Deborah Shaer
Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist & Counsellor
What’s the next step after the phone consultation?
Once you decide to go ahead, we will schedule an Initial Assessment usually completed online but can also be face2face with parent(s) or guardians. It lasts for 90 mins. You will have the opportunity to share relevant information and ask questions.
I’m nervous about starting therapy. Is that normal?
It’s totally normal to be nervous about starting therapy whether it’s for yourself or a child. It can be difficult to have faith that therapy will bring relief and positive changes. The fear around that can feel overwhelming. Taking steps to seek help for the challenges we face takes courage to realise there comes a point when we can’t face our issues alone.
Therapy is a space where you can be yourself and feel safe from judgement. I’m committed to finding a way for the client to feel at ease whether a young person or a young adult.
How do I know if you are the right therapist?
Take your time to read through my website. If you sense that I may be a good fit then this may be the moment to take the next step to contact me.
During the free phone consultation, you can ask me about how I have helped other people in your situation before, or any other questions you may have that are specific to you. You’ll also be able to share what’s going on.
If you are a parent or guardian, after seeing your child for the first few sessions I can share my ideas around how I can help them. The first few sessions provides an important space for me to observe, assess and get to know the ways in which your child engages best. During the sessions, they’ll be able to experience first-hand how they feel about being in the sessions with me. My approach may not work for everyone. What’s most important is that you find someone who you feel is the right fit for you.
What can I expect during the first session?
Overall, you can think of the first session as free-flowing where we start getting to know each other. The most important part of a first session is to experience what therapy is like with me. We can then see if they’d like to meet again.
What happens in the Initial Assessment?
Before the start of the therapy sessions, it is important for me to know relevant details about your background if you are a parent then your child’s, starting from their earliest life experiences.
It’s fine for one parent/guardian to attend or both parents. I don’t usually see a child during the Initial Assessment, but this can be discussed beforehand.
The questions I ask include stages of the child’s development moving from infancy, primary school and, if they are adolescents, secondary school. Other questions include the child and the family members’ physical and mental health. In addition, we would be covering the family relationships as well as the parent’s upbringing and the parents’ relationship with each other. I also work with children who have been in care and adopted.
With couples, another important aspect is to look at the attitudes to child rearing, whether compatible or not and how these are managed. I have found that parents discover things which they had not considered before.
Fill out the contact form or email me direct at therapy@plastikprizm.co.uk
I'll respond within 24 hours, to set up a free 10 minute phone consultation
Discuss the issues and decide the next step
What if a person doesn’t want to talk about something?
It’s natural to not want to share some of the painful or difficult things we’ve been through. During our sessions, it will always be up to the individual if they feel ready to talk about something or not. I’ll be there to guide them towards discovering what feels comfortable to share. By pacing the working, we can look at the tough stuff if they’re ready.
With a children or teenagers they can share with me that they’re nervous to open up about and we can talk this through. All of your child’s feelings are welcome, though they may not have an emotional language to express or identify them. I’m here to help them learn emotional language and to learn whatever is going on for them.
I’m scared that if I open up, you will think I’m a bad person
This is a common concern in children, adolescents and young adults. Empathy and validation is important and as long as what I say is authentic and genuine, it helps the person to feel seen, heard and respected.
How does confidentiality work with children?
I want you, as a parent/guardian to know that I will feed back any concerns and things in general and discuss with your child things that I would like to share with you.
It is important for a therapist to be transparent about confidentially from the start, so that a child knows what I would need to share with parents or professionals. I also need to have your consent to share information with other professionals. It is very important for a child to feel safe and be safe. Safeguarding and protection is my number one priority.
If you have specific questions about how confidentiality works, you can ask during your during a free phone consultation or anytime during our work together.
How long will therapy take?
We can work together to find the length of time that works best. If there is a simple, specific situation that needs a resolution, we can plan a set short-term therapy-counselling treatment plan and goal. Otherwise for more complex cases this is something that can be discussed.
Do you accept medical insurance?
If you have medical insurance, check with your provider to make sure you are covered for psychotherapy and counselling and request a pre-authorisation. Please note that you are responsible for making the claim to your insurer. We can discuss this during the initial consultation.
How can I get started?
Email me today to get your free phone consultation at therapy@plastikprizm.co.uk, or by using my secure online contact form.
My mission is to help children develop the confidence they need to rise above their perceived limitations, navigate emotional issues, build social skills, self-esteem and self-awareness, and tap into more joy.