Therapists for Teens in Walnut Creek, CA
![Photo of Patricia E. Zurita Ona 'dr. Z.', PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5445bf0f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I'm the author of the following books: Acceptance and Commitment Skills for Perfectionism and High-Achieving Behaviors; ACT beyond OCD: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy workbook for adults; The ACT Workbook for Teens with OCD: Unhook Yourself and Live Life to the Full; Escaping the Emotional Roller Coaster; Parenting a troubled teen.
Understanding "why or how" a problem has become a problem is not enough; "doing something about it" is what matters. If we work together, we'll come up with a treatment plan to tap into the drivers of your struggles and start making a shift. I encourage behavioral-change processes based on your personal values and what's keeping you stuck. If you're not ready to make a change, let's help you move from stuckness to readiness. I specialize in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). www.eastbaybehaviortherapycenter.com
I'm the author of the following books: Acceptance and Commitment Skills for Perfectionism and High-Achieving Behaviors; ACT beyond OCD: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy workbook for adults; The ACT Workbook for Teens with OCD: Unhook Yourself and Live Life to the Full; Escaping the Emotional Roller Coaster; Parenting a troubled teen.
Understanding "why or how" a problem has become a problem is not enough; "doing something about it" is what matters. If we work together, we'll come up with a treatment plan to tap into the drivers of your struggles and start making a shift. I encourage behavioral-change processes based on your personal values and what's keeping you stuck. If you're not ready to make a change, let's help you move from stuckness to readiness. I specialize in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). www.eastbaybehaviortherapycenter.com
Individual (adult and teen) Therapy, Play Therapy, Couples Therapy, Parenting Groups, and Anger Management.
C.O.P.E. Family Support Center creates space where children, youth, and families of all backgrounds can gain access to quality counseling programs and therapy services in a supportive and safe environment, free from stigma or judgement.
Individual (adult and teen) Therapy, Play Therapy, Couples Therapy, Parenting Groups, and Anger Management.
C.O.P.E. Family Support Center creates space where children, youth, and families of all backgrounds can gain access to quality counseling programs and therapy services in a supportive and safe environment, free from stigma or judgement.
![Photo of Michael Cheney, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bb58059-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/7/320x400.jpeg)
I have helped my adolescent and young adult clients reach their potentials through individual and family therapy, and through consultation with school staff and psychiatric hospital staff.
Using insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches, I have developed an effective psychotherapeutic technique that has helped individuals gain relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, uncontrollable anger, obsessive compulsive disorder, alcohol/substance abuse, and child acting-out behaviors.
I am a Licensed Psychologist and a member of the American Psychological Association and the California Psychological Association. My clinical focus is in providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. I see individuals, couples and families.
I have helped my adolescent and young adult clients reach their potentials through individual and family therapy, and through consultation with school staff and psychiatric hospital staff.
Using insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches, I have developed an effective psychotherapeutic technique that has helped individuals gain relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, uncontrollable anger, obsessive compulsive disorder, alcohol/substance abuse, and child acting-out behaviors.
I am a Licensed Psychologist and a member of the American Psychological Association and the California Psychological Association. My clinical focus is in providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. I see individuals, couples and families.
![Photo of Gina Ritorto, LMFT, PPS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2823cfc3-e392-4368-9da0-74cad0587462/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked extensively with families navigating adolescent crisis in a variety of mental health placements.
I enjoy working with adolescents living with a wide range of presenting concerns. I provide individual counseling for teens, along with family sessions. I work within a collaborative model, integrating treatment techniques to build autonomy and coping skills. I work with teens and their community, to develop specific emotional, social, academic/education, and transitional goals. I have particular expertise in adolescents living with emotional disturbances, behavioral challenges, anger, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and trauma.
I have worked extensively with families navigating adolescent crisis in a variety of mental health placements.
