How Do I Tell My Kid I Think They Would Benefit from Therapy?
Telling kids about therapy should be approached with care and sensitivity. Here are some tips to help guide the conversation:
Choose the Right Time and Setting: Find a quiet and comfortable setting where you can have an open and uninterrupted conversation with your child. Choose a time when both you and your child are calm and relaxed.
Use Developmentally-Appropriate Language: Tailor your language to your child's age and level of understanding. Use simple and concrete language to explain what therapy is and why they might benefit from it. For younger children, you might say something like, "Therapy is a place where you can talk to someone who can help you feel better when you're having big feelings." For older children, you can provide more detail about the process and goals of therapy.
Normalize Therapy: Normalize the idea of therapy by emphasizing that it's a common and helpful way for people to get support with their feelings and problems. You can mention that many people, including kids, go to therapy to learn new ways to cope with difficult emotions or situations.
Focus on Positive Benefits: Highlight the positive benefits of therapy, such as feeling happier, less stressed, or more confident. Explain that the therapist is someone who is trained to help them understand their feelings better and learn new skills for managing them.
Encourage Questions and Discussion: Encourage your child to ask questions and express their thoughts and feelings about therapy. Validate their emotions and concerns, and provide honest and reassuring answers to their questions.
Be Honest and Transparent: Be honest with your child about why you're considering therapy and what you hope they'll get out of it. If appropriate, share any concerns or challenges you've noticed and emphasize that therapy is a proactive step towards feeling better.
Address Any Concerns or Fears: Be prepared to address any concerns or fears your child may have about therapy. Reassure them that therapy is a safe and confidential space where they can talk openly about anything that's on their mind.
Involve Them in the Process: Involve your child in the decision-making process by asking for their input and preferences. Let them know that they have a say in choosing a therapist and that you'll support them every step of the way.
Follow Up and Check-In: After discussing therapy with your child, follow up with them to see how they're feeling and if they have any additional questions or concerns. Let them know that you're there to support them.
Encourage Openness and Offer Support: Encourage your child to be open and support them by being receptive to their thoughts and feelings about therapy. If you yourself have been in therapy, it would be helpful to share that with your child to help normalize the experience. Show them that it's okay to ask for help and that seeking support is a sign of strength.
By approaching the conversation with empathy, honesty, and reassurance, you can help your child feel more comfortable and confident about starting therapy.
Want more guidance and resources on this hard topic? Please reach out to us for more information about our support calls, custom books, and several other offerings at info@kindmindstherapynyc.com
