I learned a long time ago that kids and teens do better when you are not looking straight at them trying to get them to talk! So we sprawl out all over my office and kick back doing art projects, listening to their music, eating snacks, etc. because that is what gets them comfortable and gets them talking!

The way I work with kids and teens is: First, I have their parent or parents come to meet with me alone and tell me their perspective and concerns about their child.  After having that one-on-one appointment with the parent, we then schedule the child for his or her own appointment with me.  After I meet with the child alone for one or two appointments, I then have a follow-up appointment with the parent to share my perspective of the situtation and my recommendations.

In many cases, after meeting with the child twice and the parents twice, the situation is improved if not resolved. In other cases parents have their child come weekly or every other week for a few additional weeks or months so the child can benefit from extra support and stress management.  Each situation is a little different, so I try to customize solutions for each family based on their goals, as well as their time and budget constraints.