I enjoy working with adolescents living with a wide range of presenting concerns. I provide individual counseling for teens, along with family sessions. I work within a collaborative model, integrating treatment techniques to build autonomy and coping skills. I work with teens and their community, to develop specific emotional, social, academic/education, and transitional goals. I have particular expertise in adolescents living with emotional disturbances, behavioral challenges, anger, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and trauma.
![Photo of Jamie Edwards, MS, LEP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c4487ff-92f0-4216-bdc6-b13fd3c633db/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! Is your child, teen, or young adult struggling with emotional issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, mood disorder, ADHD/executive dysfunction, neurodiversity, etc.) and/or school/educational issues (e.g. learning differences, poor academic performance, behavior issues, school avoidance, etc.)? I specialize in providing counseling, neurotherapy/neurofeedback (also known as "brain training"), and evaluations to youth experiencing learning, social or emotional difficulties. I partner with families in developing goals so your child can succeed and develop a positive self-concept.
Welcome! Is your child, teen, or young adult struggling with emotional issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, mood disorder, ADHD/executive dysfunction, neurodiversity, etc.) and/or school/educational issues (e.g. learning differences, poor academic performance, behavior issues, school avoidance, etc.)? I specialize in providing counseling, neurotherapy/neurofeedback (also known as "brain training"), and evaluations to youth experiencing learning, social or emotional difficulties. I partner with families in developing goals so your child can succeed and develop a positive self-concept.
![Photo of Deidre Doyle, PhD, LEP, NCSP, PPSC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/452dd7ca-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
If your child, teen, or young adult is struggling academically, emotionally, or socially, I am here to help. As an Educational Psychologist with years of experience, I am uniquely qualified to evaluate your child's learning style and create a plan that helps them succeed in school. I specialize in the intervention and assessment of individuals with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, and Emotional Disorders.
An evaluation can uncover the causes of your child's difficulties with learning, behavior, or social functioning. The focus is on attention, memory, reasoning, and emotional functioning. Results provide parents with diagnoses and intervention recommendations.
If your child, teen, or young adult is struggling academically, emotionally, or socially, I am here to help. As an Educational Psychologist with years of experience, I am uniquely qualified to evaluate your child's learning style and create a plan that helps them succeed in school. I specialize in the intervention and assessment of individuals with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, and Emotional Disorders.
An evaluation can uncover the causes of your child's difficulties with learning, behavior, or social functioning. The focus is on attention, memory, reasoning, and emotional functioning. Results provide parents with diagnoses and intervention recommendations.
![Photo of Allen Choi, LCSW, PPS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/603676fc-aa33-41c8-85aa-ad151d422026/1/320x400.jpeg)
Allen Choi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I have also had my battles with mental health as a teen and an adult; identity issues as an Asian guy in the LGBTQ community; and toxic jobs and relationships.
We all get stuck sometimes. Whether you're battling anxiety related to school or work, trapped in a stagnant job or deteriorating relationship, or grappling with feelings of depression or isolation, I am here to assist you. I work with teens, adults, and families and our big goal is to help you get "unstuck". Together, we'll figure out what a happy, meaningful life is for you and ways to overcome the obstacles that are getting in the way.
I have also had my battles with mental health as a teen and an adult; identity issues as an Asian guy in the LGBTQ community; and toxic jobs and relationships.
We all get stuck sometimes. Whether you're battling anxiety related to school or work, trapped in a stagnant job or deteriorating relationship, or grappling with feelings of depression or isolation, I am here to assist you. I work with teens, adults, and families and our big goal is to help you get "unstuck". Together, we'll figure out what a happy, meaningful life is for you and ways to overcome the obstacles that are getting in the way.
