When your child begins pediatric therapy, you may wonder how you fit into the process. Is it okay to talk to your child’s therapist about your observations, or should they hear things directly from your child? Will you be clued in each week or left in the dark?
In today’s blog post, let’s explore how parental involvement enhances pediatric therapy.
To start, here are four reasons why your participation positively impacts your child’s experience in therapy.
1. Your child feels more supported.
First and foremost, your involvement ensures that your child feels loved and encouraged — both in therapy and at home.
2. You can address parent-child relationship issues.
It’s possible that issues within your parent-child relationship are contributing to your child’s struggles. No, you’re not a “bad” parent, but you may be feeling stressed or struggling with your own mental health problems. Your involvement in your child’s therapy can ensure that you’re addressing those issues and doing your part to make sure your child’s treatment is successful.
3. The type of therapy may also influence your role.
Your role will largely depend on the type of therapy that best suits your child. For example, play therapy — or the use of toys, dolls, drawing, and crafts as a therapeutic intervention — is often used for younger kids when talk therapy isn’t as effective. It helps them identify, express, and process their emotions and experiences. While parents don’t typically sit in every session, you will work with the therapist to set goals and provide feedback.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another modality that we use at the Center for Rising Minds. It can be effective for both kids and adults, especially if the patient struggles with anxiety or depression. Your child’s therapist may ask you to learn CBT skills in order to guide your child in using them at home.
4. Finally, you help your child reach their mental health goals outside of the therapy.
You spend more time with your child than anyone else. You live with them and observe them on a daily basis, whereas your child’s therapist only sees them for an hour weekly or biweekly. It’s imperative, then, that their treatment continues at home. Your child’s therapist may share skills that they’re working on in session, allowing you to bring these strategies into your everyday world.
Additionally, it’s critical that you share updates with your child’s therapist, allowing them access to a particularly challenging moment or a long-awaited breakthrough. These observations will help the therapist see what is working and shape future sessions.
Ultimately, pediatric therapy works best when the therapist and parents work together.
The extent of your involvement depends largely on the struggles and age of your child. For younger kids, you may need to sit with them during each session. Your parenting style and connection to your child may even be a key focus of therapy. For older children, it’s often helpful for them to have a safe and private space to explore their own thoughts and feelings.
In all instances, though, your role as a parent is crucial to your child’s treatment. While certain subjects may remain confidential, your child always needs your presence and support.
At the Center for Rising Minds, we’d love to help you and your family with your mental health care needs! Please reach out to us today to inquire about our services or join our waitlist.
