The Start of Your Ensemble Journey: Intake Call v.s. Initial Consultation
Searching for a therapist and beginning the process of therapy is understandably overwhelming.
You’re worried about how your child is doing and in the process of finding a therapist that will be a good fit for them, you might be wondering if you’ve checked all the boxes and asked all the right questions. In this blog, I want to provide some insight into what the first steps of your therapy journey at Ensemble will look like to help relieve any anxiety you’re feeling about the process.
Step 1: Speaking with our Intake Coordinator
Oftentimes when we first meet with caregivers, they’re wondering if they’re in the right place. You might not be sure if therapy is what will help your child at this moment in time. This is a question that our intake coordinator will help answer during your intake call, but here is a list of concerns children come to our practice with that some adults don’t realize can be worked on in therapy:
Sleeping difficulties
Behavioral concerns
Toileting troubles
Appetite issues or eating challenges
Nightmares
Education concerns
Once you’ve filled out our contact form, our intake coordinator will schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your concerns and find the best therapeutic fit for your family. During this phone call, we like to learn a little more about your concerns so we can make sure you’re in the right place and if so, which of our services would be the most beneficial. Once we’ve decided that, our intake coordinator will discuss scheduling with you.
After this step in the process, we want to make sure you’ve checked these boxes:
You have determined the type of professional that is the best fit for your concern
You have determined the type of service that is most beneficial for your family
You’ve discussed scheduling with our intake coordinator (when you begin services, you’ll have the same session time each week, so be sure to contact our intake coordinator if your scheduling needs change after your intake call)
You have your questions about insurance answered
You understand the commitment therapy involves with weekly sessions typically lasting 5 to 6 months
Step 2: Initial Consultation with Your Child’s Therapist
Once our intake coordinator has matched your child with a therapist, you’ll schedule an initial parent consultation. This session is 45 minutes to 1 hour. Prior to this meeting, you’ll fill out paperwork that will give your child’s therapist a deeper understanding of your concerns and your goals. This paperwork will help your child’s therapist to guide your discussion during the initial consultation, but here are the boxes we want you to check during this meeting:
Your questions about the type of service you’re receiving are answered
You understand the stages of therapy and which developmental approach will be utilized
You’ve discussed what your child’s first session will look like
You’ve discussed what goals you have for your child and how you’ll know when your child has met these goals
You know what your next step is as a caregiver in the process
You know how to discuss therapy with your child (one way to do this by sharing photos of our playrooms and reading books about play therapy)
I hope that this blog has provided you with clarification as you navigate seeking help for your child. Our practice works with your child's ensemble of supports to provide them with an environment where therapeutic growth is possible. For a sneak peak of the next step in your journey at Ensemble Therapy, read our blog on parent consultations.
Interested in booking a session with us?
WRITTEN BY RACHEL ESPARZA, LPC ASSOCIATE (SHE/HER/HERS)
Rachel Esparza is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Jaclyn N. Sepp, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S™, NCC, RYT® 200. Rachel is also working towards her Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) credential. At Texas State University, Rachel earned her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling (CACREP Accredited Program) and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families in community counseling settings.