![Photo of Rob Park, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a591e3f3-cd70-46fa-8815-eaca699ff3c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Hello, my name is Rob Park, and I am a licensed psychologist in California. Are you a child, teen, young adult, or the parent/guardian of one, finding that there is a LOT going on, and feel anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed-out? I have over 20 years of experience providing an emotionally safe, validating environment in which to engage young people and their parents/guardians in this collaborative task of therapy. I aspire to provide support and skill-development for kids and teens, as well as providing support to parents and guardians in the difficult role of raising a family.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Hello, my name is Rob Park, and I am a licensed psychologist in California. Are you a child, teen, young adult, or the parent/guardian of one, finding that there is a LOT going on, and feel anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed-out? I have over 20 years of experience providing an emotionally safe, validating environment in which to engage young people and their parents/guardians in this collaborative task of therapy. I aspire to provide support and skill-development for kids and teens, as well as providing support to parents and guardians in the difficult role of raising a family.
![Photo of John A Barakos Jr, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f0a8f47-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
When you're in crisis with your teen you need support to sort out how to respond and calm things down, once calm, families need a plan to resolve the underlying issues that keep conflict going.
Hello! I am an MFT and I specialize in managing conflict, I can help when it seems that you are constantly battling with your child. I work in the short term to stabalize the situation and get everyone back to the table. Then we work together to resolve the underlying issues. I mostly work with at risk adolescents and their families. These are young people who have had conflicts at home, trouble at school and/or trouble with the law.
When you're in crisis with your teen you need support to sort out how to respond and calm things down, once calm, families need a plan to resolve the underlying issues that keep conflict going.
Hello! I am an MFT and I specialize in managing conflict, I can help when it seems that you are constantly battling with your child. I work in the short term to stabalize the situation and get everyone back to the table. Then we work together to resolve the underlying issues. I mostly work with at risk adolescents and their families. These are young people who have had conflicts at home, trouble at school and/or trouble with the law.
![Photo of Brian La Roy Jones, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13009df9-0a1a-4e29-9b8a-40f96b9e00f6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brian La Roy Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you tired of feeling rejected, lonely, confused, anxious, depressed, or just plain stuck? If so, then I can show you how you can experience feeling connected, peaceful, empowered, energized, and feeling good. I'm not in the “symptom reduction” business – like most therapists. Whether you're a teen, adult, or couple, my focus is helping clients just like you experience MORE. Picture experiencing not just less of something but more...hope, love, self-control, happiness, fulfillment, freedom, confidence, affection, compassion, trust, acceptance, validation, and feeling understood.
Are you tired of feeling rejected, lonely, confused, anxious, depressed, or just plain stuck? If so, then I can show you how you can experience feeling connected, peaceful, empowered, energized, and feeling good. I'm not in the “symptom reduction” business – like most therapists. Whether you're a teen, adult, or couple, my focus is helping clients just like you experience MORE. Picture experiencing not just less of something but more...hope, love, self-control, happiness, fulfillment, freedom, confidence, affection, compassion, trust, acceptance, validation, and feeling understood.
![Photo of Teagan Benson Darnell - Private Practice, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43f8a606-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
EMDR therapist in the East Bay specialized in Trauma / PTSD, Marriage Counseling, Food Issues / Disordered Eating, Anxiety, LGBTQ, Depression, Women's Issues, Spirituality, Life Transitions, Adoption, Parenting, and Teen Issues. I regularly see Couples, Families, Teens and Adults ranging from early adolescence to late 60's.
EMDR therapist in the East Bay specialized in Trauma / PTSD, Marriage Counseling, Food Issues / Disordered Eating, Anxiety, LGBTQ, Depression, Women's Issues, Spirituality, Life Transitions, Adoption, Parenting, and Teen Issues. I regularly see Couples, Families, Teens and Adults ranging from early adolescence to late 60's.
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![Photo of Arwin Cotas-Girard - Arwin Cotas-Girard, PsyD, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56eea7c8-b2bc-4d78-b63c-6331cff558d8/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
![Photo of Andrew Lindeman, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fdd059d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Is your child struggling with behavior problems, ADHD, depression or anxiety? Are you looking for a therapist with experience working with Autism (and Aspergers) Spectrum Disorders? I specialize in working with children and teens and have over 17 years of experience working with these populations. I have worked as a Behavior Therapist for children on the Autistic spectrum, have taught my own Day Treatment Intensive classroom (for children with extreme behavior challenges) and have worked for Contra Costa County Child and Adolescent Services. I have also worked in the Juvenile Justice department of Los Angeles County with Juvenile offenders.
