Sending Your Child to Therapy for the First Time: A Guide for Parents
ALCS is excited to welcome Hannah Parks, MA, in the very near future! Hannah will be working with children, teens, and adults at our Kyle and North Austin locations. Are you considering therapy for your child for the first time? In this post, Hannah shares practical suggestions for parents as they help their child take this important step!
Starting the therapeutic process with your child can be a difficult decision for many parents and often brings up a range of emotions. It’s normal to wonder if therapy will truly benefit your child or how best to support them through this journey. Seeking help is a brave and important first step toward their healing and growth.
Talking to Your Child About Therapy
How you approach therapy with your child is an important part of the process. It’s essential to communicate openly, honestly, and in a way that’s age-appropriate. Here’s how to have a conversation that helps reduce any anxiety your child may have:
1. Be Honest and Reassuring
For older children or teens, you can explain that therapy is a tool many people use to manage life's challenges. It’s not about being "broken," but about learning how to cope with tough emotions and situations.
2. Normalize the Process
Reassure your child that therapy is a normal and common experience, just like seeing a doctor when you're physically unwell. Let them know it's a safe space where they won't be judged or criticized for anything they say.
3. Acknowledge Their Concerns
It’s natural for children to feel nervous or unsure about going to therapy, especially if they’ve never been before. Your child might worry about talking to a stranger, sharing personal feelings, or whether the therapist will "tell on them." Be patient and address these concerns calmly:
What to Expect During Therapy
The first session with a therapist is typically an introductory meeting where the therapist gets to know your child and understand the challenges they’re facing. Sessions may vary depending on your child’s age and the therapist’s approach.
For Younger Children: Play therapy is often used, where the therapist incorporates toys, games, and art to help your child express their emotions. These activities provide a safe space for children to process feelings that may be difficult to verbalize.
For Older Children and Teens: Older children and teens generally participate in talk therapy, which may involve discussing their feelings, setting goals, and developing coping strategies. They may also learn techniques for managing anxiety, depression, or other challenges.
Depending on your child’s age and needs, you may or may not be involved in regular sessions. However, parents or caregivers can expect to participate in initial sessions and progress check- ins. Remember, we’re all on the same team! You’ll receive collaborative support on how to best help your child at home throughout the process.
Supporting Your Child Throughout the Process
Once your child starts therapy, here’s how you can continue to support them:
1. Be Patient
Therapy can take time, and progress may not happen overnight. I often explain this process to parents as the "rollercoaster effect." You might notice some immediate progress, followed by moments when things seem to get worse. While this can be discouraging, it’s a normal part of the healing process. As your child continues to grow, you will see more lasting change.
2. Encourage Open Communication
Check in with your child regularly about how therapy is going. If they feel comfortable, let them share what they’re learning and experiencing, but don’t pressure them to talk about anything they’re not ready to share.
3. Reinforce What They Learn
If your child is learning new coping strategies or tools in therapy, reinforce these at home. For example, if they’re learning how to manage stress through deep breathing, practice it together. Showing interest and involvement in what they’re learning helps solidify those lessons in their everyday life.
4. Be Supportive
It can take time for your child to feel comfortable and trust the therapist. Offer emotional support by validating their feelings and letting them know you’re proud of them for taking the step to get help.
Sending your child to therapy for the first time can feel scary, but it’s one of the best ways to support your child’s emotional growth, resilience, and well-being. By choosing the right therapist, communicating openly, and offering your ongoing support, you are setting your child up for success. Therapy is a powerful tool for healing, growth, and learning to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. If you believe your child or teenager could benefit from therapy with me or another ALCS counselor, please contact us!
Talking to Your Child About Therapy
How you approach therapy with your child is an important part of the process. It’s essential to communicate openly, honestly, and in a way that’s age-appropriate. Here’s how to have a conversation that helps reduce any anxiety your child may have:
1. Be Honest and Reassuring
Reassure your child that therapy is a positive step toward feeling better. For younger children, you might say something like:
"Therapy is a place where you can talk to someone who will help you understand your feelings and work through any problems you're having."
"You're going to meet with a therapist who will listen and help you feel better when things are tough."
"You're going to a place where someone is always on your side."
For older children or teens, you can explain that therapy is a tool many people use to manage life's challenges. It’s not about being "broken," but about learning how to cope with tough emotions and situations.
2. Normalize the Process
Reassure your child that therapy is a normal and common experience, just like seeing a doctor when you're physically unwell. Let them know it's a safe space where they won't be judged or criticized for anything they say.
3. Acknowledge Their Concerns
It’s natural for children to feel nervous or unsure about going to therapy, especially if they’ve never been before. Your child might worry about talking to a stranger, sharing personal feelings, or whether the therapist will "tell on them." Be patient and address these concerns calmly:
"The therapist is there to help you feel better. Everything you talk about in therapy stays private, unless it’s something that could hurt you or someone else."
"You don’t have to talk about anything you don’t want to, but I’m sure the therapist will help you feel comfortable.”
What to Expect During Therapy
The first session with a therapist is typically an introductory meeting where the therapist gets to know your child and understand the challenges they’re facing. Sessions may vary depending on your child’s age and the therapist’s approach.
For Younger Children: Play therapy is often used, where the therapist incorporates toys, games, and art to help your child express their emotions. These activities provide a safe space for children to process feelings that may be difficult to verbalize.
For Older Children and Teens: Older children and teens generally participate in talk therapy, which may involve discussing their feelings, setting goals, and developing coping strategies. They may also learn techniques for managing anxiety, depression, or other challenges.
Depending on your child’s age and needs, you may or may not be involved in regular sessions. However, parents or caregivers can expect to participate in initial sessions and progress check- ins. Remember, we’re all on the same team! You’ll receive collaborative support on how to best help your child at home throughout the process.
Supporting Your Child Throughout the Process
Once your child starts therapy, here’s how you can continue to support them:
1. Be Patient
Therapy can take time, and progress may not happen overnight. I often explain this process to parents as the "rollercoaster effect." You might notice some immediate progress, followed by moments when things seem to get worse. While this can be discouraging, it’s a normal part of the healing process. As your child continues to grow, you will see more lasting change.
2. Encourage Open Communication
Check in with your child regularly about how therapy is going. If they feel comfortable, let them share what they’re learning and experiencing, but don’t pressure them to talk about anything they’re not ready to share.
3. Reinforce What They Learn
If your child is learning new coping strategies or tools in therapy, reinforce these at home. For example, if they’re learning how to manage stress through deep breathing, practice it together. Showing interest and involvement in what they’re learning helps solidify those lessons in their everyday life.
4. Be Supportive
It can take time for your child to feel comfortable and trust the therapist. Offer emotional support by validating their feelings and letting them know you’re proud of them for taking the step to get help.
Sending your child to therapy for the first time can feel scary, but it’s one of the best ways to support your child’s emotional growth, resilience, and well-being. By choosing the right therapist, communicating openly, and offering your ongoing support, you are setting your child up for success. Therapy is a powerful tool for healing, growth, and learning to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. If you believe your child or teenager could benefit from therapy with me or another ALCS counselor, please contact us!
Hannah works with children, teens, adults, and families, and is passionate about helping people who struggle with anxiety, depression, life transitions, anger, grief, trauma, relationship problems, self-harm, and addiction. As she comes to understand each client as a unique individual, she draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches to foster growth tailored to their specific story.
For specific questions, email Hannah at hannah@abundantlifecounseling.com
Posted in Blogs by Hannah