Before & After: How At-Home Therapy Transformed Our Family | Real Journey

Our At-Home Therapy Story Begins

Hi, we’re the Thompsons from Cedar Glen, a small town in northern Georgia. I’m Sarah, my husband is Mike, and we have two kids — Emma (8) and Jacob (11). Life used to feel like a constant storm in our house. Everyone was struggling in their own way, but we didn’t know how to fix it.

One evening, Jacob had a meltdown after dinner. He threw his backpack across the room and shouted, “No one gets me!” Emma started crying. Mike and I just looked at each other, tired and helpless. That was our turning point.

For a long time, we thought therapy was something you only needed if things were really bad — like hospital bad. We also believed therapy had to happen in an office somewhere, not in your own living room. We were wrong on both counts.

In Cedar Glen, finding help wasn’t easy. We live 40 minutes from the nearest therapist’s office. Appointments were always booked up, and driving back and forth after school wasn’t working for our family. That’s when we started looking into something we hadn’t considered before: therapy at home.

(Here’s a photo of us from that time. Tired smiles, but still holding it together.)

Life Before Home-Based Therapeutic Support

Before therapy, our home felt heavy. Mornings were chaotic — Jacob wouldn’t get out of bed, Emma was anxious about going to school, and Mike and I were running on coffee and frustration.

At dinner, conversations were short or tense. Emma would stare at her plate, and Jacob would barely talk. We all felt disconnected, like we were living in the same house but not really together.

We tried to handle things ourselves at first. I read parenting blogs, watched videos about emotional regulation, and even tried mindfulness apps. Mike downloaded a workbook on behavior management. We spent money on tools, timers, and reward charts. Nothing stuck. We were exhausted and out of ideas.

The real breaking point came one Saturday afternoon. Jacob had a full-on panic episode in the grocery store. He sat on the floor crying, and strangers stared. I cried in the car on the way home. That’s when I told Mike, “We need help. We can’t keep doing this on our own.”

In our small town, asking for help isn’t something people talk about much. There’s a lot of pride and a lot of silence. That made it harder to admit we needed outside support. But deep down, we knew it was time.

Finding the Right In-Home Therapy Approach

Once we decided to look for help, we didn’t even know where to begin. I started by calling our family doctor, Dr. Patel, who’s known us for years. She listened patiently as I told her what had been happening at home. She said something that stuck with me: “Sometimes the best place for healing is right where the struggle happens — at home.”

That idea made us curious.

We searched online for therapists near Cedar Glen. Most were overbooked or only saw clients in their offices across town. With Mike working full-time and me juggling school pick-ups, appointments 45 minutes away just didn’t make sense.

Then I stumbled on a blog post about in-home therapy — therapy that happens right in your living room. I didn’t even know that was possible. Some therapists come to your house. Others meet with you online, in real-time, like a video call. Both sounded like a much better fit for our family.

We started making calls, asking lots of questions. Here are a few we found helpful:

• Do you work with kids and families?
• Do you offer in-home or virtual sessions?
• Do you take our insurance?
• Can you adjust therapy based on cultural or family needs?

Eventually, we found someone who felt like a perfect match — Kendra, a licensed counselor who offered both in-home and online sessions. She had experience working with kids Jacob’s age and seemed warm, patient, and understanding right from the start.

Insurance was a bit tricky. We had to make a few calls and push through some paperwork. But in the end, our plan helped cover part of the cost, and Kendra worked with us on the rest.

Looking back, that part — finding the right person — took time, but it was worth every minute. Once we found the right support, we were finally ready to begin healing as a family.

Breakthrough Moments That Changed Everything

Some therapy sessions felt quiet and slow. Others hit us like a wave.

One of the biggest breakthroughs happened during a simple exercise Kendra gave us. She asked each of us to draw what “stress” looked like. Jacob drew a tornado. Emma drew a dark cloud. I drew a full plate overflowing with food. Mike hesitated, then drew nothing. “I don’t have time to feel stressed,” he said quietly.

That moment stopped all of us. It was the first time Mike had admitted how much pressure he was under — always trying to be strong, even when he was exhausted. Kendra helped us talk through it, and that night, we all hugged longer than usual.

Another big shift came with Jacob. For weeks, he struggled to talk about school. One day, Kendra asked him to build something using blocks. He made a tower and then knocked it down. “That’s how I feel every day,” he said. “Like I try to be okay, and then something knocks me down.”

