{"id":5593,"date":"2023-02-02T12:00:04","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T12:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springfwd.com.au\/?p=5593"},"modified":"2023-01-30T23:43:21","modified_gmt":"2023-01-30T23:43:21","slug":"navigating-difficult-conversations-with-your-child-using-counselling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springfwd.com.au\/navigating-difficult-conversations-with-your-child-using-counselling\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating Difficult Conversations With Your Child Using Counselling"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Is Child Counselling<\/a>?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Should I Seek Child Counselling?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Happens During a Counselling Session like Spring Forward Family Centre<\/a>?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Steps to Preparing for a Child Counselling Session<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you’ve had this conversation in confidentiality, you’ll be ready to start the counselling session.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Establishing Trust When Introducing the Idea of Child Counselling<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n