I know that you are being asked to attend therapy due to involvement with the county court system, or because it was recommended by your social worker on a voluntary basis. You may or may not be participating in psychotherapy by choice.

My goal is to provide you with a welcome, safe environment for you to process whatever issues brought Child Protective Services into your life. My hope is that you will feel respected and comfortable in our sessions. I have had the honor of working with clients such as yourself for many years, and I know that this may be a painful, frustrating and difficult time in your life. Please take advantage of this time and my heart-felt service to help you heal and gain a deeper understanding of the areas in your life where you struggle. Together, we can help you get back on track and create the life you desire. 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT REGARDING CONFIDENTIALITY WITH REGARD TO C.P.S.

In addition to the basic mandatory reporting, and confidentiality laws referenced in the office policies, CPS requires that we submit goals and progress reports to your social worker once a month. One month will be in writing, the following month will be by phone. This pattern alternates throughout your time in therapy. You and I will write out your goals and progress reports together. You will receive a copy of our goals. In addition, I will let you know when I have a phone conversation with your social worker with our bi-monthly progress update.

Some social workers are more actively involved in the therapy progress than others. It is not unusual for a social worker to call me for an update when you are getting ready to go to court. They often request this update in order to complete their court reports. I will give them information such as your attendance record, issues you have been working on, and how you are progressing, and areas we continue to work on.  

I recognize that this makes it very difficult for you to trust the therapeutic process and to allow yourself to be completely vulnerable and open when so much is at stake for you. But, please know that my goal is to help you process and heal.  If you are willing to do the work, processing and healing is what CPS wants for you too. They are sending you to therapy because they see that you need help. They have seen every imaginable issue, so there is no shame in your struggles. Together, you and I can do some incredible work and help you get your life back on track. 

I look forward to working with you and hope you find your therapy work helpful and healing.