By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    photo of hands with blue veins
    8 Proven Tips on Finding Difficult Veins
    November 12, 2021
    tips for getting over the pandemic blues
    4 Proven Ways to Get Over the Pandemic Blues
    February 22, 2022
    medical industry innovations
    How is CNC Machining Transforming the Medical Industry?
    June 2, 2022
    Latest News
    Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
    May 16, 2025
    Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
    May 16, 2025
    Choosing the Right Supplement Manufacturer for Your Brand
    May 1, 2025
    Engineering Temporary Hospitals for Extreme Weather
    April 24, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Doctors on Google: Manhattan Research Survey 2012
    July 23, 2012
    HealthCare’s Need for Transparency Goes Far Beyond Pricing
    December 10, 2012
    Medicare Payments to Providers Are Carved, Sliced and Chopped by Sequestration
    March 25, 2013
    Latest News
    Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
    May 18, 2025
    The Critical Role of Healthcare in Personal Injury Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide for Victims
    May 14, 2025
    The Backbone of Successful Trials: Clinical Data Management
    April 28, 2025
    Advancing Your Healthcare Career through Education and Specialization
    April 16, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: 5 Helpful Tips to Ensure Children Feel Safe in Therapy
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Mental Health > 5 Helpful Tips to Ensure Children Feel Safe in Therapy
Mental Health

5 Helpful Tips to Ensure Children Feel Safe in Therapy

Ryan Ayers
Last updated: June 23, 2021 11:47 am
Ryan Ayers
Share
6 Min Read
child therapy
Shutterstock Photo License - By Photographee.eu
SHARE

Both children and adults have mental health needs. Today, we know more than ever about child psychology and the need to support children who have had traumatic experiences or are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder.

Making the decision to take your child into therapy can be difficult. Many parents have strong emotions around counseling and are affected by fears of stigma or concern that their child is ?different.? You may find benefits of using online therapy, but in-person therapy has its own benefits as well.

It?s important to realize, however, that therapy is there to help children and make their lives better. Going to therapy is not a reflection on the child or the parent, it?s simply a tool for families that could benefit from mental health support.

With that said, counseling can be an intimidating experience for children. Before your first session, it?s a good idea to prepare and do everything you can to ensure that your child feels safe in therapy.

More Read

Dementia Diagnosis
How To Find The Right Care For A Loved One With A Dementia Diagnosis
How to Rewire Your Brain for Better Mental Health
4 Modern Trends in Taking Care of Your Mental Health
5 Mental Health Benefits Of Group Therapy
8 Ideas to Build Healthy Minds at Work

Types of Therapy for Children

Children have different mental health needs. Depending on your child?s situation, one of the following therapy types might be suggested.

Behavioral Therapy

Many children can benefit from behavioral therapy, which has been used to treat a range of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, and more. Children will learn new, healthier behaviors and address fears they have in order to live happier, more comfortable lives.

Developmental Therapy

In children, developmental delays can be a cause for concern. Developmental therapy can help identify the causes of these delays and give families strategies for helping kids ?catch up? to their peers. Early intervention can make a huge difference in children?s lives. There are many different types of developmental therapy, including some therapies for children with autism.

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Children who have been through traumatic experiences typically need lots of support to move forward. Cognitive processing therapy is very helpful for individuals with PTSD and can help people modify their patterns of thinking so they can improve their quality of life and reactions to daily life. It is very important to get help for children with a history of trauma as soon as possible.

Signs of Childhood Trauma

When most people think of childhood trauma, they imagine horrific situations involving abuse. While these cases do exist, they are not the only source of childhood trauma. Even parents with the best intentions can?t always protect their children from harm.

Children who have been through traumatic experiences should be supported by a mental health professional as soon as possible to prevent as much long-term harm as possible. Some signs of childhood trauma may include:

  • Nightmares
  • Depression
  • Weight loss or eating disorders
  • Separation anxiety
  • Guilt and shame
  • Difficulty sleeping

Obviously, some of these symptoms can have a range of causes, so don?t jump to conclusions. But it is important for parents to be alert and on the lookout for signs of trauma.

When to Seek Therapy for Your Child

Parenting has its ups and downs, and it?s normal for children to go through some rough patches during their development. It?s only necessary to seek therapy when a child is showing signs of more serious problems or has developed issues in several different areas of life.

Children who experience chronic anxiety and depression may benefit from counseling. It?s also important to take talk of self-harm seriously. If you?re in doubt about whether or not your child needs therapy, talk to your pediatrician and get their advice.

Tips to Help Your Child Feel Safe and Secure During Therapy

Therapy can be scary and intimidating for some kids. Help them feel safe and secure by following these tips:

1. Focus on Finding the Right Fit

It?s important to find a therapist your child ?clicks? with. They need to be able to trust their counselor to make progress. Don?t be afraid to make a switch if things aren?t working out after a few sessions.

2. Keep it Consistent

Don?t just make an occasional appointment. Going to therapy consistently will help kids feel safe and willing to engage in the process.  

3. Don?t Put On the Pressure

Try not to make a big deal out of going to therapy. It?s important to not make your child feel like they?re ?bad? or that you expect something specific from them. Putting pressure on kids about their appointments will only make them feel anxious or fearful.

4. Don?t Bribe or Punish

It?s important not to bribe kids to go to their appointments. You should also not punish them if they are reluctant to attend their session. Ask the therapist for advice if your child is resistant.

5. Don?t Give Up Therapy isn?t an instant cure. Your child might need long-term counseling before you will see any meaningful changes. Be patient and don?t give up. You?re giving your child their best chance at success by taking them to therapy!

TAGGED:childhood therapydevelopmental therapytherapy for children
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By Ryan Ayers
Follow:
Ryan Ayers has consulted a number of Fortune 500 companies within multiple industries including information technology and big data. After earning his MBA in 2010, Ayers also began working with start-up companies and aspiring entrepreneurs, with a keen focus on data collection and analysis.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Clinical Expertise
Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
Health care
May 18, 2025
Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
Health
May 15, 2025
Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
Health
May 15, 2025
Dr. Klaus Rentrop Shares Acute Myocardial Infarction heart treatment
Dr. Klaus Rentrop Shares Acute Myocardial Infarction
Cardiology
May 13, 2025

You Might also Like

A Guide to Mental Health Care for Men: Myths, Treatment & More
Mental Health

A Guide to Mental Health Care for Men: Myths, Treatment & More

February 19, 2024
Mental HealthWellness

Choosing Between A Psychologist and A Psychiatrist For Treating Depression

September 18, 2019
how to deal with seasonal depression during winter
Mental Health

5 Proven Ways to Fight Off Seasonal Depression During Winter

September 27, 2022
Mental HealthWellness

Relaxing And Calming Ways To Recuperate After A Long Day

March 11, 2020
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?