Office Tour & Contact
LBonnevier@ChildFocused.net
7150 SW Hampton St. #240
Portland, OR 97223
@ChildFocusedChoices
How to prepare your child for their office and home visits:
1. If your child has spoken to a counselor before, let them know I am a similar sort of “talking person.”
2. Be sure your child knows that I am not a doctor. You would be surprised how many children come to the office worried they will be getting a shot.
3. Let your child know that both you and their other parent have talked to me. Give them permission to speak their truth without fearing any consequences. Assure them that I look forward to meeting him/her/them.
4. Convey that my office is a fun place with lots of toys, games, art, Legos, playdoh, puzzles, cars/trucks/trains, and that children never have to discuss anything that feels uncomfortable. Perhaps offer your child the office tour HERE, so they can see the space and a picture of me in advance. Let your child know that my job is to help ensure they are happy, healthy, and safe with both parents and in both of their homes.
5. Tell them that on their way out, all little- (and medium-sized) people get to choose something from the treasure box!
6. Please know that it is not your child’s burden to share anything with me that they are not comfortable talking about. Please do not tell your child to (or not to) discuss any particular topic/situation/experience. This is referred to as ‘coaching,’ which is harmful to your child - and it is obvious to an evaluator when a parent has done so.
7. Please do not bring up any adult topics regarding the legal case, or otherwise, during appointments when your child is present. There will be plenty of time for you and I to talk away from their little ears. Appointments with your child are a time for the spotlight to shine brightly on him/her/them, so that they feel safe, seen, heard, known, and understood.
Office Tour
LBonnevier@ChildFocused.net
7150 SW Hampton St. #240
Portland, OR 97223
@ChildFocusedChoices
How to prepare your child for their office and home visits:
1. If your child has spoken to a counselor before, let them know I am a similar sort of “talking person.”
2. Be sure your child knows that I am not a doctor. You would be surprised how many children come to the office worried they will be getting a shot.
3. Let your child know that both you and their other parent have talked to me. Give them permission to speak their truth without fearing any consequences. Assure them that I look forward to meeting him/her/them.
4. Convey that my office is a fun place with lots of toys, games, art, Legos, playdoh, puzzles, cars/trucks/trains, and that children never have to discuss anything that feels uncomfortable. Perhaps offer your child the office tour HERE, so they can see the space and a picture of me in advance. Let your child know that my job is to help ensure they are happy, healthy, and safe with both parents and in both of their homes.
5. Tell them that on their way out, all little- (and medium-sized) people get to choose something from the treasure box!
6. Please know that it is not your child’s burden to share anything with me that they are not comfortable talking about. Please do not tell your child to (or not to) discuss any particular topic/situation/experience. This is referred to as ‘coaching,’ which is harmful to your child - and it is obvious to an evaluator when a parent has done so.
7. Please do not bring up any adult topics regarding the legal case, or otherwise, during appointments when your child is present. There will be plenty of time for you and I to talk away from their little ears. Appointments with your child are a time for the spotlight to shine brightly on him/her/them, so that they feel safe, seen, heard, known, and understood.