Supporting your child through therapy can be a transformative experience for both of you. Whether they’re navigating anxiety, behavioural challenges, trauma, or processing big emotions, your role as a parent or caregiver is crucial in helping them feel safe, supported, and understood. Here are ten ways to support your child effectively throughout their therapy journey.
1. Normalise Therapy & Create a Safe Space
Therapy is not a punishment or a sign that something is “wrong” with your child. It’s a tool for learning, growth, and emotional well-being. Reassure your child that therapy is a normal and positive experience. Let them know it’s okay to talk about their feelings and that seeking help is a sign of strength. Avoid framing therapy as something to “fix” them—instead, emphasize that it’s a space to help them understand and manage their emotions better.
2. Encourage Open Communication
Rather than pressing your child for every detail of their session, ask open-ended questions like, “How did therapy feel today?” This invites them to share without pressure. Respect their boundaries if they don’t want to talk right away. Some children need time to process before opening up, and that’s okay.
3. Validate Their Feelings
Children need to know their emotions—big or small—are valid. Let them know it’s okay to feel sad, frustrated, or even confused. Phrases like, “I hear you, and I understand,” or “It makes sense that you feel that way,” can go a long way in helping your child feel safe and accepted.
4. Follow the Therapist’s Recommendations
Therapy isn’t just about what happens in the session; it’s also about what happens at home. Work collaboratively with your child’s therapist to reinforce strategies and coping techniques. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, following a behavior plan, or adjusting routines, consistency at home helps reinforce progress made in therapy. Your child’s therapist can offer guidance of the strategies they have covered in sessions so you have prompts available for your child when they need them the most.
5. Model Healthy Emotional Expression
Children learn from what they see. Show them how to express emotions in a healthy way by using “I feel” statements and demonstrating self-regulation strategies like deep breathing or taking breaks when overwhelmed. The more they see you managing emotions constructively, the more they’ll learn to do the same.
6. Be Patient & Celebrate Progress
Therapy is a journey, and change takes time. Be patient with the process and acknowledge the small victories along the way. Whether it’s your child using a new coping skill, opening up about their feelings, or showing resilience in tough moments, celebrate their growth and efforts.
7. Prioritise a Supportive Home Environment
A calm and nurturing home environment can help reinforce the benefits of therapy. Reduce unnecessary stressors, maintain predictable routines, and create a space where your child feels loved and supported. Encouraging self-care activities, such as playing, reading, or spending quality time together, can also help them feel more secure.
8. Attend Parent Check-Ins & Ask Questions
At Your Space Foundation, your child’s therapist will arrange reviews and check-ins to provide guidance on how to best support your child. It’s also a great way for you to share some feedback on how your child is progressing away from sessions. This collaborative way of working will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions, inform our next steps in therapy and help prepare for endings when this is appropriate.
9. Encourage Play & Expression
Children often process their emotions through play, art, and storytelling. Play therapy and creative therapies such as music or dance can be valuable tools in helping children explore and express their emotions naturally. Encourage them to express themselves through creative outlets like drawing, journaling, or role-playing.
10. Take Care of Yourself Too
Supporting a child through therapy can be emotionally demanding. Remember to take care of yourself, too. Engage in self-care practices, seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed, and prioritize your well-being. The more emotionally grounded you are, the better you’ll be able to support your child.
Final Thoughts
Therapy can be a powerful tool in helping your child navigate their emotions and challenges. By normalizing the process, encouraging open communication, and creating a supportive home environment, you can help them feel more comfortable and empowered in their journey. With patience, empathy, and consistency, you’ll be playing an invaluable role in their healing and growth.
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