7 Things a Parent Should Know Before Their Child Starts Therapy

When your young one begins therapy, it can be a nerve-racking experience. It can be stressful not knowing how they’ll react, what they’ll discuss or what your part may be. To make the process smoother, we’ve compiled a list of tips to read before your child’s first session. 

1. Prep for the first meeting. To avoid scattered thoughts during the initial session, jot down notes about your child’s behaviours, social interactions, academics, family dynamics, or anything else you deem important. The more information your therapist has, the better, but they’re not expecting a full report!
2. Try to be as transparent as possible. If you had a meeting without your kiddo, let them know about it to uphold trust. This would be a good time to describe therapy as a safe space to discuss feelings and reassure them that it’s not a punishment. 
3. Please understand that it will likely take some time to see results. Therapy is not a one-and-done process; it requires time and dedication. It’s normal to only see changes after a few months, or even longer. 
4. Normalize therapy. Discuss with your child that many individuals attend therapy. It can be helpful to describe it as part of hygiene or a way to feel their best, without framing it as something intended to “fix” them. 
5. Reassure them they don’t have to share anything they’re not comfortable with. This applies to both you and the therapist. Removing the pressure to open up right away can help ease some anxiety that may arise and make the experience more positive. 
6. Be an active participant. If you’re given strategies to implement at home, do your best to stick to them (though no one is expecting you to be perfect!). Attend check-in sessions/keep track of progress. Frequent communication is the best way to ensure you and your child’s therapist are on the same page.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. When unsure about a process, your therapist will be happy to help. 

At Allegro, we aim for a collaborative approach between you, your child, and the therapist. Book a consultation here to learn more about how we can help your kiddo feel their best.