Preparing a Child for Their First Counseling Session

Before attending their first counseling session, most children will have lots of questions, even if they don’t quite know how to ask them. They will probably be dealing with a range of emotions, including anxiety, uncertainty, and even the fear that they’ve done something wrong. Parents who discuss counseling with their children before it begins can help them feel more comfortable. This may lead to more meaningful and productive counseling sessions.

Be Straightforward and Honest

The most important component in any therapy setting is trust. What a parent chooses to talk about will largely depend on the age of their child, but being honest is critical because recovering from deception at the beginning of the process will be very difficult.

Provide Assurances

Make certain that children understand they are not going to counseling because they need to be “fixed” or as a form of punishment. Parents, this is a good time to take responsibility for some of the changes that may need to be made in the family—explain that the entire family is facing these challenges together so that everyone can get the help they need.