Is your child struggling with behavior problems, ADHD, depression or anxiety? Are you looking for a therapist with experience working with Autism (and Aspergers) Spectrum Disorders? I specialize in working with children and teens and have over 17 years of experience working with these populations. I have worked as a Behavior Therapist for children on the Autistic spectrum, have taught my own Day Treatment Intensive classroom (for children with extreme behavior challenges) and have worked for Contra Costa County Child and Adolescent Services. I have also worked in the Juvenile Justice department of Los Angeles County with Juvenile offenders.
![Photo of Karina Rochnik, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fd4aa15-0f7e-4d98-b6c5-1357f9a837f1/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained in the latest evidence-informed practice and research that includes the 5 pillars of wellness, which form the foundation for lifelong mental health, helping teen and adult individuals with mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders, and working with couples and families experiencing conflict and distress.
Do you want to make changes in your life, profession, or relationships but feel hopeless and stuck? Are you seeking clarity about your anxiety, depression or relationship problems? Do you want to deeply understand yourself, your values and your strengths, and use this knowledge to achieve your goals? We’ll collaborate on therapeutic goals and treatment objectives tailored to your unique life experiences, personality, goals, values and strengths. If you are struggling to even define what those are, that’s a great place to begin!
I am trained in the latest evidence-informed practice and research that includes the 5 pillars of wellness, which form the foundation for lifelong mental health, helping teen and adult individuals with mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders, and working with couples and families experiencing conflict and distress.
Do you want to make changes in your life, profession, or relationships but feel hopeless and stuck? Are you seeking clarity about your anxiety, depression or relationship problems? Do you want to deeply understand yourself, your values and your strengths, and use this knowledge to achieve your goals? We’ll collaborate on therapeutic goals and treatment objectives tailored to your unique life experiences, personality, goals, values and strengths. If you are struggling to even define what those are, that’s a great place to begin!
![Photo of Sara M Cabezas-Prendergast, MS, PPS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77811d95-8383-482f-b895-43a8b448ba1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sara M Cabezas-Prendergast
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, PPS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Not accepting new clients
Looking for support for your child or adolescent? Teenagers and adults struggling with various life or mental health issues? I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space that allows my clients to comfortably explore issues impacting them. I take a client centered approach to therapy, utilizing various modalities to support each client’s individual needs and, aid them in achieving their goals.
Looking for support for your child or adolescent? Teenagers and adults struggling with various life or mental health issues? I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space that allows my clients to comfortably explore issues impacting them. I take a client centered approach to therapy, utilizing various modalities to support each client’s individual needs and, aid them in achieving their goals.
![Photo of Dr. Marina Niznik, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc8da5aa-9412-4b7b-8013-7e20f2410d6a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I listen to one adolescent at a time to help manage and improve psychological distress and maintain positive mental health.
As a licensed psychologist offering therapy exclusively for adolescents, I founded Inlight Psychological Services to empower teens to become agents of change in their own lives for a continuum of issues centered on anxiety, depression, social issues, self-harm, ADHD and other difficulties steming from home and school demands. Based on a systems framework with schools and parents at the fore, Inlight strives to make relevant research, interventions, and resources easily accessible, immediately usable, and widely appealing to adolescents, while equipping school-based professionals and caregivers to support positive change.
I listen to one adolescent at a time to help manage and improve psychological distress and maintain positive mental health.
As a licensed psychologist offering therapy exclusively for adolescents, I founded Inlight Psychological Services to empower teens to become agents of change in their own lives for a continuum of issues centered on anxiety, depression, social issues, self-harm, ADHD and other difficulties steming from home and school demands. Based on a systems framework with schools and parents at the fore, Inlight strives to make relevant research, interventions, and resources easily accessible, immediately usable, and widely appealing to adolescents, while equipping school-based professionals and caregivers to support positive change.
