Starting therapy for your child can bring up a lot of questions about your role as a parent or caregiver. You want to stay involved and provide support, while also giving your child/teen the space they need to feel comfortable and grow throughout the process.
Finding the right balance is possible. We’re here to help guide you through this journey, answer your questions, and make starting therapy feel approachable and comfortable for both you and your child.
First Session
The first session will often have both you and your child present. We typically recommend kids aged 13+ join and be part of the conversation, while it may not be appropriate for younger kids and adolescents to be present. If your teen is not wanting to start therapy, we also may recommend the first session is adults only. We leave this decision up to the parents/caregivers though, as you know your child/teen best.
At the first session, we will:
gather background information
figure out how the therapist can help
set treatment goals
get to know each other
If you have more questions about what this initial intake session looks like, reference our previous post explaining this process in more detail: https://www.intentionalmindsmhc.com/journal/what-does-the-intake-process-look-like
Sessions Moving Forward
After the initial intake session, you will likely still be involved in your child’s therapy. While the main focus will be between your child and the therapist, you are still a voice for your child. We want to hear any updates you have regarding your child. This can include any changes in behaviors, updates regarding home/family life, or anything else you think is important for us to know. These updates can be given at the beginning of the session when you arrive or via email prior to the appointment time.
After getting any updates from you, we often meet separately with your child. These individual sessions will look different depending on your child’s presenting concerns. This time is focused on building a relationship with your child so they feel comfortable in the therapeutic environment while making progress towards their treatment goals. After sessions, we will provide you with updates on the session and any take-home information that should be known and/or practiced. This is done either in person at the end of the session or via email.
It’s important to note that every child and teen has different preferences and needs. We are flexible with how we structure sessions, if parents/caregivers join sessions, and how updates are communicated.
Parents/caregivers may want separate sessions without the child present to receive more tailored support- we offer that too! We only get 1 hour per week with your child, while you get the other 167 hours. It’s important that you’re feeling supported in guiding your child/family toward healthy changes.
Measuring Progress Towards Goals
While we keep in touch throughout sessions, every 3 months we will invite you back in to join a session with your child/teen or schedule an adults-only meeting to review the treatment plan. During this conversation, we will assess progress towards the goals based on what we see in session and what you see outside of the therapy appointments. During this conversation, we can make adjustments to the treatment goals.
While this provides a brief overview of what your involvement in your child’s therapy may look like, we welcome any questions, meetings, or conversations along the way! Your child’s therapist is here to support not only your child, but your whole family. We strive to ensure that your concerns are heard, your perspective is valued, and your child has an advocate every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns about your role in your child’s therapeutic journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to work together to help your child grow!
