Ways to Support Your Child While They Attend Therapy.

Thinking of starting your child in therapy? The first step can be a challenge with finding they right therapist takes some time, however, once you get passed the paperwork and initial session the anxious feelings may fade to the side. Those same anxious feelings may have you question your own capabilities to be supportive and help your child through this process. It's important to play an active role in your child's mental health and well-being. As a parent, one of the ways you can do this is by supporting your child in therapy.

Here are 10 tips on how to best support your child in therapy:

1. What You Say Matters - Encourage your child to attend therapy and emphasize that it's a positive step towards their mental health and well-being.

2. Put Your Active Listening Skills to Good Use - Restate and reframe what they tell you. Listen to what your child is saying during therapy sessions and after. Ask questions and validate their feelings.

3. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment - Create a safe and supportive environment at home where your child feels comfortable discussing their thoughts and feelings.

4. Respect Their Privacy - Remember that therapy sessions are confidential, and it's important to respect your child's privacy by not asking about the details of the sessions.

5. Encourage Open Communication - Foster open communication by encouraging your child to talk about their feelings and experiences with you, but also allow them to express themselves in their own way and on their own time.

6. Cheer Them On - Support your child in reaching their therapy goals, whether it be improving self-esteem, reducing anxiety, or developing better coping mechanisms.

7. Take Care of Yourself - As a parent, it's important to take care of your own mental health as well. Consider seeking therapy for yourself, especially if you are struggling with your own mental health issues.

8. Patient is a Virtue - Remember that therapy is a process and it may take time for your child to see results. Be patient and continue to support them throughout their journey.

9. Encourage Them to Own Contribution to the Process - Encourage your child to take an active role in their therapy, and help them understand that therapy is a collaborative effort between them and their therapist.

10. Celebrate The Small Stuff - Celebrate your child's progress, no matter how small, and recognize their hard work and dedication to their mental health.

By following these tips, you can support your child in therapy and help them achieve their goals. It's important to remember that every child is different and that what works for one child may not work for another. It may take some time to find what works best, but with patience, support, and the right approach, you can help your child thrive.

Therapy can be a powerful tool for children to learn about themselves and develop the skills to manage their emotions and experiences. Your support and encouragement as their parent can make all the difference in your kiddo's therapeutic journey!