![Photo of Alexa Boffoli, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4818c6a2-14dc-4152-97a9-205406bf4136/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alexa Boffoli
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Your teen, your family or you yourself are struggling. The struggle could be overall life changes, an increase in conflict/parenting issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, or an eating disorder. Through individual, parent and/or family counseling we will deepen emotional awareness, create coping skills to handle stressors, build connection and generate hope for you and your families future.
Your teen, your family or you yourself are struggling. The struggle could be overall life changes, an increase in conflict/parenting issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, or an eating disorder. Through individual, parent and/or family counseling we will deepen emotional awareness, create coping skills to handle stressors, build connection and generate hope for you and your families future.
![Photo of Barbara Peterson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e12b5486-133e-482f-8671-aadbbb48ea03/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults with a wide range of presenting concerns. I provide both individual and family psychotherapy, as well as conduct psychological testing. I work within a collaborative model, integrating treatment techniques to develop individualized interventions. I develop specific goals together with clients and their families, and work closely with physicians and other referring professionals to coordinate treatment. I have particular expertise in treating sexual abuse and trauma, depression and bipolar disorders, and adolescent behavioral and emotional disturbances.
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults with a wide range of presenting concerns. I provide both individual and family psychotherapy, as well as conduct psychological testing. I work within a collaborative model, integrating treatment techniques to develop individualized interventions. I develop specific goals together with clients and their families, and work closely with physicians and other referring professionals to coordinate treatment. I have particular expertise in treating sexual abuse and trauma, depression and bipolar disorders, and adolescent behavioral and emotional disturbances.
![Photo of Audrey Rose Majerczak, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/571c2623-3614-48de-a369-77bb441f86d1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Audrey Rose Majerczak
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Therapy can be an opportunity to optimize your flow and balance of life. Together we’ll enrich the skills to empower yourself and your relationships. For the couple: learning and redefining your relationship and how to maximize each others strengths to build not just a lasting relationship, but a relationship that inspires awe. For teens: let's just talk like adults! Helping teens to find their voice and place, balance behaviors to project forward towards their future. Whatever you are looking for we can start now. Contact me for individual, teen or couples therapy.
Therapy can be an opportunity to optimize your flow and balance of life. Together we’ll enrich the skills to empower yourself and your relationships. For the couple: learning and redefining your relationship and how to maximize each others strengths to build not just a lasting relationship, but a relationship that inspires awe. For teens: let's just talk like adults! Helping teens to find their voice and place, balance behaviors to project forward towards their future. Whatever you are looking for we can start now. Contact me for individual, teen or couples therapy.
![Photo of Dorothy A Kruse, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e80de35-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dorothy A Kruse
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Not accepting new clients
I am currently not taking new clients. Are you feeling emotions that are difficult to handle; issues surfacing that you're ready to take a look at? Feeling stressed, anxious or depressed? Possibly your relationships are strained or unsatisfying. Maybe you're struggling with parenting a teenager, or you are a teenager wanting someone to listen? These are all areas of interest to me. I have worked with individuals, couples for over 22 years and am still amazed that while therapy is often not easy, it is truly worth the effort for most people. I have a calm, supportive, interactive style and welcome working with you.
I am currently not taking new clients. Are you feeling emotions that are difficult to handle; issues surfacing that you're ready to take a look at? Feeling stressed, anxious or depressed? Possibly your relationships are strained or unsatisfying. Maybe you're struggling with parenting a teenager, or you are a teenager wanting someone to listen? These are all areas of interest to me. I have worked with individuals, couples for over 22 years and am still amazed that while therapy is often not easy, it is truly worth the effort for most people. I have a calm, supportive, interactive style and welcome working with you.
See more therapy options for Walnut Creek
Teen Therapists
What does therapy for teenagers look like?
When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.
How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?
There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.
How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?
It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.
How do you prepare teens for therapy?
You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.