Child and teen therapy in Tigard and King City
When a child or teenager is struggling, the whole family feels it. I help children and teens make sense of what they are carrying, and I help parents know how to support them at home.
Susan Robens, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Oregon. About Susan
- Trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Certified in Somatic Trauma Therapy
Signs your child or teen may need support
You know your child better than anyone. It may be time to talk to someone if you notice:
- Worry, fears or stomachaches that keep them from school, sleep or friends
- Meltdowns or anger that feel bigger than the situation
- Withdrawing, going quiet or losing interest in things they loved
- Changes after a divorce, a move, a loss or a frightening event
- Struggles with friends, school or fitting in
- A teacher, pediatrician or school counselor suggesting counseling
You do not need to be sure. A free phone consultation is a good place to start.
How I work, by age
Children 3 to 12. Young children do not talk through feelings in sentences; they show us through play. I work with younger children in the playroom at my office near Tigard, using play therapy. Learn more on my play therapy page.
Teens 13 to 18. Teenagers often want to be taken seriously and to have some privacy. I work with teens through conversation, drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, and together we look for practical ways to handle anxiety, low mood and pressure.
Parents, always. Whatever your child’s age, you are part of the work. I check in with you regularly and suggest ways to support your child at home.
What a first session looks like
After a free phone consultation, we book a first appointment. For children aged 3 to 12, this is usually a conversation with you as the parent about your child’s history, what you have noticed, and what you hope will change. For teens, a parent usually joins for part of the first session. I explain how confidentiality works, answer questions, and we agree on a plan together. Nothing difficult has to be discussed until your child or teen is ready.
What we work on
- Anxiety, worry and panic
- Big feelings, anger and emotional regulation
- Sadness and low mood
- School stress and friendship problems
- Divorce, blended families and changes at home
- Moving, including moving between countries (third culture kids)
- Grief and loss
- Trauma and frightening experiences (trauma therapy and CPT)
- Identity and belonging, including for third culture kids
What your teen shares, and what you hear
Teens open up when they trust that therapy is their space. At the start, I explain to you and your teen how confidentiality works, including what I share with parents, what stays private, and the situations where the law permits or requires me to act or report, such as a serious risk of harm or suspected abuse. In Oregon, teens aged 14 and over can consent to their own outpatient counseling, and I walk you both through what that means for your family.
In person or online
I see children and teens in person at my office at 15405 SW 116th Ave, Suite 202A, King City, OR 97224, a few minutes from central Tigard, and close to Tualatin, Sherwood and Lake Oswego. My office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10am to 6pm, and Saturday 10am to 3pm, and we find a time that works for your family on the phone. Children aged 3 to 12 do best in the playroom. Teens can also meet by secure video anywhere in Oregon.
Frequently asked questions
What ages do you work with?
I work with children from about age 3, with teens up to 18, and with their parents. Children 3 to 12 usually work with me through play therapy in my playroom. Teens work through conversation using CBT and mindfulness, in person or by telehealth.
How often will my child come, and for how long?
Most children and teens come once a week. Every child is different, so there is no set number of sessions. We review progress together regularly and adjust the plan as your child’s needs change.
Will I be involved?
Yes. I want to understand your child’s history and your concerns, and I check in with you regularly, share themes and progress, and suggest ways to support your child at home between sessions.
Is what my child says confidential?
I explain exactly how confidentiality works to you and your child at the start, including what I share with parents, what stays private so your child can trust the space, and when the law permits or requires me to act or report.
Do you offer telehealth for children?
For teens and parent sessions, yes, anywhere in Oregon. Children aged 3 to 12 usually do best in person in the playroom, where play is the language. If in-person sessions are hard for your family, we can talk through what would work.
How do we get started?
Call or send a message for a free phone consultation. I usually reply within 24 hours on weekdays. We talk briefly about what is going on, I answer your questions, and we check your insurance. If we are a good fit, we book a first appointment. I have a few openings at the moment, and when I am full I keep a waiting list.
Ready to talk?
Call 503-495-5072 or send a message to arrange a free phone consultation.
Send a message
I will get back to you to arrange a free phone consultation.
