What to expect from counseling, in Santa Clarita, CA.

When you meet with SCV Children’s counseling…

You definitely can expect to be a little anxious before your appointment. That’s totally normal! Everyone feels that way when trying something new. I get anxious meeting new clients so that makes us even Steven. :)

Before your appointment I will digitally send you all the important documents you need to fill out and sign so that we can dig right in and get to know each other on your first appointment instead of doing paperwork.

You are going to drive to 38494 Westinghouse Pl., Valencia, CA. The first thing you’ll see is a beautiful tropical garden in the center of the building. Then you’ll hear the peaceful sound of the water fountain. (I love eating my lunch down there.) Next, go in the elevator up to suite 313. You’ll see my name on the door. Come on in! My name, Robin Martin LPCC, SCV Children’s Counseling, is on the wall with a little light next to it. Please push it to let me know you’re here. I’ll come and get you. Prepare yourself for me to awkwardly try to shake your hand or hug you.

One of the most important pieces to counseling is for your therapist to build a relationship with you. Like all relationships this takes time. With kids, adolescents, and sometimes older teens I use play therapy, sports, and art therapy techniques to break the ice.

If you are a parent you are probably wondering how you can tell me your perspective before I meet with your child. I like to meet with the parents alone first. I usually play the next part by ear depending on the child and how comfortable they are with me. If the child is cool with it then we can start right away while the parents go back to the waiting room or walk around the garden.

confidentiality

After the first session I meet alone with the child. Teenagers usually drive to my office on their own once they know where they’re going. Anytime, a parent wants to communicate with me and let me know new information they are more than welcome to do that. Due to confidentiality laws it is not a two-way street of information though.  This can be hard for parents that don’t understand the counseling process. You really don’t want your child to feel like I’m reporting back to you. That will tear down the rapport we are trying to build. Your child needs to feel like I am on their team. This allows for the flow of information and helps them to be open to interventions and treatment. It also relieves tension in the home. We like that part!

Another thing to expect from counseling, in Santa Clarita, CA.

Parents can feel vulnerable, embarrassed and ashamed. Please understand that I am not only a nonjudgmental professional but also an imperfect parent myself that has made many mistakes. Also, I realize I am hearing from the perspective of a child or teen. And if you want, we can have a session to help you cope with your anxiety, regret, or anger to help you heal as well. :)

Sometimes we have a family session. Often the parents will end up wanting their own session for some parenting counseling. I especially love this type of counseling, being a parent of 6 myself. The people who invested in me while I was a young parent were invaluable. Most of them were professional counselors.  I paid out of pocket and it was worth every penny.

In our first session we make goals so you and your kid know they will not be in therapy forever. The average amount of counseling for children or teens with me is about 9 months.

A Free Consultation With A Counselor- In Santa Clarita: Ask Me Anything You Want!

I’m Robin Martin, a LPCC. I work with parents, children, teens, and young adults. Call me for a 15 minute consultation. 661 670-6157 or click here.