Information for Parents
“When our children are in the throes of big, difficult emotions, they rarely need a synopsis, an explanation or a solution. What they need, is a witness.”
Parenting is a profound and often painful privilege that comes with a unique set of challenges, even when things are ‘normal’. Finding the right support for your child or teen when they are struggling can be even more daunting.
The Clearing Room seeks to be transparent about what it offers children and adolescents, and how it partners with parents in the helping process.
Talk-therapy at The Clearing Room is a shared practice of holding space for struggle, so that a young person’s awareness and acceptance of emotional discomfort can become a powerful agent for change. The Clearing Room is a child-focused, non-clinical model, where young people are protected and empowered as equal collaborators in the therapeutic process.
What this means for your child…
Their voice and perspective will be attentively listened to.
Their experience and stories will be respected, held in strict confidence* and explored on their terms, at their pace.
They will be included, consulted and informed in all discussions and decisions relating to the goals of their therapy and the sharing of their information.
They won’t be assigned therapeutic homework, given strategies, or offered advice without their informed consent.
They can invite their parents/caregivers into their sessions as much or as little as they like.
What this means for parents/caregivers…
You will be welcomed to partner with your child in appropriate and mutually helpful ways during therapy based on your child’s age, developmental stage, identified needs and preferences.
If your child is 16 years or older you will be included, consulted and informed in discussions and decisions relating to the goals of your child’s therapy at their discretion*.
With your child’s knowledge and consent, you can provide insight, information, observations or feedback regarding your child’s progress during therapy.
You will have access to exclusive resources from The Clearing Room to provide education and encouragement in the practice of managing emotional discomfort at home.
* Confidentiality will be maintained with the following exceptions:
Life-threatening harm to self or others is imminent
There is a disclosure of child abuse/neglect
There is a disclosure of illegal activity
Case notes/records and/or testimony are subpoenaed by the courts