your child begins therapy.

Starting therapy for your child can evoke a range of emotions and raise questions for both children and parents. Understanding the process and what to expect can help support when starting a therapy journey. The conversation about therapy may bring up many questions from your child:

“Where are we going?” “Why do I have to go?” “Who am I meeting with?”

​A great way to explain the therapy space could involve statements such as:

“We are going to a safe place that will involve games, art, talking, and playing.”

“I notice a lot more worries/sadness/anger lately. We can meet with someone who can help you feel better.”

“You are meeting with someone who can help you learn more about yourself and emotions.”

Before the first session, sharing pictures of the office space can help with feelings of apprehension and nervousness. It allows your child to have familiarity with a new place. Pictures of the office space can be found on our website. ​

Upon arriving in the waiting room, your child will see toys, fidgets, and water/coffee machines. They are more than welcome to look and explore the space. The first session is about building safety and increasing awareness of your surroundings. Your therapist will invite you back at your scheduled time.

Sometimes your child may want you to stay with them for the first few sessions. That is completely okay! As time goes on and trust builds, your therapist will work with your child to feel supported being by themselves. Therapists recognize that trust takes time for children to build!

​Therapy for children looks a bit different from that for adults. Children may have difficulties with verbal communication. Age-appropriate activities such as games, play, and art may all be utilized. Therapists want your child to feel heard and understood. By allowing a space for processing, therapists can aid your child with emotional management, cope with challenges, or learn about themselves.

Your child may choose to share what happens in their sessions. They also may not share. Both are completely normal responses. For some parents, it can be a sigh of relief. Others may have concerns about what happens in sessions. Some feel stressed. Collaboration is a big part of therapy for your child. Therapists like to connect with a parent outside of scheduled sessions. This may involve occasional family sessions or phone calls to support with implementing strategies at home. This allows for your child’s privacy and emotional space within their designated session time.

​Like adults in therapy, change does not happen overnight. Therapy progress looks different for everyone. Consistency is key. At the start of treatment, weekly sessions are common. Your therapist will hold a time slot just for your child. As positive change occurs, your therapist will communicate treatment frequency. Some signs of improvement may be improved communication, increased motivation, emotional regulation, or higher self-esteem.

Our goal is to see your child grow and thrive. With patience, collaboration, and trust, therapy is a great space to support your child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.