How to Talk to Your Child About Therapy

Starting therapy can bring up many feelings for children and teens. Some may feel curious, while others may feel nervous or unsure about what to expect.

How parents talk about therapy can greatly influence how comfortable a child feels with the process.

Keep the Explanation Simple and Honest

Children do not need a complicated explanation about therapy. A clear and supportive message is often most helpful.

Examples might include:

• “Therapy is a place where you can talk about your feelings and get help when things feel hard.”

• “Your therapist is someone whose job is to help kids and families work through problems.”

• “Lots of people talk to therapists when they need extra support.”

Normalize the Experience

Children may feel worried that something is “wrong” with them if they need therapy. Reminding them that many people go to therapy at different points in their lives can help reduce shame or embarrassment.

You might say:

• “Talking to a therapist is one way people learn new ways to handle challenges.”

• “It’s okay to need help sometimes.”

Let Your Child Know They Are in Control of What They Share

Children sometimes worry that their parents will hear everything they say in therapy. Reassuring them that therapy is a place where they can talk freely can help them feel safer.

You might explain:

• “Your therapist will keep most things private unless there is a safety concern.”

• “You can share things at your own pace.”

Encourage, But Don’t Force

Some children may feel hesitant about attending therapy at first. Gentle encouragement is helpful, but pressure can sometimes increase resistance.

Let your child know that it’s okay if it takes time to feel comfortable and that the therapist is there to help them.

Focus on Support Rather Than Fixing

Children benefit most when therapy is framed as support, not as something they must do to fix a problem.

A helpful message might be:

“We care about you and want you to have support when things feel hard. Therapy is one way to help with that.”

A Collaborative Process

Therapy for children works best when parents, therapists, and children work together. Open communication and patience can help create a supportive environment where children feel safe to grow, learn, and heal.

If you have questions about your child’s therapy or how to support them at home, we encourage you to reach out to your therapist.