whether it's handling frustrations without a melt-down; managing anxiety with supportive coping skills or using appropriate methods to communicate needs and feelings, these can be large noticeable changes, or smaller increments that signal that things are shifting in the right direction. Each family and child is unique, so progress will be measured against the goals that we establish in our initial sessions together.

Our first session will be collaborative- both parents/caregivers and children usually participate. The goal of the first session is to try to gain a useful picture of what the current issues are, what things you as a family wish to change and to see if we are a good fit! We'll talk about the challenges, but also the things are are going well because it helps to establish a solid baseline and goals for us to work from.

It depends, but generally, coping and communication skills need to be practiced both in session and outside of it in order for improvement to happen. Collaboration is key here! "Homework" is assigned if we think it will be helpful, and is always given within manageable limits to meet your family's needs!

Most families check in with me based on needs and skills that we are working on. For some, this means that we check in each session, and for others it may mean a check in once or twice a month. Our check in schedule is designed to be supportive and to meet your family's needs, so the frequency, duration and structure of the check in will vary depending on what we're working on!

Deciding when to close out therapy is a very big and personal decision. As we work together, we'll evaluate whether or not we are meeting the goals that we established for our time together. Once these goals are met, or satisfactory progress is made, a family may choose to taper back sessions. Families may also decide to pause, or a take a break, to see how things go "on their own". A family may also choose to shift therapeutic focus to a new goal, depending on what is going on.

Connection takes time! I utilize an approach that seeks to limit the feeling of being "pressured" to open up. We establish goals in conjunction with your teen's input while keeping their interests in mind. I pay special attention to the pacing of sessions, and it's my goal as a therapist to provide a safe and comfortable space for my clients to work through life's challenges. Flexibility is key! Some teens love to talk, while others may prefer to work through their challenges using games, art, books and other methods. I encourage open and honest feedback from everyone involved!

The length of time spent in therapy is often determined by the goals we are working towards. Eash family is differe, but the average is 8-16 sessions. We will monitor progress regularly to help us determine when we have met our established goals, or to help us figure out if an adjustment is needed. Some clients may reach their goals quickly, while others may need extra time (which is ok!).