Counseling can help your child cope with issues such as family conflict, school problems, grief, divorce and bullying. Family Houston provides both individual and family counseling that focuses on strengths, problem solving and goal setting.

WHAT TO EXPECT

At Family Houston, we typically ask both child and parents to be present at the first session. We assess the family’s needs to see if we can provide additional services – such as financial coaching or employment services – to alleviate family stress.

We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. We have a sliding-fee scale for those that do not have insurance. Sessions last 45 minutes to an hour and are offered in several languages including English, Spanish and Khmer.

BUILDING RAPPORT

The first step in the counseling process is building rapport so that everyone feels comfortable. Once the child feels safe, they will begin to open up about their thoughts and feelings. The counselor serves as an active listener that helps the child feel less alone.

INTERVENTION

Family Houston counselors use a variety of intervention strategies and techniques, such as:

• PSYCHOEDUCATION: We often begin with psychoeducation – explaining their diagnosis in an empowering and destigmatizing way – because this helps normalize the symptoms a child may be experiencing.
• ·STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS: We help children develop strategies such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and thought stopping in order to help them manage stress.
• PLAY THERAPY: Creative expression provides a healthy and appropriate outlet for children to identify and express their emotions. Our counselors incorporate art, music, play and games to help in the therapeutic process. Parents and siblings are often included in these sessions.

– By Jessica Cisneros