Understanding the Initial Process of Teen Therapy

Before meeting with a young teenager for the first time, therapists uncover a range of information that can be crucial for a successful and effective therapy session. The depth and breadth of information a therapist will gather can vary depending on the office's procedure and the specific circumstances leading up to the appointment.

Initial Procedure and Indicating Symptoms

When I begin the intake process, I start without any detailed information about the teenager or their situation. The initial meeting involves both the young teenager and their guardian, with the therapist typically not knowing specific details until these individuals arrive. The process may involve a referral sheet provided by the referring doctor or counselor, which offers a brief overview of the presenting problem. Such descriptions are often succinct and may be limited to a few words, focusing on key symptoms or behaviors. For example, a common entry might say:

These brief descriptions serve as a starting point to guide the therapy session, but they can be quite general and may require further exploration during the first session.

Clinical Evaluations and Office Procedures

In some therapeutic offices, there is a separate procedure where a medical doctor conducts a full evaluation before the teenager meets with the therapist. In such cases, the therapist receives a comprehensive report and recommendations from the doctor, which provides a detailed understanding of the teenager's health situation and any relevant medical findings. This information is crucial for planning the therapy sessions and addressing specific areas of concern.

For example, in my current office, the follow-up or referral process ensures that the therapist has access to the doctor's full evaluation report before the first meeting. This allows the therapist to prepare more effectively, tailoring the session to the teenager's specific needs and concerns. The recommendations by the doctor can include suggestions for treatment approaches, medication, or further diagnostic evaluations, which the therapist considers and incorporates into their strategy.

Maintaining Communication and Confidentiality

Initially, the first conversation with the teenager and their guardian involves a detailed discussion about the goals of therapy, expectations, and the confidentiality of the sessions. During this conversation, any potential conflict that might impede the therapeutic process is addressed. In cases where conflict is present, the therapist may decide to see the teenager and their guardian separately to foster better understanding and cooperation.

Separate sessions are conducted if the conflict is making the initial meeting unproductive, or if one party specifically requests individual time. This approach helps to create a more conducive environment for the therapy sessions and allows the therapist to build rapport and trust with both the teenager and their guardian.

Conclusion: Ensuring a Holistic and Effective Approach

Understanding what therapists discover about a young teenager before their first visit is essential for anyone considering therapy for a teenager. Whether the intake process is handled by a therapist or a medical doctor, the goal is to gather enough information to ensure that the therapy sessions are both effective and sensitive to the unique needs of each individual. The initial meeting sets the foundation for the therapeutic journey and can greatly impact its success.

Keywords