Starting the Conversation
As a parent, you want the best for your child, and when you notice them struggling, whether with emotions, behavior, or social challenges, you want to help. Therapy can be a wonderful resource, but bringing it up with your child might feel tricky. You may worry that they will feel scared, resistant, or assume something is “wrong” with them.
The good news is that kids are often more open to therapy than we expect, especially when it is introduced in a way that feels safe and supportive. The key is to frame it as a helpful and positive experience rather than something to be feared. Here’s how to talk to your child about therapy in a way that encourages openness and comfort.
How to Approach the Conversation
Keep It Simple and Age-Appropriate
Children don’t need a long explanation about what therapy is or why they’re going. For younger kids, you might say, “You know how we go to the doctor when our body isn’t feeling well? A therapist is someone who helps with our feelings and thoughts.” Older kids may benefit from a little more detail, such as, “Sometimes, when things feel hard, it helps to have a special person to talk to who can help us understand our feelings.”
Use Positive and Neutral Language
Your child will pick up on your tone, so try to present therapy as a helpful and normal experience. Avoid making it sound like a punishment or a consequence. Instead of saying, “We need to get you help,” you might say, “I found someone who is really good at helping kids feel better when they’re feeling sad, frustrated, or worried.”
Normalize Therapy as a Healthy Choice
Let your child know that therapy is just like learning any other life skill. You can compare it to going to school to learn math, practicing a sport to get better at it, or seeing a doctor for a check-up. You could say, “A therapist helps kids learn how to handle big feelings, just like a coach helps you learn how to play a game better.”
Reassure Them That It’s a Safe and Supportive Space
Some kids may worry about talking to a stranger or assume therapy means they are in trouble. Reassure them that therapy is a place where they can share anything they want without judgment. You can say, “Your therapist is there to listen and help you feel better. You can talk about anything, and they will help you figure things out in a way that feels good for you.”
Acknowledge Their Feelings and Answer Questions Honestly
Your child may have questions or concerns, such as, “Do I have to go forever?” or “What if I don’t want to talk?” Let them know it’s okay to feel unsure. You can say, “You don’t have to talk about anything until you’re ready. Your therapist will help you feel comfortable, and if you don’t like something, we can talk about it together.” If they’re worried about how long they’ll go, you might say, “We’ll try a few sessions and see how you feel. It’s all about what helps you.”
Emphasize That They Are Not Alone
Children sometimes assume they are the only ones who go to therapy, which can make them feel different. Let them know that lots of kids and adults go to therapy for all kinds of reasons. You could say, “So many kids see therapists to help with feelings, just like how people go to teachers to learn new things. Even grown-ups go to therapy to work through things!”
Give Them a Sense of Control
While therapy may not be optional, you can give your child choices about how they engage. For example, you can ask, “Would you like to bring a stuffed animal or a toy with you?” or “Would you like to draw a picture to bring to your therapist?” Giving them small choices can help them feel more comfortable and in control.
Moving Forward
Introducing therapy to your child in a positive and supportive way can set the tone for a successful experience. The goal is to help them see therapy as a safe place where they can be themselves and get the help they need to feel better.
If you’re ready to explore therapy for your child but aren’t sure how to take the next step, I’m here to help. Reach out today to learn more about how therapy can support your child’s emotional well-being.