Frequently asked questions

What you say depends on your child's age and how many questions they are asking about therapy. Before your child’s first session, you may share that it is my job to help kids learn and talk about their feelings or about thoughts that might be bothering them. We will do this by talking, drawing, and playing with toys and/or games. It is important that you tell your child that they are not coming because they are in trouble, but that coming to see me will help make them feel better. Also let them know they are in charge and they will not be made to say or do anything they do not want to do. You can support them by saying you want them to feel better too and need some help doing so.

Every client is unique and every client will progress through therapy at their own pace. Length of time depends on the presenting issue and willingness or motivation to engage in change. Some clients only need a few sessions to work through their issue or to learn some coping tools. Others have been through more traumatic events or have limited social support and require longer-term therapy.

At Stevenson Psychology, Audrey understands that recognizing when your child may benefit from therapy can be challenging or overwhelming for parents. Some signs that your child may benefit from therapy include: noticeable changes in mood such as persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability or uncontrollable anger excessive fears or worries emotional outbursts, tantrums or defiance drastic changes in sleep or eating aggressive behaviour withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed withdrawal from family and friends conflict with peers reduced school performance school refusal excessive accommodation by parents avoidance or disruption to daily activities frequent stomach aches, headaches or other physical symptoms Audrey provides a safe, supportive environment where your child can express themselves and develop healthy coping skills. Early intervention can improve your child's well-being and resilience, so if you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to Stevenson Psychology for a confidential consultation to discuss possible next steps.

For younger children 5 to 10 or 11: During my initial session for younger children, I meet with parents or guardians only. This allow us to fully explore your child's situation or concerns openly and explore background information while also discussing parental concerns and challenges. We will also discuss how to introduce therapy for your child and prepare them for their first session. From this first meeting, we will work together to start creating a treatment plan that supports the parents and the child, whether that be parents having parent consultation sessions or the child receiving individual sessions. For older children and teens 11 or 12 to 17: During this initial session, we will book a longer appointment (80 minute session) in order for both parents/guardians and child to be able to actively participate as we explore and discuss underlying concerns. We will establish collaborative goals and a treatment plan that will most effectively address the presenting concerns.