It is understandable if you are confused or even scared if your child is in therapy. Sometimes it is even scarier to know that you are talking to someone else about your problems or concerns. You may feel left out or like you are not doing enough to ensure your child receives adequate care to address their concerns. However, there are several tasks you can do to help both you and your child during your therapeutic experience.

 

  1. Parent consultation! Sometimes therapy can seem like a mysterious process. However, there are many techniques your child's therapist can use with your child, and there are different levels of therapy you may be on (PHP, IOP, weekly, etc.). The most common task performed in the session is to teach your child coping skills and techniques that they can use in their daily life, such as how to manage their emotional outbursts, inattention, and even time management skills. Scheduling a parent consultation with your child's therapist can help you ask any questions you may have and help you understand the treatment your child is going through.
  2.  Keep an open mind! As I mentioned, it's normal to be confused about what's going on in your child's mind. Keeping an open mind about what your child is experiencing, whether you understand it or not, is extremely important to help their progress. Supporting your child starts with helping them feel accepted and validated in what they are feeling. Sometimes, you may feel like what they are saying is silly or ridiculous. However, I want you to remember your own experience at his age and how confusing and difficult it was. Give them the grace and patience that you would have liked to receive when you were that age and your child will learn that you are someone they can trust to move forward.
  3. It will take time…! A common question is “how long will it take for my child to 'get better'”? Unfortunately, there is no set timeline for how long it will take to see progress in your child. For some it may take 3 to 4 sessions, for others it may take 12 to 16 sessions. The important thing is to stay committed and attend as many scheduled sessions as possible! Missing sessions will do more harm than good to your child, as it disrupts treatment and can make the entire process take longer than initially expected.
  4. …And effort! Therapy requires effort and commitment from both parents and child! If your child's therapist asks you to complete “homework,” do it! If you are asked to help or review your child's therapy homework, do it! It may seem like “ugh, something else to think about?” But, if you put in the effort for a short period of time, you will not only help the treatment process go more smoothly, but you will also help your child show progress.

 

Again, it can be scary to put your trust in another person when it comes to your child's health and well-being. However, we do it all the time with their doctors, teachers and trainers. Think of your child's therapist as another person in your life who wants to help your child grow and succeed.