How a Brave Choice Can Change Your Family For Good
Making the decision to go to therapy as an adult takes a lot of courage. Just saying the word “therapy” comes with its own preconceived notions, and even more so when it comes to a parent making the choice to seek out therapy for their child.
Before I go any further in this article I want to say – if you are a caregiver seeking out therapy for your child, you are not a failure. In fact, it may be one of the bravest things you do.
I believe that, but more importantly, so do the therapists at Leadlight Counseling. With a heart to come alongside the whole family, provide support for the parents or caregivers, and well-equipped to serve your child with excellence, Leadlight Counseling is dedicated to helping your child or teen thrive through any situation.
Well-Equipped To Serve In Every Way
When you walk into Leadlight Counseling, you’re greeted by colorful walls, child-sized furniture, and every kind of toy under the sun. It’s clear to see this place is made specifically for kids and teens, even kids as young as 3.
Leadlight has carefully crafted everything with the family in mind – from hiring therapists who specialize in child and teen therapy, to the way the office is designed. “Making it as warm, inviting, and child-friendly as possible has always been the goal,” states Rebekah Karel, the clinical director at the Cascade office.
Noticing a gap in traditional therapy offices that usually only offer a few toys for adolescents that come in, Leadlight fills their shelves, walls, and offices with LEGOⓇ bricks, sand trays, kitchen toys, paint supplies – the list goes on. It’s all chosen with one intention: help kids communicate.
Each therapist has experience working with these age groups and is dedicated to providing excellent care. They even have Spanish speaking therapists (as well as other languages) to help better serve the community.
These intentional staff and office decisions allow Leadlight Counseling to provide quality mental health care specifically for kids and teens.
“Working with children and teens isn’t something we sometimes do,” comments Karel. “It’s something we always do.”
Therapists Who Genuinely Care For and About You
Possibly the hardest part of this process as a parent is wondering whether your child will feel safe.
Leadlight’s heart is not only to care for the child, but to also care for the whole family – to come alongside the caregiver and support the family as a unit. They emphasize care for the parent as much as for the child, and have clinicians who work with adults in addition to kids and teens.
Utilizing a strengths-based approach, Karel says, “Every family and kid has strengths, even in those dark moments. We want to bring out those strengths.”
Leadlight also aims to match your child with the right therapist, recognizing the relationship between the client and the therapist is one of the most important aspects of therapy.
With an office full of therapists who specialize and are trained in all methods of child and teen therapy, they are confident they can care for, not just work with, your child – regardless of age, background, or needs.
The Leadlight team knows parents just want a therapist who genuinely cares for the parent and child, who holds no judgement for the parent, dispels shame, gives high quality mental health care, and cultivates relationships.
This is what Leadlight Counseling is passionate about offering the community.
Taking That Brave Next Step
If you’re wondering, “How do I know if my child needs therapy?”, you’re in good company. Most parents find this to be the trickiest question to answer.
“I think parents need to listen to their gut,” reflects Karel. “They know their kid the best. Maybe it’s not glaringly obvious, but if you notice something’s off, you’re probably right.”
Karel highlights school issues as a major red flag. If your child is struggling academically, facing difficulties with friends, having trouble listening, or getting into trouble more often, therapy might be the next right step.
What to Expect at Leadlight Counseling
Not ready to jump right in? No worries: Leadlight offers a free 15 minute consult call. During that call, a therapist will hear a bit of your story and to help determine the right fit for your child.
Their priority during that phone call and the first parent meeting is to assure you this is a judgement-free and shame-free zone, and to offer you the support and care you need.
“It takes a lot of bravery to send an email or make a call,” Karel affirms. “Just know that when you make that inquiry, it will be treated with intentionality and the utmost care.”
Leadlight strives to make child therapy as accessible as possible for everyone – including underserved communities. In addition to private pay, commercial health insurance, and Medicaid. Leadlight Counseling also offers low-cost options by utilizing master’s level interns.
On Your Way To Your Child’s Best Self
If you find yourself in a place where you think your child may need therapy, Leadlight Counseling is here to help you make that brave step – to encourage you, give you tools, recognize your strengths, and support your family through it all.