We had never heard him explain it like that. Kendra helped him name that feeling — frustration and fear — and taught him ways to speak up when he needed help.

Emma had a turning point too. During one session, she suddenly said, “I don’t like when everyone argues. I get scared, and then I feel invisible.” Mike and I looked at each other with tears in our eyes. We hadn’t realized how much she had been holding inside.

There were hard days too. Sometimes we felt stuck. Sometimes therapy brought up feelings we weren’t ready for. But little by little, the breakthroughs came — not always dramatic, but real.

And they happened here, in our home — surrounded by our things, in our pajamas sometimes, with our dog curled up next to us.

How At-Home Therapy Changed Our Family Dynamic

We didn’t realize how much tension we had been living with until it started to lift.

Little things began to change first. Jacob started sleeping through the night. Emma began speaking up more at the dinner table. Mike and I started having actual conversations again — not just quick check-ins about bills or schedules.

Over time, the changes became more visible.

Jacob started using words instead of outbursts. He learned how to take breaks when he felt overwhelmed, and even created a “calm corner” in his room with pillows, books, and noise-canceling headphones. He went from dreading school to actually getting through a full week without a meltdown.

Emma became more confident. She started helping Jacob with his homework, and once told us, “Our house feels quieter now — not the scary kind of quiet, but the good kind.”

Mike and I learned to check in with each other emotionally, not just logistically. We had a few sessions just the two of us, which helped us understand how we’d each been carrying stress in different ways. We started a new habit: sitting on the porch together every Friday evening, just to talk.

Our home felt warmer, more connected. Even the physical space changed. We kept some therapy tools out on the shelf, and the kids actually used them — emotion charts, breathing cards, silly stress toys. It became part of our everyday life, not something “extra.”

Even our extended family noticed. Jacob’s grandparents called more often, and Emma’s teacher reached out to say she seemed more engaged and joyful in class.

And maybe the biggest shift of all: we started laughing again — real, belly laughs around the dinner table. It wasn’t perfect, but it was better. We were better.

The Real Cost of In-Home Therapy Services

Let’s talk about money — because honestly, it was one of our biggest worries at the start.

We had no idea how much therapy would cost, especially if someone was coming to our house. We assumed it would be too expensive. But once we started asking questions and doing some research, we realized it was more doable than we thought.

Here’s what we actually paid:

• Initial consultation with Kendra: $120 (not covered by insurance)
• Weekly in-home sessions: $95 per visit
• Virtual check-ins (shorter sessions): $60 each
• Materials (like therapy tools, journals, emotion cards): Around $75 total
• Privacy screen for virtual sessions: $40 online

We also had some indirect costs:

• Time off work for therapy sessions (Mike adjusted his hours a few times)
• Gas savings — since we didn’t have to drive back and forth to a clinic

Our insurance (Blue Cross, Georgia plan) didn’t cover every session, but it did help cover part of the cost once we submitted a few forms. Kendra was great about giving us detailed receipts and helping us figure out how to file them.

To make it work, we set up a separate “therapy budget” in our monthly expenses. We skipped eating out a few times and paused a few subscriptions. It felt worth it. Honestly, therapy became an investment — not just in our kids, but in the peace of our home.

We also learned a few tips we wish we’d known earlier:

• Always ask if your provider offers a sliding scale. Some do!
• Call your insurance directly and ask: “Do you cover in-home or teletherapy for children or families?”
• Check local non-profits or school resources. Some offer grants or discounted services for families.

We know every family’s budget is different, but we want you to know: it’s okay to ask about money. You deserve support that works for you and your wallet.

Challenges We Faced (and How We Got Through Them)

Let’s be real — therapy at home wasn’t always smooth sailing. Just because it happened in our living room didn’t mean it was easy.

1. Privacy Was Tough

At first, we didn’t know where to do the sessions. Our house isn’t big, and sound carries. We tried the living room, but someone always seemed to walk through. Eventually, we bought a folding privacy screen and created a small, dedicated “therapy corner” in the dining room. It wasn’t fancy, but it gave us space to focus.

2. Distractions Were Everywhere

Doorbells, barking dogs, laundry timers — you name it, it interrupted a session at least once. We learned to pause, reset, and keep going. Kendra reminded us that therapy in real life is messy, and that’s okay.

