What Parents Should Avoid Doing During Their Child's Therapy

When a child begins therapy, parents naturally want to help and understand what is happening in sessions. Your involvement and support are important, but certain behaviors can unintentionally make it harder for therapy to be effective.

The following guidelines can help protect the therapeutic space and support your child’s progress.

Avoid Pressuring Your Child to Report What Happened in Session

Children and teens need to feel that therapy is a safe space where they can talk openly. Asking detailed questions such as “What exactly did you talk about?” or “What did the therapist say about me?” can make some children feel uncomfortable or guarded.

Instead, you might say:

• “How was your session today?”
• “Is there anything you’d like to share about how it went?”

This approach allows your child to share at their own pace.

Avoid Using Therapy as a Form of Discipline

Therapy is not meant to be a punishment or a consequence for behavior. Statements such as “You need therapy because of how you’re acting” can create shame and resistance.

It is more helpful to frame therapy as a supportive place where children can learn skills, talk about feelings, and get help when things are difficult.

Avoid Coaching Your Child on What to Say

Sometimes parents understandably want their child to discuss specific concerns in therapy. However, coaching or directing a child about what they should say in session can interfere with the therapist’s ability to understand the child’s experience.

If you have concerns you want the therapist to know about, it is usually best to communicate them directly to the therapist rather than through your child.

Avoid Expecting Immediate Results

Therapy is a process that takes time. Children often need several sessions to feel comfortable with their therapist before deeper work can begin.

Progress may include small changes such as:

• Improved communication
• Better emotional awareness
• Developing coping skills

These changes often build gradually over time.

Avoid Criticizing the Therapy Process in Front of Your Child

If children hear negative comments about therapy or their therapist, they may feel less safe or motivated to participate. If you have concerns about treatment, it is best to discuss them directly with the therapist.

Open communication between parents and therapists helps ensure that everyone is working toward the same goal: supporting the child’s well-being.