10/20/2025
This post is inspired by a client who encouraged me to share. Hope it helps someone...
If you are bringing your child to therapy for the first time or with a new therapist, consider these points...
1.) COLLABORATE WITH YOUR CHILD: allow your child some autonomy in the process. Consider their opinion on who the therapist is, when they go, or what they share or don't share with you from sessions.
NOTE: a good therapist will allow for some autonomy for the chlid, no matter how young or old they are. Feeling in control of ourselves and the things that happen to us is so so so importan for positive outcomes of mental health. If your child will get the most of their time in therapy, they NEED some autonomy and control.
2.) DISCUSS IT OR BRING IT UP IN A PRIVATE SETTING ALONE. Avoid discussion of it at family settings or group events. They need space to feel upset without an audience. This shows you respect their feelings and are truly there to support them.
3.) AVOID CORRECTING THEM OR GIVING YOUR OPINION OR PERSPECTIVE ON THERAPY ITSELF. Validate their feelings as you discuss it. They are allowed to be scared and nervous. Consider writing down a list of concerns or questions together for the new therapist. Come up with collaborative solutions for their fears, such as "we will try out therapy for X amount of time, then we will either stop or find a new therapist." Understand that not all therapist are good fits for every person. Similar personalitites and communication styles is key.
HARD TRUTH: Most fear will not dissipate until that very first session. Most fear lives in the unknown. Once that is known, a lot of it can fall away.
If you have questions or are looking for a therapist yourself, please call or message me today!
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