By Rob Peterman, LAC
Therapy can be intimidating at first, but it’s important to us that we help our clients feel safe, validated, heard, and that we are our genuine and authentic selves each session. It can also feel a bit overwhelming, especially for parents who may not know what to expect. To help ease any concerns, here’s a helpful guide to what typically happens during therapy for children sessions and how you can best prepare for it.
What to Expect in Your First Therapy for Children Session
1. The Initial Intake Process
The first session often begins with a discussion between the child therapist, parents, and the child. This is called the “intake” session, and it allows the therapist to learn more about your child’s history, background, and any specific concerns you might have. This is an opportunity to share:
- Your child’s behavioral and emotional challenges
- Any family dynamics or significant life changes (such as a move, divorce, or loss)
- Your child’s medical history and development milestones
- Current school performance and peer relationships
During this time, the therapist may ask a series of questions to understand what brought your child to therapy and what goals you have for their treatment. If your child has experienced trauma, this is a sensitive topic that will be approached with care and empathy.
2. Establishing Trust
Once the child therapist has gathered the necessary information, the focus will shift to your child and ensure that they feel safe, validated, and heard. Depending on the child’s age and developmental level, the therapist may start by engaging in a relaxed activity such as drawing or playing games to help build rapport and trust between your child and the therapist. For younger children, play therapy is commonly used to help them express their emotions and thoughts through toys, drawings, or role-playing.
3. How Will the First Session Look?
During the first session, the therapist will discuss the treatment process with both the child and the parents. This will include:
- Setting expectations for therapy: The therapist will explain how many sessions might be needed, what the general structure of sessions will look like, and any recommended strategies for supporting your child at home.
- Ask open-ended questions to understand how the child feels, what challenges they face, and what they want from therapy
- Use creative methods like art, play, or storytelling to help the child express emotions that may be difficult to articulate
- Establish goals for therapy in collaboration with your child, depending on their comfort level and age
How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Therapy Session
Preparation is key to helping your child feel comfortable during their first therapy session. Here are a few tips:
- Talk to your child beforehand: Let them know that therapy is a place where they can talk freely, and reassure them that it’s okay to feel nervous. Emphasize that it’s a safe space to share feelings.
- Be open about the process: Answer any questions your child may have about what therapy is like. You can say something like, “The therapist will talk to you and ask questions to help understand how you’re feeling.”
- Keep the focus on their well-being: Frame therapy as an opportunity to get help with things that may be bothering them, without pressure to “fix” anything instantly.
- Parental Involvement: Therapists typically view parents as an essential part of the therapeutic process, so you will likely be involved throughout your child’s treatment. The first session will set the stage for how parents can best support their child in therapy. It’s important for parents to remain engaged in the process, and to keep communication open with the therapist.
- No Pressure to “Fix” Everything Immediately: It’s important to remember that the first session is not about solving all the issues in one go. Therapy is a process, and it often takes time to build trust and gain deeper insights into what’s going on with your child. If your child doesn’t open up right away, that’s okay. The child therapist will create a safe and comfortable environment where your child can express themselves when they’re ready. It’s all about celebrating the little steps that they take as they strive towards their therapeutic goals.
It’s natural to feel a bit nervous or uncertain prior to your child’s first therapy session. Your therapist is there to help create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where your child can explore their thoughts and feelings. With time, therapy for children can be a powerful tool for helping children manage challenges and develop emotional resilience. By being involved and engaged, parents can play a critical role in supporting their child’s therapy journey and ensuring it’s as effective as possible. Take it one step at a time, and trust that your child’s mental and emotional health will be in good hands.
Ready to get your child started with therapy at DBT of South Jersey? Schedule a call with our team today.
Helping Your Child Thrive with Therapy for Children in South Jersey
At DBT of South Jersey, we specialize in therapy for children to help them navigate big emotions, challenging behaviors, and difficult life experiences. Our compassionate approach supports your child in building healthy coping skills and emotional resilience. Together, we can create a path toward growth, understanding, and lasting change. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
- Contact us to book a free consultation with our intake team
- Meet with one of our skilled child therapists
- Start seeing your child thrive!
Other Services Offered at DBT of South Jersey
At DBT of South Jersey, we offer more than just therapy for children to help them manage their behaviors and emotions. We know you may have additional concerns you’d like support with, and our services are designed to meet a variety of needs. In our Voorhees and Moorestown offices, we also provide couples counseling, OCD treatment, trauma therapy, LGBTQIA-affirming therapy, and holistic options like one-on-one Reiki. To learn more about therapy for children and teens, be sure to explore our blog!
