7 Reasons Why Kids with Anxiety (and Their Parents) Prefer Working with Me Over Other Therapists

At Briefly Counseling, I understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right therapist for your child, especially with so many options available. What sets me apart is my focus solely on helping kids with anxiety. From our first interaction, I customize my approach to address your child’s unique struggles—whether it’s school stress, social anxiety, or general worries and fears. I equip them with the tools they need to reduce their anxiety and thrive.

Unlike traditional therapy, which can be one-size-fits-all, I offer personalized care designed specifically for kids. I prioritize building strong connections with your child and use proven, age-appropriate methods. My online practice also offers flexibility, making it convenient for busy families. This individualized, child-centered approach makes Briefly Counseling a great option for parents seeking more than just standard therapy.

Here are 7 additional ways I set myself apart from other therapists:

I Offer a FREE Initial Consultation to Make Sure I’m a Good Fit for Your Child

Offering a free initial consultation gives you a chance to see if I’m the right fit for your child before committing to therapy. Our consultation is most often done via phone. However, I also welcome a Zoom call if your child would like to join us.

A consultation call is a key advantage over therapists who don’t offer this option. It allows you to ask questions, discuss your child’s needs, and get a sense of my approach without any pressure. It also helps build trust and confidence. This ensures that both your child and you feel comfortable and supported from the start.

For most parents, a consultation call can remove some of the uncertainty and financial risk. This gives you peace of mind that you’re making the best choice. Prioritizing your child’s well-being and ensuring we’re a good match can make the therapy process more successful in the long run.

My Caseload is Smaller So I Can Give Better Care to Kids with Anxiety

Since opening my practice in 2020, I’ve chosen to see only 12 clients a week. Having previously worked at two group therapy practices, I can tell you the number of sessions a therapist is expected to conduct is somewhere between 25 and 35 a week. That’s a recipe for burnout considering a therapist has other duties beyond seeing clients.

I decided to intentionally limit the number of sessions per week because it allows me to provide more focused, personalized care to your child. I have more time to plan sessions, reflect on your child’s progress, and stay connected to you, the parent.

With fewer clients, I also have more time and mental energy to dedicate to each session. It leads to better recall and attention to the details of your child’s life and a deeper understanding of their unique needs. I have found that it also improves the quality of therapy. I am far less likely to feel rushed, fatigued, or overwhelmed. As I like to remind parents, no one wants to have their child be the 33^rd client of the week for a tired and overwhelmed therapist!

I am Highly Specialized and Only See Kids with Anxiety So I Know What I’m Doing!

Working with a highly specialized therapist like me who exclusively treats kids with anxiety offers key advantages over seeing a more generalized therapist. I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges that anxious kids face, whether it’s school stress, social pressures, or perfectionism. This expertise allows me to tailor techniques and interventions specifically proven to work for your child.

In contrast, a general therapist may treat a wide range of issues and age groups. They may not have the same depth of knowledge or experience in dealing with anxiety in young people. Many generalists lack specific training in working with kids and can often feel overwhelmed due to deficiency of skills. Your child may get assigned a certain therapist in a group simply because they had an opening in their calendar versus being the best fit.

A specialist, however, is more likely to stay updated on the latest research and strategies that specifically target anxiety in kids. This can lead to faster, more effective treatment, helping your child decrease their anxiety with greater success.

You Have Plenty of Access to Me Throughout the Week

My clients’ parents always have plenty of access to me throughout the week, whether it be by phone, email, or text. This collaboration offers significant advantages over working with a therapist who doesn’t have as much availability. Regular communication with me helps you feel supported and involved in your child’s progress. It allows you to ask questions, share updates, and address concerns as they arise. This ongoing connection creates a partnership approach, where you and I can work together to reinforce strategies and support your child more effectively at home.

Frequent access also helps in navigating any challenges that come up between sessions, ensuring that your child’s needs are addressed promptly. You feel more confident knowing you can reach out for guidance. This can reduce your stress and help you feel more empowered in your child’s treatment. In contrast, therapists with limited availability may leave you feeling disconnected, frustrated, or unsure of how to handle certain situations, potentially slowing progress.

