Starting therapy for your child can feel overwhelming. You don’t know what the sessions look like, what questions will be asked, or how to prepare your child. Here’s exactly what to expect when you work with Little Dove Psychology — step by step.

What Virtual Therapy Actually Looks Like

If you’ve never done virtual therapy before, here’s what to expect:

• Secure video platform — HIPAA-compliant, not regular Zoom. You’ll get a link before your session.
• Private, quiet space — Your child needs a room where they can talk freely. Headphones help for older kids and teens who want extra privacy.
• Engaged, not watching TV — For younger kids, sessions are interactive. We draw, play games, tell stories. It’s not passive screen time.
• No fancy setup needed — A phone, tablet, or computer with a camera works fine.
• Parents can participate — I often bring parents in for the first or last 10 minutes for younger children.

How to Prepare Your Child

How you talk to your child about therapy matters. Here’s what works:

For younger kids (5–9):

"We’re going to talk with Dr. Kristin. She helps kids with big feelings — like when things feel too big or scary or hard. You’ll get to talk and play. It’ll be fun."

For tweens (10–12):

"Dr. Kristin is someone who helps kids figure out how they’re feeling and what to do about it. She’s really good at what she does, and lots of kids talk to her. You don’t have to share anything you don’t want to."

For teens (13+):

"I found a therapist I think you’d really like. Her name is Dr. Kristin, and she works with a lot of kids your age. The first session is just about meeting her — no big deal. You can tell me afterward if you want to keep going."

What Parents Ask Most Often

Will my child have to talk about hard things right away?

No. The first session is about building comfort. Deeper conversations happen gradually, once your child feels safe.

Will you share what my child says with me?

This depends on your child’s age and what’s shared. For younger children, I share most things with parents. For teens, I protect their privacy to build trust — but I always tell you if there’s a safety concern. We’ll discuss exactly how this works for your family at intake.

What if my child doesn’t want to come?

This is common, and it’s okay. We can start with parent-only sessions to build strategies at home. When your child is ready, they can join. I never force a child to participate — that doesn’t work anyway.

Can you diagnose my child?

Yes. As a licensed psychologist, I can provide diagnostic clarity for anxiety, ADHD, depression, adjustment disorders, and more. For comprehensive psychological testing (IQ, learning disabilities, autism assessments), I’ll refer you to a specialist.

How soon can we start?

Typically within a week of your consultation. No months-long waitlist.