Lots of parents think about when it’s best to start therapy for their child. It’s a big decision, and you want to make sure it’s the right time. Sometimes, kids just go through a phase and figure things out by themselves. But other times, their actions affect the whole family. Here, the therapists at Healing Space Therapeutics, PLLC, give advice to help you decide what’s best for your child and your family.
Child Therapy Often Requires Parental Involvement
When we hear the word “therapy,” we often think of one person talking to a counselor. But therapy for kids can be different. Young kids might not benefit as much from just talking to a therapist alone. Sometimes, one or both parents join the sessions, too.
It’s important to remember that parents are a big part of a child’s life. From when they’re born until they’re preteens, parents are the main people kids look to for guidance. This connection is really important for their safety and well-being. So, it’s a good idea for parents to be involved in their child’s therapy. As kids grow up, their therapy might change. Older kids might have more one-on-one sessions with the therapist, or they might do family therapy.
When deciding if it’s time for your child to start therapy, think about how involved you’ll be. You won’t just be dropping off your five-year-old and waiting outside. You’ll probably be part of the sessions. This can make a big difference, especially if you’re worried about leaving your young child with someone they don’t know well.
How Therapy Changes According to Your Child’s Age
Some therapy is made just for babies and toddlers, which surprises many parents. Parents can join in on these sessions, too. They learn how to comfort their little ones and handle tough behaviors. These sessions can really help when babies go through tough times.
As your child grows up, you’re not as involved in therapy. For instance, with a five-year-old, you might join in half the time, but with a 12-year-old, you might only go occasionally. When your older child learns new ways to deal with things, you might learn about it too and practice at home.
Even if you don’t join in therapy for older kids, it’s important to come to the therapist’s office. You can talk about how things are going at home before the session starts. Usually, middle and high school kids handle their therapy alone unless the therapist asks for you to be there. However, your child’s therapist will talk to you about what to expect during these visits.
Signs Therapy Can Work For Children
Child therapy can help in many situations, but parents often want to be sure it’s the right choice before starting. Simply considering whether your child needs help is a good sign that therapy could be beneficial.
It’s important not to ignore problems or wait for something big to happen before considering therapy. Even if you’re not sure it will work, therapy can help you deal with many challenges parents face as their kids grow up. It can also help kids with issues they face at school, at home, and with friends.
You don’t have to handle tough problems alone. With a child therapist, things can feel less overwhelming, and your family can enjoy a happier, less stressful life by addressing issues early on.
Some signs that therapy might help include:
- Having a lot of strong feelings compared to other kids their age
- Struggling with daily activities
- Having trouble making or keeping friends
- Starting to have problems after a stressful event
- Things aren’t getting better over time; they’re getting worse
Parents often forget to think about their own feelings when deciding if their child needs therapy. Are you feeling really stressed because of your child? Do their behaviors or emotions overwhelm you? If so, it’s important to recognize when you’re reaching your limit and consider therapy for your child.
Should We Start Your Child’s Therapy in San Antonio, TX Now?
If you think your child might need therapy, reach out to Healing Space Therapeutics, PLLC, for a talk. Our team of licensed child therapists and psychologists offers different kinds of therapy for families like yours. We can help you figure out if your child needs therapy, if you might benefit from counseling yourself, or if your family could benefit from therapy together. We offer sessions in person and online for your convenience. Give us a call at 210-556-2492 to talk about your choices and set up your first appointment today.
