Therapy Services:
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
What’s the difference between having my child talk to you or their parent(s)?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help your child approach their situation in a new way – learn new skills, gain different perspectives in a safe space without judgement or expectations.
Why shouldn’t my child just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into the behavior and teach strategies that can help your child accomplish the social, emotional and academic goals. Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
How can my child get the most out of therapy?
Psychiatric Services:
What does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner do?
Nurse practitioners are qualified in assessment, diagnosis, planning and evaluations. A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is trained to care for patients with mental health issues across the lifespan through various steps of patient care:
- Mental health assessments and diagnostics
- Prescribe a treatment plan, which may include medications
- Conduct psychotherapy sessions
- Make recommendations and assist in the coordination of other health services
- Education for the patient and family every step of the way
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, having earned an MD or a DO and completed a psychiatric residency. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice RNs who have completed a graduate program on top of their work as a licensed nurse. Both types of clinicians assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
How do I know if I should schedule a visit with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
Give us a call, we are here to help guide you in your best course of action. While a combination of sessions with our therapists as well as our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners offers a holistic approach, clients do not have to see a Therapy Etc therapist in order to schedule with our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.
Educational Advocacy:
What is the difference between an advocate and an attorney?
Although our educational advocates are well versed in 504 and Special Education law, they cannot provide legal advice, represent you in any legal capacity, or provide documentation for disputes. We are able to review your child’s educational records and private evaluations, attend school meetings, and provide guidance and support through your child’s educational journey. Our advocates are a part of your child’s TEAM, an individualized support system to ensure that your child’s needs are being met within the school setting.
Why do you need an advocate?
No two children are alike, just as no two learners are the same. As a part of your child’s support system, our educational advocates are there to guide and support your and your child through the nuances of the law and your child’s educational rights. Our job is to help you understand the information and the process of getting your child’s individualized educational needs met.
It can be overwhelming to walk into a meeting composed of numerous school professionals who are unloading copious amounts of information about your child’s educational progress and needs. We are here to help you prepare for and attend school meetings as an ally. Our job is to help you understand the information being presented and offer advice and support the educational team in making appropriate decisions for your child’s education.
How do parents know the extent of their child’s educational needs?
We assist families in identifying ways for your child to succeed socially, emotionally and academically in the least restrictive educational environment. Even if you have gone through the IEP/504 process, we can help by reviewing these documents to ensure your child’s needs are being met.
My child has a diagnosis that impacts their ability to access the general education curriculum. What are their rights so they can continue to grow academically?
Your child has a right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Including, if necessary, educational services designed to meet their individual needs to the same extent as the needs of a student without learning differences are met. Your child may qualify to receive accommodations through an IEP or 504 plan.
Parent & Co-Parent Coaching:
What is Parent Coaching? When is it time to seek Parent Coaching?
- Our clinicians conduct Parent Coaching sessions in order to help parents gain and strengthen healthy skills to parent more effectively.
- Parent Coaching sessions are beneficial to parents that may need assistance in developing plans to better address unwanted behaviors while improving the relationship between parent and child(ren) to build towards a healthier family dynamic. Having a Parent Coach is also an advocate for the parent(s), to feel supported and empowered.
- It is a myth that scheduling Parent Coaching sessions means a parent has failed in any way! Parent Coaching is an excellent route for those seeking guidance with researched best practices.
- Parents schedule Parent Coaching sessions as a preventative measure to hone their skills, as recommended by a therapist, or, when a parent starts to feel overwhelmed and/or lost with their child’s behaviors and the family dynamic. It is never too late to ask for help!
Can Parent Coaching be done in conjunction with my child’s therapy?
Yes, while not required, it is often very helpful to have Parent Coaching services alongside your child’s therapy.
How Do I Know That My Child Won’t Just Outgrow These Behaviors?
- Children usually engage in unwanted behaviors because they are benefiting them in some way. Sometimes a child will “outgrow” a certain behavior, however, they will typically replace it with another unwanted behavior if the root cause has not been addressed.
- Parent Coaching can help identify the root cause of the behaviors and help develop the skills to teach your child more appropriate avenues to express their feelings and needs.
Co-Parent Coaching: What is it and how is it different from Parent Coaching?
- Co-Parent Coaching is an effective tool to help navigate a healthy co-parenting relationship and stable environments for children post divorce.
- Co-Parent Coaching helps both parents navigate the complexities of a child living in more than one environment. It can help when parents run tino disagreements on what is best for their children and help find common ground on parenting styles for children to have their needs met and thrive, regardless of the changes around them.
- Just like individual Parent Coaching, Co-Parent sessions can provide both parents with tools and evidence based best practices to everyday problems.