Hi there,

If you've decided that it's time to take your kid to see a child therapist then it's important you talk to them before your first visit.  Talking to an unfamiliar adult about things that make them anxious can be an uncomfortable experience for kids.  Letting them know ahead of time what to expect is a good idea. Here are some suggestions of what to say to them:

• You know how sometimes we have trouble doing (describe problem). I think it would be helpful if we went to see someone who can help us with that.  Sometimes I don't know the best way to help you.   That person is there to help me AND you. 
• The therapist will ask us questions in the beginning to understand what is going on. Then they will talk to us about things we would like to improve and together we come up with ideas that will help us (feel better, improve our study skills, etc.)
• It is okay if you feel uncomfortable talking about some things.  You do not have to talk about anything that makes you feel uncomfortable until you are ready to do so.
  
• You know how sometimes you feel frustrated with (mom, dad, siblings, etc.). You can talk to the therapist about things that upset you that you feel like you can't say to anyone. It is your time to talk about the things that matter to you. 
• Lastly, relate it to someone's experience with therapy who has had positive results. Describe how lots of kids see therapists for different reasons.  Once they start to feel better together we can decide if we still need to continue. 

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Dr. S

Hi there,

Now that school is back in full swing it may be a good time to take your child to go see a therapist if they are struggling with anxiety or adjusting back to the routine. Finding a good therapist can feel overwhelming especially when you are looking for the right fit with your anxious child.  Here are some good questions to ask during the initial phone consultation:

1. Do you work with kids of a certain age?  Do you work with the parents? 
2. What is your treatment approach?
3. Can you explain what a typical session looks like?
4. What do you do if treatment is not working?
5. My son/daughter is experiencing (describe specific problems). Have you treated this before?
6. My son/daughter has an IEP or 504 Plan.  Will you collaborate with the school if requested?
7. I am interested in having my son/daughter evaluated to receive services.  Do you conduct (specific) evaluations?
8. If I need to contact you between therapy sessions, what is your policy?
9. What if my child needs medication? 
10. My child has never been in therapy. What should I tell them before our first visit?


​Dr. S

Hi there,

First days of school can be anxiety-provoking for most kids. Lets face it first days back from summer can be tough for us all!  Whether it is anticipation about starting at a new school, changing classes for the first time, transitioning to high school, meeting new teachers, taking regents for the first time, finding out who is in your class....school can definitely be information overload which for many kids can cause anxiety. While anxiety or butterflies about starting school is a normal reaction to the start of the school year, for anxious kids however, they may be consumed by these worries.  Here are some helpful strategies to ease the back to school transition.

1. Normalize first day of school butterflies. Let them know that adults feel the same way too on the first day back! Emphasize that it is everyone's first day and that having some nervous feelings is okay.
2. Discuss and problem-solve specific worries. For example, if they are worried about being in a new building and making it to their classes see if they can walk the building in the mornings before school to make them feel more comfortable.  Emphasize that most teachers understand that in the first week they are adjusting to a new building but that they probably will get the hang of it like they did at their previous school. 
3. Review some previous "first days". Have them recall the first day of karate, girl scouts, middle school, etc.  Emphasize that since then they have not only gained experience handling firsts, they are older and more capable! Emphasize how they felt similar butterflies during those times but ultimately did beautifully and/or what strategies helped them (or weren't so useful). 
4. Lastly, take the pressure off this week and apply the sponge rule: just take in everything this week without making decisions.  The goal of the first week should be acclimating to their schedule, finding their classrooms, reconnecting with peers, and getting to know new teachers. Decisions about classes, clubs, schedules, etc. should be a later focus. Emphasize that their goal for the first week is to be a sponge- take in all the information around them, learn what the demands are for each class, adjust to the dynamics of the classroom, and get used to their daily schedule.  

To all the parents, teachers, school psychologists/administrators, and most importantly to all the brave kids I work with and those out there, have a great school year!

​Dr. S