When I began my private practice in 1991, I shifted much of my focus from older adults to school age children and adolescents, especially girls. My interest initially grew out of my own experience raising two daughters.
When I begin work with a young client, I develop an informal agreement with her (or him) on confidentiality and my relationship with you, the parent.
I understand that as parents, you know your child better than anybody, that you are critically important to her well-being, and that you have brought her to therapy because you care about her. As I work with your child, I invite your input and feedback. There are times when you have information about what is going on that I may not otherwise know. If, for example, your child has a rough weekend and lashes out or has academic or peer problems at school, you are welcome to leave that information on my office voice mail. I may use this as an entree to discuss with your child what’s going on. Ideally, you will be able to tell your child that you are calling me. It is important and calming for children to know that the grown-ups in their lives are paying attention and that we are working together to help them.
It is my legal obligation to share with parents my concerns regarding self-harm or harm to others, such as heavy substance abuse, unprotected sex, and other risky behaviors. In these circumstances, I discuss with young people how best to inform their parents. In areas that do not involve self-harm or harm to others, I will maintain their confidentiality and only share with you issues that your child agrees that I may share.
Adolescents often feel shaky about separating from parents. They may become confused and worried about the natural developmental imperative of balancing separation and attachment. I help educate my young clients about why attachment issues are so challenging. We talk about how they can go out into the world while staying strongly connected to you. Together, we develop strategies that work for everyone in the family.
When I begin work with a young client, I develop an informal agreement with her (or him) on confidentiality and my relationship with you, the parent.
I understand that as parents, you know your child better than anybody, that you are critically important to her well-being, and that you have brought her to therapy because you care about her. As I work with your child, I invite your input and feedback. There are times when you have information about what is going on that I may not otherwise know. If, for example, your child has a rough weekend and lashes out or has academic or peer problems at school, you are welcome to leave that information on my office voice mail. I may use this as an entree to discuss with your child what’s going on. Ideally, you will be able to tell your child that you are calling me. It is important and calming for children to know that the grown-ups in their lives are paying attention and that we are working together to help them.
It is my legal obligation to share with parents my concerns regarding self-harm or harm to others, such as heavy substance abuse, unprotected sex, and other risky behaviors. In these circumstances, I discuss with young people how best to inform their parents. In areas that do not involve self-harm or harm to others, I will maintain their confidentiality and only share with you issues that your child agrees that I may share.
Adolescents often feel shaky about separating from parents. They may become confused and worried about the natural developmental imperative of balancing separation and attachment. I help educate my young clients about why attachment issues are so challenging. We talk about how they can go out into the world while staying strongly connected to you. Together, we develop strategies that work for everyone in the family.