Starting therapy can feel like a big step, both for your child and for you as a parent. You may be wondering what the process looks like, what your role will be, and how your child’s therapist will help them feel comfortable. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when your child begins therapy with us.
1. The Initial 15-Minute Consultation Call
Before booking a first appointment, we begin with a short 15-minute phone consultation between parents and the therapist. This call helps us determine whether the therapist is a good fit for your child and allows the therapist to learn a bit about your child, what brings them to therapy, and your goals for support. It’s also a chance for parents to ask questions about the therapist’s background, training, and approach.
2. Parent Intake Session
Next, we schedule a 50-minute parent intake session. This meeting is for parents only and allows the therapist to learn more about your child in detail, including their personality, strengths, areas of difficulty, school and social experiences, mood, and family background. Together, we’ll explore what you hope therapy will help your child achieve.
3. First Session with Your Child
After the parent intake session, your child will attend their first session with the therapist. Each session is 50 minutes long. For the first 10–15 minutes, parents are invited to join the session to review important information such as informed consent and the limits to confidentiality (what can and cannot be shared outside of therapy). After that, parents are invited to wait in the waiting area while the therapist meets with your child one-on-one.
4. Building Comfort and Setting Goals
After the parent intake session, your child will attend their first session with the therapist. Each session is 50 minutes long. For the first 10–15 minutes, parents are invited to join the session to review important information such as informed consent and the limits to confidentiality (what can and cannot be shared outside of therapy). After that, parents are invited to wait in the waiting area while the therapist meets with your child one-on-one.
5. Treatment Planning and Parent Review
After those initial sessions, the therapist will create a personalized treatment plan outlining your child’s therapeutic goals, the approaches that will be used, and recommended session frequency. Parents will be invited to review this plan in a separate parent-only meeting if they’d like. While this meeting is optional, it’s a great opportunity to understand how therapy will look moving forward and to collaborate on next steps.
6. Keeping Parents Involved
While therapy sessions are confidential to help your child feel safe opening up, we understand that parents want to stay involved and informed. The therapist may invite you into the last few minutes of a session to share updates, review therapy homework, or discuss an activity that supports your child’s goals. We also offer parent coaching & psychotherapy sessions if you’d like additional guidance on how to support your child’s emotional growth at home.
7. What Therapy Looks Like for Kids and Teens
Therapy for children and teens is designed to be interactive, engaging, and fun. Sessions often include games, art, books, and hands-on activities that match your child’s interests and personality, in addition to talking. Every game, story, or activity is thoughtfully chosen to help your child work toward their goals, such as managing anxiety, building confidence, improving social skills, or handling big emotions.
We believe that therapy works best when it feels safe, collaborative, and even enjoyable. Our goal is to help your child feel understood and supported while equipping them with tools to thrive both emotionally and socially, at home, school, and beyond.
Specialized Support For Children & Teen Mental Health
Niamh (pronounced nee-iv) is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who holds specialized training in Children & Teen Mental Health. She is dedicated to supporting children and teens as they navigate emotional, behavioural, and social challenges. She has extensive experience working with neurodiverse youth, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, as well as young people experiencing anxiety, depression, and school-related stress. Niamh’s warm, collaborative approach creates a safe space for children and teens to build resilience, confidence, and emotional awareness. Integrating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches, she helps each client grow in a way that feels authentic and empowering. Currently completing her Play Therapy Certification, Niamh incorporates play as a natural and healing form of expression to support children’s growth and wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are child therapy services covered under extended health insurance?
Yes. Psychotherapy services provided by Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) are often covered under extended health insurance plans. Coverage can vary depending on your provider, so we encourage you to check your plan details or contact your insurance company to confirm eligibility.
2. Can I wait in the waiting area during my child’s session?
Yes. Parents and caregivers are welcome to wait in our comfortable waiting area during sessions. Some families prefer to stay close by, while others take the opportunity for a brief walk or coffee break—whatever feels most supportive for you and your child.
3. How do I know if my child could benefit from therapy?
Therapy can be helpful when a child is struggling with emotions, behaviour, relationships, or school-related stress. It can also be a proactive way to build emotional resilience, coping skills, and self-confidence. You don’t need to wait for a crisis—many families find that starting therapy early helps children develop lifelong tools for wellbeing.
4. How do you involve parents or caregivers in the therapy process?
Parent and caregiver collaboration is an important part of therapy. Niamh provides feedback and guidance to help families reinforce progress at home, while also ensuring that sessions remain a safe space for children and teens to express themselves openly.
5. Do you offer therapy for parents or caregivers as well?
Yes. Our team includes therapists who specialize in supporting parents and caregivers. Family wellbeing is interconnected, and when parents engage in their own therapy, it models healthy coping and growth for their children. It also helps children see that they are not the “problem”—instead, the family is working together as a team to face challenges and build stronger connections.
Have more questions? Schedule a free 15-minute clarity call to ask questions, share what you’re going through, and explore how therapy can help your family.