Counselling options

[Susan]

Hi,
I’m not sure if this is he right place to put this, but I think it’s fine.
Here’s the deal. I’m 13 and go to counselling every other week. Both me and my therapist think it would be better every week, but my moms benefits doesn’t get mental health services and my dads only covers $500 worth. That’s only four sessions. We don’t have much money to spare. I’m really enjoying therapy and think it’s really helping me sort out some stuff, and I don’t really want to find a cheaper councillor because I found someone I really like. My question is: are there any suggestions for replacements (for lack of a better word) for therapy or any helpful tips to fill out the time in between sessions? I want to be able to get the full value, or almost the full value, of therapy even when it’s not possible for me to do so all the time.

[Sam W]

Hi Susan,

Since your therapist thinks more regular sessions would be beneficial, have they offered any thoughts on how to address the financial issue? Or is that not something you've spoken with them about yet?

In terms of things to fill the gaps between appointments (if that ends up being the only viable option), it's pretty common for therapists to have workbooks or other tools they recommend or give to their clients to help them build skills or do self-help between sessions. Has your therapist ever given you things like that?

[Susan]

Thanks for the quick reply!
My therapist hasn’t ever really addressed the financial thing, though it’s more because we never have time.
Because my therapy is through FaceTime, it’s hard to get any psychical workbook, and since any communication outside of sessions is through my parents (as per their request), it’s difficult to receive anything from her. She does sometimes give me little tasks, but most of the time, we run out of time before she can say anything.

[Sam W]

You're welcome!

Okay, my first recommendation would be to raise the financial issue at the beginning of the next session, so you don't run out of time. As far as supplemental resources go, a lot of workbooks now have online options, and there are apps that some therapists will recommend to their clients. At one of your upcoming sessions, do you think you could ask her for some recommendations? And do you think your parents would object to her sending you a workbook?

[Susan]

I’ll definitely make sure to talk to her about the resources! I’m not sure how my parent supposed would react, but I’ll brace the subject with them.
One las thing. Do you think you could help me with a general idea of how to broach the financial subject with my therapist? I’m a little socially awkward, so opening the door to talk about uncomfortable subjects is a little hard.

[Sam W]

Of course! It might be simplest to be direct about it. So, saying something like, "you've suggested increasing my sessions, and I'm open to that and think it'd be helpful. But, I know that the schedule we have now is what my family can afford. Do you have some thoughts on how we address that?" That lets her know right away what the limitation is, and hopefully opens up a conversation about how you and she could approach it (whether that's a sliding scale, supplemental resources, or something else). Does that feel like a doable conversation starter?

[Susan]

Thanks! That’s exactly what I needed. I appreciate the help!
Before I go, I just want to say that I’m extremely grateful the Scarleteen is an available resource, and I appreciate all the work the staff puts into this!

[Sam W]

Thank you so much for the kind words, and you're so welcome for the help!