Explaining Therapy to Children
Seeking help from a psychologist is a courageous and proactive step towards improving mental health and overall wellbeing. However, explaining what to expect when seeing a psychologist to children can be a daunting and delicate task. Here are some tips and strategies to help you navigate the conversation.
1. Normalise the experience:
Re-assure your child that many children and adults see psychologists. Just as people visit doctors for physical health concerns, psychologists assist people with emotional well-being.
2. Set expectations:
Knowing what to expect during their appointments can help children feel more comfortable. There are photos of each of our psychologists and receptionists on our website which you could show your child. Use simple and age-appropriate language to ensure clarity. Here are some examples:
- “(Psychologist’s name) helps people with their feelings”/ “gives them ideas about what to do when they get big feelings.”
- “(Psychologist’s name)’s job is similar to (name of school counsellor). This is often helpful if they have seen a mental health clinician before and had a positive experience.
- “There are lots of toys and games you could play whilst speaking with (psychologist’s name)”.
3. Offer support and reassurance:
Explain to your child that seeing a psychologist is not a punishment but a way to help them with their emotions and achieve what they are setting our to achieve.
4. Address concerns and answer questions:
Check if your child has any questions that you or the psychologist could answer.
If you are still unsure and really don’t know how to broach this topic with your child or have concerns about their response, attending a parent appointment with one of our friendly psychologists may be helpful. Please contact our wonderful reception team at Progressive Psychology on 0477 798 932. They will be more than happy to guide you through this process and make you an appointment.