Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers.
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Why choose Navesink Psychological Services?
Navesink Psychological Services provides evidence-based treatment and evaluations, following the research and science on how to best help clients’ mental health and performance goals. We approach each case with one objective: for clients to learn and master the skills and strategies to not need us! With evaluations, we work to provide comprehensive reports custom-tailored to referral questions, which leads to meaningful recommendations instead of boilerplate and templated reports with the same recommendations for every client.
What can I expect in the first session?
Individual Therapy/ Counseling
The first session involves collecting background information, explaining the therapeutic process, and developing a plan for treatment moving forward. During the first session the therapist will get to know you, your child, or your family and hear about what concerns are present. At times parents may come in without their child for the first session in order to provide background information candidly.
Evaluations
Prior to the day of the evaluation, a member of the NPS team will speak with the family regarding the presenting concerns and tailor the assessment to meet those needs. On the day of the evaluation we will start by interviewing the client, child and/or family and discuss how the balance of the day will be structured. Testing will take a few hours and breaks will be provided. Clients are encouraged to bring snacks as well as any relevant documentation (doctor’s reports, reports from school, other evaluations, etc.). Clients should have a good night's rest, take all regular medications, and wear/bring any adaptive devices (e.g., glasses, hearing aids, etc).
What should I tell my child?
Individual Therapy/ Counseling
Explain to your child that they are coming to meet with someone who is going to help them. When children hear that they are going to meet with a “doctor” they often get nervous and their mind jumps to what they are familiar with, a medical physician who may give them a shot. Explain that this is a different type of doctor and that there will absolutely be no shots. Children are welcome to bring a toy, game, stuffed animal, or other small item from home that will make them more comfortable. You can inform them that there are toys and games (including Legos, stuffed animals, and art supplies) at the office that they will be allowed to use. Dr. Strobel is available to further speak with families about how to explain what is going to happen on the day of the session.
Evaluations
Explain to the child that they are going to meet with someone who is going to complete some activities with them in order to help determine how they best learn. Avoid saying “tests” which can make children nervous. Discuss with older children that they are going to complete some activities which will help discover what makes school difficult for them, and the results of the evaluation will help develop ideas about how to make them more successful.