Frequently Asked Questions
The decision to see a therapist for mental health treatment may not be an easy one; it may even be a bit intimidating. Therapy is an investment, an emotional investment as well as an investment of time and finances. Below are common questions/concerns families may have as they decide if therapy is right for them. We hope this will help with your decision making process. If you have additional questions not addressed below, please feel free to submit your question via the contact form under the contact tab in the site menu.
What is child therapy and does it work?
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Therapy is designed to provide releif from emotional distress and/or modify behvior and thinking that interferes with everyday functioning. Therapy can also be used to optimize development by learning and impementing skill sets.
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What should I expect at the first appointment?
Does Shine! have a provider who prescribes medications?
Can an adult other than the parent/legal guardian take a child to appointments?
Who can benefit from therapy?
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Anyone willing to participate in therapy can benefit. Therapy does not need to be used in only the most dire circumstances. Warning signs vary from child to child, but some major changes to be on the lookout for are behavioral issues and irregular sleeping patterns. If your child is acting completely out of the ordinary, something may be wrong. All children act out from time to time. It’s a part of growing up and developing hormones. But, when behavior becomes extremely deviant and worrisome, consider seeing a counselor. Likewise, watch out for major changes in sleep. If your child is suddenly sleeping a lot more or less than usual, there may be a deeper problem at hand. For example, young children who have experienced trauma may be losing sleep because of nightmares and constant worry.
Seeing a counselor can benefit your child in many ways. You do not need a diagnosis or major reason to attend counseling – it could simply be preventative. In the same way, you get regular checkups from your medical doctor, it’s okay to check up with a counselor to make sure your mind is healthy and happy.
When considering child therapy, be sure to set realistic expectations. A counselor is not going to “fix” your child. They are there to help your child progress and process their emotions in a healthy way.
How long therapy last and how frequent are sessions?
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Every child is different. Many children can work through and process their challenges in just a few sessions, while some take years. Many times, children who have experienced trauma may need a few years to really understand and process what they went through. Those with develomental delay or are neurodivergent may return during develpmental changes.
What forms of payment do you accept?
What if my child does not want to participate in therapy?
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Some children are much more reluctant to see a therapist than others. One of the best ways to approach this conversation is to treat it like a well-child doctor's visit. Let your child know that you are going to see a therapist to make sure everything is okay, that they are healthy, and to see if there is anything they need to treat. Never try to trick your child into going to therapy. When a child arrives at therapy when they thought they were going somewhere else, they will be closed off and much more reluctant to participate in their session. Be honest and let your child know that you want what is best for them. If your child is uncomfortable with their therapist, let them know it’s okay to switch!
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