Children of all ages can be seen for therapy. Sometimes there are specific issues that need addressed, and sometimes, just as with adults, it simply helps to talk to someone. You may feel a bit uncertain about your child’s first therapy session. That’s okay! It’s completely normal.
You can expect your child’s first therapy session to be relaxed and calm. It may look a bit different from the others. It’s an informal visit with both you and your child.
Child’s First Therapy Session
The therapist will ask you and your child some basic questions – – What brings you to therapy? Are there any ongoing problems you’d like to discuss? What would you like to get out of therapy?
Your therapist will ask you, the parent, some questions about your family – – Where do you work? Are there any siblings? Who all lives in the home? Do you have pets?
This first visit is a chance for your therapist to start talking to your child to build a rapport. Your child’s therapist may ask simple questions – – What school do you go to? Which grade are you in? What is your pet’s name? What do you do for fun? Do you like art? Are you interested in board games or video games?
During this first visit, you can expect your child’s therapist to give you an idea of how she will approach your child’s future therapy sessions. Therapy with children is slightly different than what you may expect from adults. If your child is younger, he/she may color, paint, read books, or play board games during therapy. Each activity is applied in a way to help your child feel comfortable in their setting and help them to communicate their feelings, worries, or struggles.
Your child may want you to stay with him/her in the room during the next few appointments. You may be present in the sessions until your child feels comfortable on his/her own. Your child and therapist will decide when that feels right.
Your Child’s Future Therapy Sessions
When your child feels ready, he/she will begin speaking with the therapist alone. Each session is about 55 minutes long. As the parent, you may be asked if there are any changes in behavior or any new issues that need to be addressed. In the last few minutes of therapy, your child’s therapist may explain what they worked on during their session and how to apply it in your child’s day.
Answers to FAQ Regarding Child and Adolescent Therapy
Your child’s therapy sessions may be slightly different each time depending on how your child responds to different approaches and activities.
There is no pre-determined time for how long your child should be in therapy.
Your child doesn’t need to have a “problem” to be seen in therapy. Therapy can help children of all ages work through anxiety and help build self-esteem.
We offer in person therapy and online therapy. However, counseling for children is best done in person. We currently see patients in Washington, PA and Canonsburg, PA.
We do accept insurance. You can read more about that here.
Children and Adolescent Therapy in Canonsburg, PA
If you’ve been considering therapy for your child, now may be the right time. We are here to help you any way we can. If you have any questions or would like to get to know us a little better, please call (724) 503-6670 or email us at admin@inthenowcounseling.org. You can also talk to us on Facebook and Instagram, too.