I Work Quickly and Effectively So the Number of Sessions is Lower Than Other Therapists

Working quickly and effectively, so my clients need fewer sessions, is a big advantage for both you and your child. As a Solution-Focused Brief Therapist for over 20 years, I work to uncover your child’s existing strengths, skills, and resources (as opposed to deficits) to build confidence and hope in areas where they struggle. And because I use skill building and a strength-based approach only, the average number of sessions is significantly reduced – usually between 6-8 sessions and with excellent outcomes.

For your child, this means they can start seeing positive changes faster, which can boost their self-esteem and motivation in therapy. It also reduces the stress or pressure of long-term therapy, helping them return to their normal routines sooner.

For parents, fewer sessions mean lower overall costs and less time commitment, making therapy more manageable for busy families. I focus on achieving results efficiently, using targeted strategies that address your child’s specific needs without dragging out the process. By working this way, I help ensure your child can develop the tools they need quickly and get back to enjoying their life.

I Maintain Stable Relationships with Some Families for Years

Maintaining stable relationships with families over the years is a favorite aspect of my job. Most of my clients terminate therapy after achieving their desired outcome. However, some choose to continue seeing me for “maintenance” sessions once a month. When I have a lasting relationship with your family, I develop a deep understanding of your child’s unique personality, challenges, and progress. This continuity allows me to offer more consistent, tailored support as your child grows and faces new issues. These issues might include transitions between school levels, changing social dynamics, or increased academic pressures.

For parents, knowing you can turn to a trusted therapist who already knows your child’s history brings peace of mind. You don’t have to start over with a new therapist and re-explain past issues or treatment methods. This stability fosters a strong sense of trust and collaboration between me and you, which can lead to better outcomes for your child. Additionally, it gives you confidence that you have ongoing support if new challenges arise, rather than feeling abandoned after a short-term treatment.

I Offer Virtual Therapy for My Clients’ Comfort and Convenience

Offering virtual therapy provides significant advantages in terms of comfort and convenience, especially for busy families and anxious kids. Virtual sessions allow your child to receive therapy in a familiar and comfortable environment. This can help reduce anxiety and make it easier for them to open up during sessions. Being at home removes the stress of traveling to an office and sitting in an unfamiliar space, making the whole process feel less intimidating.

For parents, virtual therapy is a huge convenience. It eliminates travel time, scheduling conflicts, and the need to take time off work or arrange childcare for siblings. You can easily fit sessions into your family’s routine, making it more likely you’ll stay consistent with appointments. Virtual therapy also offers greater flexibility for families who have packed schedules due to school, sports, or other commitments.

At Briefly Counseling, my commitment to providing personalized, flexible, and specialized care for kids with anxiety is what truly sets me apart from other therapy practices. By focusing on your child’s unique needs and offering a tailored approach, I ensure that your child receives the support they need to thrive.

If you’re looking for a therapy experience that prioritizes your child’s well-being and long-term success, Briefly Counseling is here to help. I invite you to reach out and discover how my approach can make a lasting difference in your family’s life.

Begin Online Therapy for Kids with Anxiety in Illinois and Florida!

If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, there is hope! Anxiety is highly treatable and online anxiety treatment at Briefly Counseling can help.

Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I help kids and teens reduce their anxiety and build resilience so they can become a happier, more confident version of themselves.

And kids love being able to receive counseling from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Studies have consistently proven that online therapy delivers equal results to in-office counseling.

As an experienced and caring therapist, I love providing counseling for anxiety. To start your child’s counseling journey, call me at 224-236-2296 or email Helena@BrieflyCounseling.com to schedule a FREE 20-minute consultation.

Helena Madsen, MA, LCPC is the founder of Briefly Counseling. I specialize in providing online short-term anxiety treatment for kids and teens ages 7 – 18 as well as Christian counseling.

Whether you’re on the North Shore, in Naperville, Chicago, Champaign, Barrington, Libertyville, Glenview, or downstate Illinois, I can help.

And effective 2024, I am now licensed in Florida! For parents in Jacksonville, Pensacola, Destin, Crestview, Coral Gables, Weston, Parkland, Naples, Marco Island, and Pinecrest, I have immediate openings.

Schedule your appointment or consultation today. I look forward to working with your child to quickly and effectively help them in activating their strengths, resources, and resilience, in order to live with confidence and hope.