Supporting Children’s Mental Health - Why Therapy May be an Option
Now more than ever it is important for us to keep our mental health and the mental health of our children a top priority.
Whether a child is struggling with peers or school, the lack of routine or social connection, having challenges with mood, or even life interfering behaviours - creating the space to process their thoughts, feelings and experiences especially as a result of significant life changes or transitions (eg. a pandemic) is essential to their health and wellbeing.
When we support children engaging in therapy we are teaching them that their mental health matters- that they matter. Engaging in counselling and psychotherapy during childhood can offer young people opportunities to:
Be heard and validated without judgement
Develop self regulation skills
Improve interpersonal effectiveness and ability to communicate in relationships
Practice advocacy skills
Manage distress during panic or high stress
Build confidence and self respect
Process challenging experiences including grief, loss, change, health crisis, invalidation, and trauma.
Having the opportunity to know what therapy is all about at a young age can improve a child’s likelihood to engage in therapy in the future.
It can also support in building a generation of intelligent, mindful and self aware individuals who have the power to transform and shift the world ahead.
Accessing therapy as a resource for caring for evolving experiences of mental health and wellness, throughout a child’s development, is a foundational pillar in a child’s well being.
Frequently Asked Questions about Children’s Psychotherapy
1. How do I know if psychotherapy is right for my child?
Booking a complimentary consultation with a wellbe family wellness therapist can be a great place to start. In this conversation you will have the opportunity to share your concerns and hopes for therapy. Often, children ages 4+ may demonstrate willingness to engage in psychotherapy sessions.
2. As a parent, do I join the sessions?
Parents are a part of the whole process. From the initial consultation, assessment and treatment phases, parents hold an understanding of the treatment approach, progress and goals for the therapy. A child’s confidentiality continues to be honoured throughout this process as outlined by the professional colleges. Often, children request their parent(s) or caregivers to join the initial session, and potentially at times throughout treatment.
3. How can I help my child while they are in counselling/psychotherapy?
Children often invite their parents to listen and support them the best ways they know how. Parents may decide to engage in their own individual psychotherapy to increase their self awareness, decrease their levels of stress and overall gain support in parenting, relationships and everyday challenges.
Allowing your child to process and sit with the content and their experiences following the session can be helpful ( as they may feel tired following a session). Following up with them later in the day can be helpful, as well as communicating trust through offering them privacy when asked. Families may also decide to engage in family therapy in conjunction with individual therapy to support and improve family dynamics, conflict and stress, and parent-child relationships.
4. How many sessions does my child need?
Moving at the pace of the child is most important, as it demonstrates respect for their needs, their autonomy and their sense of self. This is also important in modelling that safety in relationships can be experienced. Your child’s therapist will take the lead of your child while communicating what might fit best for your child based on an assessment of their presentation, challenges, needs and strengths. For example, your child’s therapist will communicate if weekly versus bi-weekly sessions are recommended, moving from 45 minute sessions to 60 minute sessions as they develop, and the transitioning & planning to complete therapy.
To learn more about therapy for children and to book a free 15 minute consultation, email us at info@hellowellbe.com.