3. Emotional Resistance

Jacob didn’t want to talk at first. Emma was shy. And honestly, Mike and I weren’t used to opening up either. We had to build trust — not just with Kendra, but with each other. It took time, but small steps added up. We started each session with a “check-in word” — one word to describe how we were feeling — and that helped break the ice.

4. Cultural Expectations

In our community, people don’t really talk about therapy. There’s still this idea that you should just “tough it out” or keep family problems private. At first, we felt embarrassed even admitting we needed help. But slowly, we started seeing it differently. Therapy wasn’t a weakness — it was a sign we cared enough to do better for each other.

5. We Almost Quit Once

About a month in, we had a tough week. Jacob shut down during a session. I was tired. Mike was frustrated. We seriously considered stopping. But we talked it over as a family — openly — and decided to stick with it. The next session was hard, but healing. It reminded us that the rough patches were part of the process, not a sign of failure.

What Helped Us Keep Going

• Setting a consistent weekly time
• Treating therapy like a family event — not just a “fix the kids” thing
• Being honest, even when it was awkward
• Celebrating small wins (like “Jacob stayed the whole session!”)

If you’re considering therapy at home, just know: tough moments will come. That’s normal. But healing doesn’t require perfection — it just needs persistence.

Our Family After Home-Based Therapeutic Support

Looking back now, it’s almost hard to believe how far we’ve come.

Our house feels different — not just quieter, but calmer. More connected. We still have tough days — just like any family. But now, we know how to handle them better. Instead of yelling, we talk things out. We’ve learned to listen more and support each other, rather than shutting down.

What’s Changed for Jacob

Jacob used to have big emotional outbursts and couldn’t explain why. Now, he uses words like “I feel frustrated” or “I need space.” He still has tough moments, but they don’t last as long, and he bounces back quicker. His teachers even told us he’s more focused in class and participates more often.

What’s Changed for Emma

Emma grew into her voice. She’s more confident sharing her feelings and asking for help. She’s also become kind of the “emotional coach” in the family — reminding us to breathe or take a break when things feel tense. Her sleep improved, and she seems happier and lighter.

What’s Changed for Us as Parents

We stopped trying to “fix” everything and started just being present. Therapy gave us tools, but more importantly, it gave us space to grow together. We’ve learned how to check in with each other, ask better questions, and show up with more patience and compassion.

New Family Habits

• Friday porch talks (just the grown-ups)
• Sunday evening “check-in circle” with the kids
• Using emotion cards before bedtime when the day feels heavy
• Saying “I need a minute” instead of snapping at each other

A Message from Our Therapist

Kendra once told us, “You don’t need to be a perfect family — just one that’s willing to grow together.” That’s what we’ve become. Not perfect. But stronger. Closer.

Real Progress We’ve Tracked

• Jacob’s school reports: fewer behavior notes, better focus
• Emma’s sleep: no more late-night anxiety
• Our arguments: shorter, calmer, and more productive
• Family meals: now something we actually enjoy

We’re proud of where we are — and so grateful we chose therapy that met us where we were: right at home.

Resources for At-Home Therapy in New Jersey

If you’re in New Jersey and considering at-home therapy for your family, you’re in luck — there are many helpful options here. Whether you need emotional support, speech or occupational therapy, or behavioral services, here are some of the places and people that helped us get started.

Therapists Offering In-Home or Virtual Sessions in New Jersey

These providers offer therapy in your home or online through secure video calls. Many focus on family, child, or behavioral therapy.

• Kendra Wellness Counseling – Based in North Jersey; offers home visits and online family therapy
• Therapy For Families NJ – Provides in-home therapy across central and northern NJ
• NJLAP Behavioral Health – Specializes in in-home ABA and behavioral therapy for kids
• Hackensack Meridian Health Behavioral Services – Offers mobile crisis response and outpatient referrals

💡 Pro tip: Search your ZIP code plus terms like “in-home therapy NJ” or “virtual family counseling NJ” to find localized options.

Insurance Providers That May Cover Home-Based Therapy in NJ

Coverage depends on your specific plan, but these providers often include in-home or teletherapy services in New Jersey:

• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
• AmeriHealth NJ
• UnitedHealthcare NJ
• NJ FamilyCare / Medicaid (especially for pediatric services)
• Aetna Better Health NJ

📞 What to ask your provider:
“Does my plan cover in-home mental health services or virtual therapy for children or families in New Jersey?”

