What Is Child Counselling?
Think of child counselling as similar to adult therapy or counselling, but with one key difference: it focuses exclusively on issues that are negatively impacting a child’s growth, development or mental health.
A therapist will work with your child to help them build helpful thinking patterns and give them the praise and support they need to grow into healthy adults. The therapist’s goal is to equip your child with the tools they need to deal with difficult situations on their own in the future.
When Should I Seek Child Counselling?
Behaviour problems inside and outside of the home are the most common reasons why parents seek out counselling for their children. If your child is clingy and insecure, or if they’re experiencing unexplained physical symptoms, this could be a sign that they need help.
It’s important to remember that there’s no such thing as a perfect family, and that all children will experience problems at some point in their lives. But if these problems persist and begin to affect your child’s daily life, then it’s time to seek professional help.
What Happens During a Counselling Session like Spring Forward Family Centre?
During the initial meeting, the therapist will ask a lot of questions and spend a lot of time listening. This is an opportunity for them to get to know your child and for your child to start to trust and feel comfortable with them.
The therapist will then encourage your child to walk through the traumatic event step by step in a non-confronting way; through expressive therapies. They won’t be pushed to talk about anything they’re not ready for, but this process can be incredibly helpful in slowly unpacking the trauma.
In most cases, the therapist will also meet with the entire family at once. This provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have and for the therapist to get a sense of how everyone is coping. It also allows you to start working together as a team to support your child.
Steps to Preparing for a Child Counselling Session
When you’re getting ready for a counselling session with your child, there are a few things you can do to help them (and you) feel more comfortable.
First, it’s important to choose a time when your child is relaxed and not too tired. You’ll also want to find a place where they feel safe and comfortable talking.
Once you’ve found the right time and place, it’s time to start the conversation. Start by explaining that you’ll be talking to someone about things that are important to them.
Let them know that they can talk about anything they want, and that what they say will stay between the two of you. Finally, assure them that there’s nothing wrong with asking for help.
Once you’ve had this conversation in confidentiality, you’ll be ready to start the counselling session.
Establishing Trust When Introducing the Idea of Child Counselling
It can be difficult to establish trust with a counsellor, especially for kids. If your child is feeling apprehensive about counselling, here are a few things you can do to help them feel more comfortable:
- Talk to your child about why you think counselling would be beneficial for them. Help them understand that counselling is a safe space to talk about whatever is on their mind, and that it can help them feel better.
- Choose a counsellor that you feel comfortable with and that you think would be a good fit for your child. Ask the counsellor about their qualifications and experience, and make sure you’re both on the same page about what counselling will entail.
- Help your child understand that what they say in counselling is confidential. Reassure them that they can say anything they want to in counselling, and it will stay between them and the counsellor.
How Family Counselling Helps Children
Through family counselling, parents and children can explore the root of their difficulties and develop a greater understanding and empathy for one another. This can result in more open and honest communication, which is vital for a healthy family relationship.
In addition, counselling provides a safe space for children to explore their thoughts and feelings. They can learn more about themselves and grow as individuals, without judgement or criticism. This can be hugely beneficial, as it can help children to become more confident and resilient.
Finally, family counselling can help to address problems before they become too big. By identify difficulties early on and working through them as a family, you can prevent bigger problems from developing in the future.
Conclusion
When it comes to difficult conversations with our children, it’s important to remember that we’re not alone. There are many families out there who are navigating the same challenges, and who are just as eager to find solutions that work for everyone involved.
If you’re looking for a counsellor who can help you navigate these difficult conversations, we’re here to help. Our counsellors are experienced in working with children and families, and they’re passionate about helping kids reach their full potential.
We understand that finding the right counsellor can be difficult, so we’re happy to offer a free, no-obligation consultation to anyone who is interested in our services. Contact us today to learn more.
