Therapy for children and teens

Discussions like this can often be quite tricky and sensitive in nature. Some children are much more reluctant to see a counselor than others for a variety of reasons. One of the best ways to approach this important conversation is to treat it as you would a normal doctor’s appointment.

Let your child know that you will be going to see a counselor to make sure everything is okay, that they are healthy, and to explore if there is anything they might need to address or treat. It is crucial to never try to trick your child into attending therapy, as this can lead to confusion and mistrust.

When a child arrives at therapy believing they were being taken somewhere else, they are likely to feel closed off and will be significantly more reluctant to participate in their session. Be honest with your child and let them fully understand that you genuinely want what is best for them.

Additionally, if your child expresses discomfort with their counselor, reassure them that it is perfectly okay to switch counselors to find someone they feel more comfortable with.

Therapists consider parents and caregivers to be an invaluable resource for a child, as they can provide essential information, guidance, and effective positive discipline for their child. In fact, parents and caregivers are just as important to the healing process as the therapists themselves.

After all, parents are there to support their child for a lifetime, whereas therapists typically assist a child for only a specific period of time. The extent to which parents are involved in the therapy process, however, might vary significantly depending on the unique situation and the age of your child.

Particularly as children grow older and transition into their teenage years, it becomes increasingly important for them to build their own identities and sense of self. This means that having their own space to explore their thoughts and feelings during therapy sessions, without the presence of their parents, can be an important factor in promoting their growth.

As a parent, you are the individual who lives with your child and has the opportunity to observe their behaviors and moods on a day-to-day basis. In contrast, your child's therapist only spends about an hour each week with them. Although they aim to use that hour effectively, only so much meaningful change can occur if the positive treatment and practices learned during therapy don’t continue at home. Your child’s therapist can teach you the skills and strategies that they are imparting to your child during sessions. By doing so, you can play a crucial role in ensuring that these valuable skills are effectively translated into everyday life as you leave the therapist’s office.

Moreover, your insights and observations regarding how your child is doing outside of therapy sessions are extremely valuable for the therapist’s overall understanding and approach. Your involvement in your child’s therapy can significantly enhance their sense of support. It helps them realize that there is an entire dedicated team that is rallying behind them, not just their therapist.

This typically depends on the specific recommendation provided by the therapist who is working closely with your child. Oftentimes, they will begin with weekly sessions that last for 53 minutes.

However, for much younger children, particularly those who may have difficulty concentrating, they may choose to implement shorter sessions of about 30 minutes. Ultimately, the frequency of these sessions can vary based on the individual needs of your child and the guidance of the therapist.

How long therapy lasts can vary significantly and often depends on the specific goals that you and your child's therapist have established together.

In most cases, a therapist typically prefers to meet with your child on a weekly basis for several months to ensure consistent progress and support. This regularity allows for a deeper exploration of feelings and experiences, which can further enhance the therapeutic process.