Unfortunately, there are times when things can become too overwhelming in a child’s life. Kids and adolescents need help when it comes to problems that they cannot cope with on their own. Sometimes, they may need help when exterior problems affect how they feel, act, and behave.

When things don’t get better on their own, kids need therapy for improvement. There are also times when the whole family may need support to provide their children with the communication, education, and boundaries they need.

How Child Therapy Works

When young kids need therapy, they will be working with the whole family where they can learn things by doing. They will experience talking, playing, drawing, and learning the skills they need. Children will also be able to talk through feelings, where their therapist can attempt to solve problems with them.

A therapist will also provide support and praise while the child learns while helping them to find their strengths and to believe in their abilities. Therapy also helps to build healthy behaviors and helpful thinking. Furthermore, a therapist may also meet with the parents to provide them with ideas and tips on how to help their child cope at home.

Signs that a Child May Need Counseling

Parents may notice that there might be a need for child or adolescent counseling if they start to act “out of character.” They may even rebel in ways that aren’t considered to be normal behavior for kids of their age. Furthermore, your child could have experienced significant trauma, such as the death of a pet, a divorce, an uprooting, or a chronic illness.

How To Prepare Your Child for the First Session

A lot of the time, child therapy can be more stressful and complicated for parents rather than their kids. If you’re worried about introducing the idea of going through therapy to your child, here are a few things you can do to help them understand why it is important to do so.

• Break the news at a time of calm and peace

• Help your child identify the problem

• Talk to them with compassion

• Explain how therapy can help them

What To Expect from the Session

During your first session, the therapist will speak with you and your child, where they will ask questions and listen to the problems at hand. This will help them learn about your child as well as the problems they may be going through. After this initial meeting, your child will go to more therapy visits where they may experience the following:

• Talking

• Participate in activities

• Practice new skills

• Solve problems

Level of Parent Involvement

When children come into therapy, the parents will usually wonder how involved they should be. In most cases, you can expect your child’s counselor or therapist to also work directly with you while treating your pre-adolescent child. The reason for this is two-fold:

• To provide you with guidance on how you can help your child cope at home.

• To help the clinician to get useful information on your child’s progress.

What the Child Should Expect

Children and adolescents may have difficulties expressing how they feel — therapy is a kind of treatment that can help with such problems. While in therapy, kids can learn to talk, communicate and cope better with everyday life. They’ll also learn to talk about their problems and behave accordingly.

Communication After Session

When speaking with your child after a session, parents should focus on listening rather than talking. It’s best to ask open-ended questions and allow your child to answer the question thoughtfully and thoroughly. Try to understand your child’s point of view and ensure that you value their values and opinions. It will also help to remind them that you’ll always be there to support them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know if My Child Needs Therapy?

Here are some signs that may tell you that your child is having a difficult time and may benefit from a therapist:

• Significant weight gain or loss

• Noticeable changes in their appetite

• Unwarranted aggression

• Difficulty sleeping

• Persistent nerves and anxiety

• Worsening or failing grades

• Social isolation

• Self-harm

• Expression of suicidal thoughts

How Do I Introduce My Child to Therapy?

Maintaining honest and open communication with your child when answering their questions can help to build trust. As mentioned earlier, it’s best to choose a calm moment when starting the discussion. Avoid having your child perceive the therapy as some kind of punishment, but instead as support.

It can also help to empathize with how your child feels while maintaining a hopeful and positive tone. Be sure to emphasize that doing therapy is normal and will be healthy for them.

What Does a Child Therapist Do?

For younger kids, a therapist can help by providing different activities that they can use during their sessions. For older kids, therapists can help by providing ideas and activities that focus on the skills they need to learn. Therapists will also provide your child with support and guidance as they learn throughout the sessions.

As a result, they can help kids focus on their strengths and believe in themselves. Depending on the age of the child, the therapist may also meet with you to provide tips and ideas to help your child in their progress.

What Makes a Good Child Therapist?

It’s essential that you feel comfortable with the therapist who will see your child. Below are just a few qualities that you need to look into if you’re thinking about getting a therapist for your child:

1. They will respect the unique situation that you and your child are experiencing. Moreover, they will encourage your child’s good qualities and nurture their good behaviors.

2. They will have experience working with children who have similarities with yours.

3. A good therapist will understand your child’s needs and will support them.

4. They believe that parents should take an active role in the therapy process.

5. A great child therapist will be able to make the process an enjoyable one.

Should Parents Be Involved in Their Child’s Therapy?