When you arrive for the first appointment it is best to have both parents present, along with your son or daughter. ideally, you will have already sent back the intake forms by email, so that by the time you arrive, I will be familiar with the history and presenting problems of your child.

We will sit and informally discuss what are the most important issues that need to be addressed. Usually your child will not say very much during this meeting. Your son or daughter might be a little defensive, or even angry about having to be involved in this process in any way.

In the beginning, that is normal, so please do not be embarrassed or concerned about this. I am totally comfortable with it.

I will also be discussing HIPPA privacy laws. Generally, what your son or daughter says in a therapy session is considered privileged and can not be disclosed, unless I have their permission. There are a few exceptions. A court may request my notes, but that is rare. In the last 32 years it hasn’t happened once. The other exception is if your child expresses a clear intention to harm to his/her self or harm someone else, or is intending to do something that will put them at a risk that in my judgement, is unacceptable. This is also a rare event.

This initial meeting usually lasts about 30 minutes. After that, the parents will remain in the waiting room, and your child will have his first therapy session. My office is next to the waiting area. The fist therapy session will occupy whatever time remains which is usually about 90 minutes.