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INTRODUCING YOUR CHILD TO THERAPYYou'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.
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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!