Key Takeaways

• Children can achieve greater success in therapy when their parents also provide support at home. 

• Open communication with your child's therapist is essential for evaluating progress and goals.

• It's crucial to provide support while being careful not to overstep or interfere in the therapeutic process.

Therapy can be a transformative and positive experience for children. However, many parents struggle to determine their role in the process.

Understanding the importance of your involvement and how to offer support without impeding progress can help you adjust your expectations and identify if therapy is not working.

Why Parent Involvement in Therapy Is Important

Parents must find a delicate balance in their involvement in their children's therapy sessions. It can be hard to determine your appropriate level of engagement, especially since the success of therapy depends significantly on the client-therapist relationship.

However, clearly understanding the goals of treatment and the process can enhance your ability to support them at home.

Benefits of Parental Support in Therapy Outcomes

Child therapy is often more effective when parents are involved.

Children whose parents participate in therapy tend to be more motivated to attend, achieve better mental health outcomes and maintain the strategies learned outside of therapy more effectively. 

Ways Parents Can Support Their Child in Therapy 

Parental support can significantly impact your child's therapy outcomes. If your child's therapist uses action or practice-based therapies, anticipate your child will have "homework" to complete outside their sessions.

You may play a key role in ensuring they finish these activities and reinforcing any coping skills they are working on.

Communicating Effectively With Your Child's Therapist

Building rapport with your child's therapist is essential for ensuring you feel confident they will communicate with you when necessary.

One effective way to maintain communication is by setting goals right at the beginning of therapy.

By establishing clear objectives that everyone agrees upon, you can understand the direction of your child's sessions without feeling the need to be involved in every private conversation between your child and their counselor.

Reinforcing Therapy Strategies at Home 

Since you live with your child and see them daily, you can help them by reinforcing the strategies and skills they learn during therapy at home.

Your observations of your child can also provide valuable information to your therapist about whether the sessions are effective or if they should explore different approaches.

Encouraging Emotional Expression and Open Communication 

Some children have difficulty expressing their emotions and communicating, especially at the beginning of therapy.

Don't be afraid to tell your child's therapist if you notice hesitancy. You should also actively listen to your child, reinforce the importance of therapy and celebrate their progress.

If you have personal experience with therapy, share it with your child to normalize prioritizing their mental health and seeking help when necessary.

Common Challenges Parents Face & How To Overcome Them

Parents sometimes grapple with feelings of guilt or responsibility for their child's challenges. At other times, balancing their child's independence with their desire to be more involved can be difficult.

Learning how to address these issues can enhance your child's chances of success in therapy.

Dealing With Resistance or Lack of Progress

Some children are resistant to therapy, making it difficult for them to attend sessions consistently or causing them to resist participating in the treatment plan. If this is the case with your child, speak with their therapist.

They can show you effective communication strategies and offer practical solutions to help your child open up.

You can successfully deal with resistance through time, patience, and sometimes a modification in the treatment plan.

Balancing Support Without Overstepping

One reason positive changes occur in therapy is the trust and relationship built between the therapist and client.

This concept can be challenging for some parents, especially if their child appears overly attached to their therapist. If you believe this is the case with your child, be sure to address it as soon as possible.

Therapists know how to handle boundary issues with clients. At the same time, it's important to balance your level of support without overstepping or interfering with the process.

Tips for Parents To Stay Engaged in Therapy

If you're caring for a child with a mental illness, it can be challenging to stay engaged in the therapeutic process without facing burnout.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to find the right balance of support for both you and your child.

Setting Realistic Expectations 

Raising a child who is struggling with their mental health can make your daily routine feel overwhelming.

Celebrate small wins and set achievable goals, whether it's engaging with your child in open conversation or completing a minor task.

Don't compare your family's journey to others. Every person's path is unique, and being realistic with your expectations can help you navigate any challenge more positively.

Seeking Support for Yourself as a Parent 

Seeking support by finding your own therapist can help you manage the emotional demands of caregiving and offer you an opportunity to recharge.

Look for online support groups and local resources tailored for parents in your situation. These resources can supply you with practical advice and support from others who understand your circumstances.

Takeaway

Providing care for any child struggling with mental health needs can be a challenging journey.

It requires courage, plenty of patience and a willingness to give the therapeutic process time to take effect.

If you're ready to begin your child's mental health journey with a professional counselor, reach out to Emora Health today. We can assist you in finding the right therapist or counselor to help your child cultivate positive coping skills for life's challenges.

Sources

1. Haine-Schlagel R, Walsh NE. A review of parent participation engagement in child and family mental health treatment. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2015 Jun;18(2):133-50. doi: 10.1007/s10567-015-0182-x. PMID: 25726421; PMCID: PMC4433419.