Question 1

How involved will I be if my child is in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Parent involvement varies by age and situation. We typically check in with caregivers regularly to share updates, strategies, and ways to support your child outside of sessions.

Question 2

What if my teen doesn’t want therapy?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in building rapport with resistant teens. Sometimes it helps to frame therapy as a place to vent or explore ideas, rather than “fix” something. Our intake team can help you strategize how to introduce the idea.

Question 3

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

Accepted Answer

It’s normal for children to experience emotional ups and downs—but if you notice persistent sadness, anxiety, anger, or changes in behavior, it may be time to seek support. Therapy can help kids express themselves, improve emotional regulation, and feel more secure at home and school.
Signs your child may benefit from therapy:
 • Frequent tantrums, meltdowns, or difficulty calming down
 • Difficulty focusing, sitting still, or following directions
 • Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
 • Excessive worry, clinginess, or fearfulness
 • Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
 • Recent changes like divorce, grief, or relocation
Our child therapists use gentle, developmentally appropriate tools to help children feel safe and understood—often incorporating play therapy, art therapy, and parent guidance.

Question 4

Will I be involved in my child’s therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Parent involvement is an essential part of the therapy process. You’ll receive regular check-ins and guidance on how to support your child between sessions. We may also offer parent-only consultations to help you process what’s going on at home and build effective strategies.

Question 5

What if my child doesn’t want to go to therapy?

Accepted Answer

It’s common for children (and teens) to feel hesitant about therapy at first. We specialize in building trust and making therapy feel safe and approachable. You can tell your child that therapy is a space just for them—where they can play, talk, and get help with things that feel hard.

Question 6

Can you support me as a parent even if my child isn't in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We offer parent coaching sessions that focus on your needs—whether you’re navigating behavioral challenges, co-parenting stress, or just trying to feel more confident in your parenting role.

Question 7

Do you offer support for co-parenting after divorce or separation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our co-parenting counselors help parents create healthy communication, reduce conflict, and develop consistent strategies for supporting their child’s emotional wellbeing—whether you're parenting in the same home or across two.

Question 8

Can both parents attend therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if appropriate. For some families, joint parent sessions or family therapy are helpful. For others, we may alternate or meet with each parent individually. Your therapist will guide this based on your child’s needs and family dynamics.

Question 9

How is therapy different for teens vs. younger children?

Accepted Answer

With teens, sessions are more conversational and focus on autonomy, identity, and emotional insight. With children, we use more play, drawing, games, and movement to help them express themselves. Both approaches are customized to your child’s age and comfort level.

Question 10

Do you help with parenting children with ADHD or sensory needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support parents of neurodivergent children with tools for structure, routine, emotional coaching, and school collaboration. We also help with behavior plans and calming strategies that work for your child’s unique brain.

Question 11

How do I prepare my child for their first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Keep it simple and positive. You might say something like:
"You’re going to meet someone who helps kids and families when things feel tricky. You can play, talk, and they’ll help us all figure out how to feel better together."
Avoid framing therapy as a punishment or a sign something is “wrong.” Our goal is to make therapy a safe, welcoming place for your child to grow and thrive.

Izzo Marriage and Family Therapy, P.C.

650-223-5605

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