Raising a child can be difficult, but there is no need to meet all the challenges alone. Child therapy can be a wonderful tool for you to utilize to help your child develop a healthy mental outlook. Therapy is often used to help children dealing with outside difficulties, such as a divorce or death in the family. It can also be used to help children suffering internal struggles, such as bullying, school issues, or even sibling rivalry. You will need to prepare your child for their first therapy session. The following tips can help you with this task.
Tip #1: Don't present the therapy sessions as punishment
Never bring up the fact you are planning on a therapy session in the heat of an argument or when otherwise upset with your child. If your child sees therapy as punishment, they may refuse to work with the therapist or otherwise make the sessions difficult. Instead, present the idea of therapy at a time when both you and your child are in pleasant moods. Show genuine happiness at being able to provide this service. Young children, in particular, are more likely to accept therapy as a good thing if you do.
Tip #2: Remember that honesty is the best policy
Don't try to hide the reason why you are investing in therapy. Be honest with your child about the reasons you have decided therapy is a good choice. For example, if you are going through a divorce, let your child know that you understand how rough things have been with the family lately. Letting them know you have decided therapy is a good way to provide them with a safe place to work through these emotions does two things. It builds trust between you and your child because you were honest. It also helps your child understand that you are paying attention to their needs and working to attend to them. This provides security and helps build further trust later.
Tip #3: Assure your child their privacy
One worry many children have is that therapy sessions are little more than a ruse to get them in trouble. Some children won't open up to a therapist, especially in the early sessions, for fear that they may be tattled on. Assure your child that you will respect their privacy by not pressing them for any information about their therapy sessions. Also, do not attempt to conspire with the therapist by providing information to the therapist without your child's knowledge. As the parent, you will have meetings with the therapist to go over things that are coming up in therapy sessions. This information should be respected -- do not punish your child for things that come up in therapy and do not bring up the information unless the therapist provides you with strategies for doing so.
For more help, contact a therapist in your area.
Share8 August 2018
When I was younger, my parents didn't like us to talk about our problems. Instead of voicing our concerns, my parents encouraged us to work on our issues privately. Although this attitude taught me a great deal about personal strength, it has made it hard for me to talk about my problems with other people. After two failed marriages, I realized that the lack of communication could hurt my ability to work well with coworkers, spouses, roommates, and friends. In an attempt to correct my bad habits, I started working with a professional counselor, which made an immediate difference in my life. I know that counseling can help you too, which is why I created a website dedicated to communication and counseling.