Local Support Groups & Community Resources

These New Jersey–based organizations provide emotional support, parenting help, and local referrals:

• PerformCare NJ – 24/7 access line for in-home behavioral health for children (used by NJ FamilyCare)
• Family Support Organization of Bergen County – Offers parent advocacy, workshops, and peer support
• NJ Parent Link – State-supported hub for health and family wellness
• Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) – Provides free family support groups across the state
• Local school counselors – Great referral source for therapists who offer home visits

Books and Tools That Helped Us

These made therapy easier to understand and brought some peace into our home:

• “The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel
• “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” – Especially helpful with emotional expression
• Free printable emotion cards from websites like TherapistAid.com and BigLifeJournal

Advocacy & Referral Help in NJ

• NJ 2-1-1 – Call or visit NJ211.org for help finding local in-home services
• SPAN Parent Advocacy Network – Helps families navigate therapy, disability services, and school supports
• NJ Early Intervention System – Offers in-home therapy and support for children under 3
• County Mental Health Boards – Provide region-specific referrals and information

🗺️ [Interactive Map of NJ Resources] – Use your ZIP code to explore nearby therapists, support groups, and services

FAQs About Home-Based Therapy {#faqs}

Thinking about trying therapy at home? We had a ton of questions at the beginning too. Here are some of the answers we wish we had right away — especially if you’re a family in New Jersey.

Is at-home therapy covered by insurance in New Jersey?

Yes — sometimes.
It depends on your insurance plan. We learned that many NJ plans, like Horizon BCBSNJ, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare, offer partial or full coverage for in-home or teletherapy. NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) also provides strong coverage for in-home services for kids, especially through PerformCare NJ.

🟢 Tip: Call your provider and ask specifically:

“Do you cover in-home or teletherapy services for families or children in New Jersey?”

How does therapy at home compare to therapy in an office?

In our experience — and many others’ — therapy at home feels more relaxed and personal.
You’re in your own space, which helps kids (and grown-ups) open up. Plus, your therapist can tailor sessions to your real environment. That said, office settings may be more structured and offer fewer distractions.

What kinds of issues work well with at-home therapy?

At-home therapy can help with a wide range of needs, including:

• Anxiety, stress, and family tension
• Behavioral issues or meltdowns
• Parent-child communication struggles
• Speech or occupational therapy goals
• Support after trauma or big life changes

Some specialized cases may still need office or hospital-based care — your therapist will help guide that.

How do you keep sessions private in a busy home?

This was one of our biggest challenges. A few tips that helped:

• Use a folding screen or curtain to create a private corner
• Ask everyone to give “quiet time” during sessions
• Use white noise apps or fans outside the room for privacy
• For virtual sessions, wear headphones and use a quiet nook — even a bedroom or walk-in closet can work

What qualifications should I look for in an at-home therapist?

Make sure your therapist is:

• Licensed in New Jersey (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, BCBA, etc.)
• Has experience with in-home or family therapy
• Offers references or testimonials
• Makes you and your kids feel safe, heard, and respected

You can check their credentials using NJ’s state licensing board or ask your pediatrician for trusted referrals.

How do I prepare my home for therapy?

You don’t need a perfect space — just one that’s calm and clear of distractions. Try:

• Clearing a small area with room to sit comfortably
• Having tissues, water, or sensory items available
• Keeping therapy tools (like journals or cards) in a small basket nearby
• Setting the tone: turn off the TV, dim the lights, and let your family know it’s “therapy time”

Is therapy at home more expensive than going to an office?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
In-home therapists may charge a little more per session to account for travel. But when you factor in gas, time off work, and missed appointments due to travel, it often balances out — or even saves money.

Ask about:

• Sliding scale options
• Virtual alternatives (which are often cheaper)
• Reimbursement through your insurance or HSA/FSA

🎁 Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your therapist for flexible payment plans or lower-cost options. Most genuinely want to help.

You’re Not Alone — Let’s Take the Next Step Together

If our story sounds a little like yours, we hope it gives you one important message: healing is possible — and it can start right at home.

Therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating or far away. It can be in your living room, around your kitchen table, or on a quiet screen during a lunch break. What matters most is simply starting.

Whether you’re exploring options for your child, your family, or yourself — we’ve created a few free tools to help you begin your own journey:

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Thank you for being here: If you’ve read this far, you care deeply — and that already makes you the kind of parent or partner who can create change.

We’re cheering you on, one session at a time.