Preparing your child for therapy tip #6

6) Hire a therapist that has a specialty in child and adolescent modalities.

It is important that your child enters this new journey with a therapist that is familiar with treating children. It is not enough for them to decide that they will take on your special case-be sure that they typically treat this population. What does this mean? It means that they understand current trends, pop-culture amongst this population and generally like children and teens. It is an added burden for a kid or teen to explain generational differences to their therapist. A good counselor for kids or teens needs to care about current events when it comes to young people.

Preparing your child for therapy tip #5

5) Find books and resources for children about therapy.

Information is power. If a child has resources at their disposal they are apt to feel more comfortable with the process. Resources can include podcasts, blogs, children’s books, magazines and more. Some therapists might offer workshops and lunch & learn opportunities for families. Be sure to ask if your clinician has any suggestions.

Preparing your child for therapy Tip #4

4) Listen to their concerns.

What makes this process scary for your kid? Are they nervous about meeting a stranger to talk to? Are they embarrassed? Ask them. Hear their fears and don’t worry about reassuring them right away. You need to know what they think about the idea of therapy and if they share specifics it is important to understand their concerns. When parents listen they become a great model and example of one of the biggest benefits of therapy.

Preparing your child for therapy Tip #3

3) Explain the therapy process.

Talk to your child about the specific therapy that they will be receiving. If it is play therapy for example, ask the potential counselor for a fact sheet about his/her practice before your child meets their new practitioner. Research the topic online and try to find Youtube clips or supportive apps that can provide a good explanation to your child about what therapy is. This is also a great time to empower your child to think about what they would want to talk about in their sessions. Many young people feel like they have to keep many thoughts and feelings bottled inside-help them to understand that this is a special time for them to feel free to express their hidden thoughts with someone who wants to listen and help.

How to prepare your child for therapy Tip #2

2) Be honest about your own limitations.

Make sure that your child knows that although you are 100% committed to helping them. It is important that they know that you are dedicated to being there for them. This is a great opportunity to let them know that we all need help sometimes and the best way that you can help them is to bring in a professional who can help the entire family.

How to prepare your child for therapy ( a tip a day)

Are you thinking about taking your child to a therapist? Are you wondering how to begin the process of getting them ready for this new regimen?

Talk to your child about their presenting problem. Is your child being bullied? Are they withdrawn? Another issue? Make an effort to be an open door and to let your child know that you want to be there for them and that you are committed to helping them. Do you know what feelings they are experiencing? Share your own thoughts and feelings with them about going to see someone to help them with their problem. This is the time to be as vulnerable as you can. It will be a great model for them as they are beginning their new regimen. More tips to come!

crack of dawn...or whenever you wake

Did you know that your morning routine sets the stage for your whole day and night? What is your regimen? Do you have one? What is most important to you as soon as you pull the covers back? Do you meditate? stretch? groom? Think about it. Evaluate how it sets your day up for victory or challenges?

No break from bullying prevention...

Many parents have asked me if it is okay to ignore bullying if it happens at summer camp, a soccer league or a monthly craft event. The answer is no. School is not the only place our children are susceptible to being bullied. We have to acknowledge and address bullying in the same way we do when school is in session. Summer gives us a vacation from the regular routine but bits and pieces can still find their ways into our lives. The best way to make sure that our kids are being kind is to show them examples year round. Education on these matters is always important.