How to Share Concerns with your Child's Therapist

Is your child currently in therapy? Are you interested in therapy for your child? If so, it’s likely that you’ll want to share your concerns about your child with your child’s therapist. You may have concerns surrounding how they’re performing in school, behaviors that you’re seeing at home, or just general information you feel the therapist should know as the therapeutic process unfolds. It is completely normal for you to want to share, and there is an appropriate way to do so. The goal is to be able to articulate your point of view with their therapist while respecting your child’s perspective as well.

Consider these three points when discussing treatment with your child’s therapist…

1. Respect your child’s privacy and autonomy –
Utilize this opportunity to foster independence within your child! Regardless of their age, this is an experience that will help support your child’s self efficacy and their sense of self. Therapy is a space for your child to learn about themselves and grow. Therefore, it’s understandable that they may feel the opportunity to develop is taken away if you overstep a boundary. Your child can foster a tremendous sense of autonomy by cultivating a relationship with their therapist—this is something that should be celebrated and respected.

2. Learn to put your own wants and needs aside –
Remember: your child’s therapy is meant for your child! There may be wants and needs of your own that you’d like to express to your child’s therapist, but the process must happen organically. Remind yourself to put your child’s well being at the forefront. Examine your wants and needs prior to discussing them with their therapist: who do they ultimately serve?

3. Ask the therapist: How do I best support my child outside of therapy? –
The best thing you can do for your child when they are working in therapy is support their progress outside of session. After all, generally speaking, your child is only seeing their therapist once a week—that means most of the work must be practiced and reinforced with you and your family! Maintain consistent contact with your child’s therapist so you can gain insight on how to best support your child while in treatment.

Knowing how to properly navigate the relationship you have with your child’s therapist is imperative to their therapeutic progress. Consider the three suggestions above when establishing your role as a parent in this important process.