A Parent's Guide: What To Know Before Your Child Begins Therapy

As a parent, you naturally always want what's best for your child, and therapy can be a valuable tool when it comes to their mental health. However, starting therapy can feel overwhelming. 

To help you out, Gemas  Psychotherapy shares some essential things to keep in mind before your child begins therapy:

1. Finding the Right Child Family Therapist

The first step is looking for the right therapist for your child. Look for a therapist who specializes in child and family therapy. You can ask for referrals from your child's pediatrician or school counselor. You can also search for "therapists in Torrance'' online and look at reviews and credentials. It's crucial to find a therapist who your child feels comfortable with and who you trust.

2. Understanding the Goals of Therapy

Before your child begins therapy, it's important to understand the goals of therapy. Therapy is not a quick fix, and it's essential to understand that progress can take time. Therapy is a process of exploring feelings, thoughts, and behaviors to help your child better understand themselves and their relationships. A therapist can help your child develop coping skills and strategies to manage difficult emotions and situations.

3. Discussing Therapy with Your Child

It's essential to talk with your child about therapy before they begin. Explain to them that therapy is a safe space where they can share their feelings and learn new coping skills. Let your child understand that it's okay to feel nervous or scared and that it's normal to need help sometimes. Encourage your child to ask any question they might have and be honest with their therapist.

4. Preparing for the First Session

The first therapy session can be nerve-wracking for both you and your child. It's helpful to prepare by talking to your child about what to expect. Let them know that the initial session is usually an opportunity for the therapist to get to know them and for them also to get to know the therapist.

5. Building a Relationship with the Therapist

Therapy is most effective when your child feels comfortable with their therapist. It's essential to build a relationship of trust and respect between your child and their therapist. Encourage your child to be open with their therapist, and let them know that their therapist is there to help them.

6. Staying Involved

While therapy is a space for your child to work through their feelings and thoughts, it's essential to stay involved in their treatment. Talk to your child's therapist about their progress and any concerns you may have. Encourage your child to practice the coping skills they learn in therapy at home. 

7. Understanding Confidentiality

Confidentiality is an essential part of therapy. Your child's therapist will keep their sessions confidential, with a few exceptions. If your child is at risk of harming either themselves or others, their therapist may need to break confidentiality to keep them safe. Your child's therapist will explain their confidentiality policy at the beginning of therapy.

Conclusion

Starting therapy can feel daunting, but it can be a valuable tool for your child's mental health. Finding the right child family therapist, understanding the goals of therapy, discussing therapy with your child, preparing for the first session, building a relationship with the therapist, staying involved, and understanding confidentiality are essential things to remember before your child begins therapy. 

With support, your child can develop the coping skills and management strategies they need to navigate difficult emotions and situations.

At Gemas Psychotherapy, we specialize in providing customized therapeutic assistance to help individuals lead fulfilling lives. We ensure a secure and welcoming environment for clients to engage in face-to-face or virtual sessions, accommodating their specific schedules. Our enthusiastic team is committed to aiding people in overcoming hurdles, delivering tailored services such as individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, and therapy for children and teenagers, based on each client's distinct requirements. Schedule an appointment with our child therapist in Torrance today!