How do I prepare my child for their first therapy session?
Sometimes the fear of the unknown makes for a worse experience than reality. To ensure that your child is well prepared for their first session with the counsellor or therapist, ask your therapist what you can expect for the first session or request additional information. Our Spring Therapists have Therapist One Pagers that have a picture and introduction of who they are.
A child who’s aware of what to expect will typically look forward to their first session. You can explain to them that the counsellor will also go over everything during their initial visit. Assure them that they can ask as many questions as they need to until they feel comfortable. Depending on the issue and the age of your child, the therapist may first want to meet with you alone to get some background information about the issues that your child is facing along with some developmental history. Other times, they may want to meet with you and your child together, or in the case of teens, possibly with your child alone.
- Assure them that they are safe
Preparing your child for their first therapy session goes beyond telling them what they should expect when they get there. Spend some additional time going over with them the specific needs that the counsellor can help them address. Assure your child that whatever they discuss with the counsellor is between them, and they should feel comfortable talking about whatever they think they need help with to feel better.
Here’s a way to explain to your child who the counsellor is and what their role is: “We’re going to meet with the counsellor, Cierra. I’ve already met them, and they’re very friendly. Much like your doctor you see when you’re sick, they also help kids feel better whenever (having a hard time at school), (having fights with friends), (they are having trouble coping with the death of a pet) (their parents have gotten a divorce). You can talk to them about anything you want to, and they’ll help you feel better. They’ll mostly want to talk with you or play some games together with you. You will be safe with them, but at any time, if you’re not comfortable, please let me know right away.”
