Introducing Therapy to your Child:
You're invited to dedicate special uninterrupted time to talk to your child about therapy. Read through this playful book: When a Donut Goes to Therapy, written by author Erin Winters, illustrated by Kaitlin Bucher. Provide space for your child to ask any questions and answer them honestly. It's okay if you don't have all the answers.
FAQs (for kids)
What is therapy?
Therapists are adults that want to help you feel safe and happy, just like doctors but they don't give you shots or medicine. Therapy is for playing, drawing, and talking about anything big that happens if your life, good or bad. Going to therapy doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you, quite the opposite, it's an opportunity to care for, explore and love all parts of you as you are.
Do therapists tell parents everything that's shared?
It's important to talk to your therapist about this one, but typically no. If you want your parents to know something, we will definitely tell them. Sometimes parents need to know a little about what is going on, and other times it is okay not to share things you don't want to share. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and safe and learn about emotions and what to do when you feel them.
How often does someone go to therapy?
It depends! Sometimes once a week or every other week.
Therapists are adults that want to help you feel safe and happy, just like doctors but they don't give you shots or medicine. Therapy is for playing, drawing, and talking about anything big that happens if your life, good or bad. Going to therapy doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you, quite the opposite, it's an opportunity to care for, explore and love all parts of you as you are.
Do therapists tell parents everything that's shared?
It's important to talk to your therapist about this one, but typically no. If you want your parents to know something, we will definitely tell them. Sometimes parents need to know a little about what is going on, and other times it is okay not to share things you don't want to share. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and safe and learn about emotions and what to do when you feel them.
How often does someone go to therapy?
It depends! Sometimes once a week or every other week.
FAQs (for parents)
How can I best support my child with the therapy process?
Be there for them and create a safe, unconditionally loving atmosphere. If the child is comfortable, you can ask open-ended questions about how therapy is going, and when the child shares, validate their experiences and offer support as needed.
Will the therapist tell me what my child shares in session?
It is often best for parents not to ask the therapist for specifics on the session content, to allow the child to feel they are truly free to share whatever they like. Feel free to ask for general progress updates, observe differences at home, or consider a family session to talk all together about how it’s going. Things will differ depending on age and situations, so ASK!
Be there for them and create a safe, unconditionally loving atmosphere. If the child is comfortable, you can ask open-ended questions about how therapy is going, and when the child shares, validate their experiences and offer support as needed.
Will the therapist tell me what my child shares in session?
It is often best for parents not to ask the therapist for specifics on the session content, to allow the child to feel they are truly free to share whatever they like. Feel free to ask for general progress updates, observe differences at home, or consider a family session to talk all together about how it’s going. Things will differ depending on age and situations, so ASK!
For Immediate Mental Health Support:
Emergency Services or Local HospitalDial 9-1-1 and request to be taken to a local hospital or proceed to your nearest hospital.
Contact - 911 |
Suicide and Crisis HelplineCall for professionally-trained responders available 24/7. A crisis can include difficulty dealing with stress, overwhelming feelings, symptoms of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or any concerns regarding your mental health or that of your loved ones.
Contact - 9-8-8 |
Youth Services Bureau |
Kids Help Phone |
This 24/7 Crisis Line & Chat services are for children and youth ages 18 and under who are experiencing a crisis, and for parents, guardians, caregivers, friends or service providers who are concerned about a young person in crisis.
Contact - 613-260-2360 Toll-free - 1-877-377-7775 |
This service is available 24/7 nationwide and includes professional counseling and information for young people in both English and French via phone, text, mobile app or website.
Contact - 1-800-668-6868 Online - kidshelpphone.ca |
Additional Resources:
Understanding Suicide and Finding Help
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Understanding and Finding Help for Self Harm
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Safety Planning
A safety plan is a document to support and guide someone when they are experiencing thoughts of suicide, to help one avoid a state of intense suicidal crisis. Anyone in a trusting relationship with the person at risk can help draft the plan.