Family Counseling Services Old Bridge - How To Talk To Your Child Abou

How to Talk to Your Child About Therapy: Part One

October 10, 2019

Therapy has a certain negative stigma that may prevent people from getting the help that they need. As an adult, you can understand that the help you will receive far outweighs another person’s opinion on therapy. However, children may see therapy as a punishment or think that there is something wrong with them and that people will treat them differently. In part one of this two-part series, we will give you a few tips on how to talk to your child about going to therapy so that they have a better understanding of how it can help.

At Innerspace Counseling in Old Bridge, we are proud to offer an extensive list of counseling services to children, teens, and adults. Our staff has years of experience, and we will work with you or your children to work through any problems so that you can live a happier life. Learn more about our family counseling services on our website, and give us a call to request an appointment today!

Wait for the Right Moment

When it comes to talking to your child about therapy, there is a right moment and a wrong moment to bring up the subject. You don’t want to tell your child that they are going to therapy in the heat of an argument, as it will only lead them to believe that therapy is some form of punishment. You also don’t want to bring it up out of the blue without any explanation as to why you feel they should start going to therapy. Instead, wait for a calm moment where you can sit down with your child and explain why you think therapy is a good idea. Make sure you define the problem and the reasoning behind your decision. Explaining why you are worried and how therapy may be able to help might be able to convince your kiddo that it’s for the best.

Validate Their Concerns

Children don’t often concern themselves with mental health. Instead, as a child, you’re more worried about making friends, discovering who you are, and developing a reputation. If you tell your child that they are going to start going to therapy, they may be concerned that their friends will find out and think they are weird or start treating them differently. When you tell your child that they may need to start therapy, take some time to listen to their concerns and validate them. Tell your kiddo that you understand that they are worried about being seen and treated differently, but that it will help them in the long run. You may even want to tell your child that nobody has to know that they are going to therapy if they don’t want them to, which may help your little one feel more at ease.

Contact Innerspace Counseling

If you are considering therapy for yourself or your child, then Innerspace Counseling in Old Bridge is here to help. We offer programs for teens and children, as well as programs for adults. With help from our licensed staff members, you and your family can live the happy, healthy life you’ve always wanted. Give us a call to request an appointment.

We look forward to seeing you!