Before the appointment: what to tell your child
How you introduce therapy depends on your child's age. In general, keep it honest and simple.
For younger children: "We're going to meet someone whose job is to help kids with their feelings. You'll get to talk, maybe play some games, and just get to know her."
For older kids and teens: "I've made an appointment with a psychologist — someone who helps kids and teens figure out stuff that feels hard. It's confidential, which means what you say stays between you and her."
Avoid: "You're going because something is wrong with you." Try instead: "You're going because you've been having a hard time, and we want to get you some support."
What happens in the first session
The first session is primarily about getting to know each other. Building trust comes first — especially with children and teens. Dr. Kelly won't immediately dive into the problem; she'll ask questions, listen, and help your child feel comfortable in the space.
For younger children, the first session often involves some parent time at the start, followed by time with the child alone. For teens, Dr. Kelly typically meets with the teen first, then briefly with parents, to establish that the relationship is primarily theirs.
What parents are typically asked
You'll likely be asked about your concerns, your child's developmental history, what's been tried already, and what's happening at school and at home. Being specific — concrete examples, timelines, what seems to help or make things worse — is more useful than a general description.
After the first session
Your child may not have much to say. That's completely normal. The first session is often about building comfort, not solving problems. What matters is that they felt okay — not anxious, not shut down, willing to go back.
This article is general education, not a substitute for individual evaluation or treatment.