Frequently Asked Questions
What age range does Leah treat?
In general, Leah begins treatment with children between the ages of 3-8. Leah does occasionally accept clients as old as 12 based on presenting needs and history.
How do sessions work?
Leah is a play-based therapist, so play is used during most children's sessions. Her office is thoughtfully designed with the therapeutic needs of young children in mind, and includes play material intended to generate creativity and story telling. For most children, sessions begin with 5-15 minutes of talking time, either independently or with a parent, followed by expressive art or play.
How should I support my child after appointments?
Leah encourages parents to make the post-therapy experience a time of intentional support and nurturing. This might be as simple as sharing hot chocolate each week after session, taking a walk together before getting in the car, or thinking of a favorite song or story you can listen to each week as you drive home. The key is that the support is part of the routine, something your child can count on each week, and something you do together. If your child has had a particularly intensive session, Leah will let you know directly after session and may suggest specific supports.
How much will I know about what my child shares?
Leah aims to provide feedback in a way that helps parents feel involved and engaged in the treatment. When your child has newly started therapy, it makes sense to be in close touch after each session. You’ll want to know how your child is using their time, and Leah will want to know how things are going before and after sessions. Once settled into a comfortable rhythm, parents will continue to meet or talk with Leah every 4-6 weeks.
Children and adults are both informed that any worrisome material disclosed in therapy will be promptly shared with the grown up in charge. Additionally, Leah is a mandated reporter. This means that if you or your child disclose on-going abuse, neglect or issues of significant risk, Leah is required to report this information to the Department of Children and Families.
Can I provide information about my child’s week before her session?
Yes! As Leah often says, there is no such thing as too much information. Please email her as you wish prior to your child’s session. You may also do this collaboratively with your child. It is one of the most helpful things parents can do to support their child’s treatment - sit together the day before the appointment and write a note, sharing what’s gone well and what’s been hard. Your child can put the note in the office mailbox at the start of the session and they'll look at it together. Better yet, do both!
Will you give my child a diagnosis?
In order to bill insurance, your child is given a diagnosis following their first session. Leah is happy to review this with you. Should you wish to avoid having a diagnosis assigned and reported for billing, you can discuss using self-pay.
How long do most children stay in treatment?
While Leah starts treatment with children as young as 2 or 3, often, due to the nature or severity of early childhood experiences, children wish to remain engaged in the supportive, therapeutic relationship as they grow. Trauma and attachment difficulties are explored and metabolized differently across the developmental spectrum. Some children prefer the consistency of weekly appointments as they grow, while others adjust treatment frequency or just come for check in appointments from time to time.
What about teenagers?
While Leah does not typically accept new clients when they are in their teen years, many of her young clients grow in treatment and stay through their teens and in some cases, young adulthood. Her office has many teen-appropriate options for expressive arts, however many teens and tweens prefer talk therapy. As in her work with younger children, treatment modalities are flexible and can shift as needed to meet your teen’s needs.
