Child Social Skills Therapy - Nurturing Pathways Counseling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step to initiating therapy?

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone call via text, call, or email. We’ll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, ensure a good fit and review the next steps.

Do I need to do anything before my child’s first therapy session?

Yes, a Parent Information Intake session will be scheduled to gather details about your child’s history, concerns, and therapy goals. This ensures the best support for your child.

What can I expect during a therapy session for my child?

Therapy sessions are designed to be supportive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for your child. Depending on your child’s unique needs, sessions may include play therapy, expressive arts, sand tray, puppetry, or structured therapeutic activities to help process emotions, build coping skills, and navigate challenges.

Do you use specific therapy methods?

Yes! I take an integrative approach, drawing from various evidence-based therapies to meet each child’s unique needs. My practice includes:

Play Therapy (both child-directed and therapist-guided) to support emotional expression, problem-solving, and self-regulation through play.
Expressive Play Therapies, including sand tray, art, role-playing, and puppets, to help children process emotions in creative, developmentally appropriate ways.
Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) to help children identify and reshape unhelpful thought patterns while developing healthy coping strategies.
Attachment-Based and Relational Therapies to strengthen emotional security and parent-child relationships.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions to help children manage stress, increase self-awareness, and build emotional resilience.

Each session is developmentally appropriate and tailored to each child’s needs, providing a safe, supportive environment.

Why is Play important in therapy for children?

While adults often use words to express their thoughts and emotions, children communicate and make sense of their world through play. Play provides a natural, developmentally appropriate way for children to express emotions, process challenges, and explore solutions. In a therapeutic setting, play fosters self-expression, emotional growth, and resilience, allowing children to work through difficulties in a way that feels safe and engaging.

Do Parents participate in sessions?

While most sessions are one-on-one with your child, I provide regular parent check-ins to discuss progress, offer guidance, and share strategies you can use at home. In some cases, parent child sessions may be incorporated.

How Long Does Play Therapy Take to Work?

Every child is unique, so the length of therapy varies. Some children begin to show progress within a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support. We will regularly check in, discuss observations, and adjust the approach as needed to ensure therapy continues to meet your child's needs.

Will I Get Updates on My Child’s Progress?

Yes! I offer regular check-ins to keep you informed about your child’s progress while respecting their confidentiality. I’ll share general themes, observations, and overall progress, as well as collaborate with you to support your child’s growth in and out of sessions.

How do you handle confidentiality with young children?

"I prioritize creating a safe and trusting space for your child, which means I maintain confidentiality in our sessions. This helps children feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. However, I also believe in a collaborative approach—I will keep you informed about important themes that arise in therapy and will always communicate with you regarding any safety concerns. My goal is to support both you and your child in the best way possible."

How long are appointments and how much do they cost?

Sessions typically last 50 minutes and cost $140. The 70-minute parent intake session is $196. However, session length can be adjusted when appropriate to meet the individual needs of each child.

Do you accept insurance?

I am in the process of accepting insurance through Headway, a platform that manages insurance billing. I am currently approved for some insurance plans and am in the process of being accepted for more. I will update this information as new plans are added. If I am not in-network with your provider, I can provide a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement. I recommend checking with your insurance provider beforehand to verify your benefits and coverage.