Preparing Your Child for Therapy: A Compassionate Guide

Choosing to support your child by taking them to see a psychologist is an act of deep love and care. It’s a powerful way to express that you want them to feel happy, fulfilled, and supported in their emotional well-being. To make the experience as positive as possible, it's essential to prepare your child for therapy in a way that’s comforting and clear. By taking a moment to explain what therapy is and what they can expect, you can help ease any uncertainty they may feel.

Explain What Therapy Is

Young children may not fully understand what a therapist does, so it’s helpful to explain therapy in simple terms. You might say something like, "A therapist is like a doctor for feelings. When we feel sad, angry, scared, or confused, it can help to talk to someone who understands how to make us feel better." Assure your child that therapy is a safe space where they can talk about their emotions and get support, and that it's perfectly okay to ask for help when we don’t feel our best.

Be Honest About the Reasons for Therapy

Being open and honest with your child about why you're seeking therapy is crucial. It's important to explain that therapy can help everyone in the family, and it’s not about blaming anyone. Instead, it’s about learning how to cope with challenging emotions and behaviors in a way that supports everyone’s well-being. Let them know that this is a journey for the whole family, and you’re there to learn together about how to help them feel happier and more at ease.

Clarify What to Expect in the Session

To help alleviate any anxiety, walk your child through what will happen during the therapy session. You might explain it like this:

• First, you’ll arrive at the therapist's office and check in at the reception desk, just like you would at the doctor or dentist.
• Next, the therapist will come out to call your child’s name, and you’ll walk together to the therapy room.
• Your child will spend about an hour with the therapist, which might include talking, playing, or even creating art to express their feelings.
• Afterward, the therapist may want to chat with you briefly to discuss the session, and you can book another appointment if needed.

For younger children who may be engaging in play therapy, you could explain that they’ll spend time in a special playroom with toys and games. Let them know that when things feel hard, sometimes it helps to have a place where they can relax and express themselves through play. Older children can be told that therapy is a space where they can talk about their feelings or any challenges they’re facing. Make it clear that the therapist won’t push them to talk about anything they’re not ready to share, but that they’re there to listen with compassion and understanding.

Confidentiality and Trust in Therapy

One of the most important aspects of therapy is that everything your child shares is kept confidential. Let them know that the therapist is there to listen and help without judgment. This helps your child feel safe enough to open up and express themselves honestly. However, it's also important to explain that confidentiality may be broken in specific situations, such as if there’s a risk of harm or abuse. This is done to protect your child and ensure their safety, but everything else remains private.

Therapy Is a Family Effort

Therapy can involve not just the child but the whole family. The therapist might want to meet with you and your child’s other caregivers regularly to discuss progress and share strategies that can support your child's healing at home. In some cases, the therapist might even include family therapy sessions to help everyone in the household work together toward understanding and positive change.

What if My Child Is Hesitant to Go?

It’s natural for children, especially older ones, to resist the idea of therapy at first. If your child is feeling unsure or anxious, it’s important to listen to their concerns and acknowledge their feelings. Encourage them to give therapy a try—just one session at a time—and reassure them that it’s okay to feel nervous. Remind them of the benefits, such as feeling less stressed, happier, and more confident in handling emotions. You might also consider making therapy a positive experience by planning an enjoyable activity afterward, like a trip to the park, to help associate therapy with something rewarding.

If you’re looking for a therapist who specializes in children’s therapy, we’re here to support you. At Wholesome Psychology, our compassionate team of certified therapists in Canada works with children and families to help them navigate difficult emotions and foster positive change. Whether you’re in Edmonton, Calgary, or beyond, we offer accessible and personalized therapy to meet your child's unique needs.

Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support your child’s journey toward emotional wellness.

Contact us for more information or to book an appointment.