Talking to Your Child About Therapy

Talking to Your Child About Therapy

Cassidy Powell, MA, Wonderologie Resident in Counseling

Has your child recently started therapy? Do you want to make sure they are getting the most out of it, without jeopardizing confidentiality with their therapist? Then you have come to the right place! Therapists have a duty to ensure the counseling space feels safe, secure, and comfortable. This means that it needs to be a confidential space. Of course, as we know from the confidentiality agreements signed at the beginning of therapy, there are a few exceptions. Other than the client being at risk of hurting themselves, others, if there is suspected abuse, or with the client’s permission to share, everything is kept in the counseling room. Confidentiality is one of the most important ethical obligations therapists uphold.  

Safety First

As children are navigating the world, experiences are often associated with feelings of embarrassment, guilt, shame, or discomfort. It can be difficult for them to even think about these feelings, let alone share them with someone else. This means that the way therapists build rapport, demonstrate trust, and show up in the counseling space is vital. Counselors need to engage non-judgmentally and demonstrate that confidentiality is respected. Trust is also subjective to each client’s experience. This process is taken at the client’s pace. If a client trusts us, they can more openly share personal and vulnerable experiences. It is a foundational part of the counseling relationship.  

Trust Leads to Healing

Clients are much more receptive to a therapist’s insight once they have built trust. For a counselor to be able to challenge thought patterns, reframe beliefs, support healing from traumatic or negative experiences, guide a client to listen to their own body, needs, and triggers, trust needs to be established. This can also allow clients to be honest in return. We want clients to feel empowered and have assurance that they can be honest with us when we don’t get something right. They will know the relationship will remain secure even when they share negative feedback. This is why the trust-building period at the beginning of therapy is so crucial. 

Kids benefit and progress in therapy when they trust their therapist. Clients will feel safe to share negative experiences, difficult feelings, and worries or fears. Clients will also be more willing to share feedback with their therapists. It is our ethical and moral obligation to uphold confidentiality, something that we pride ourselves on at Wonderologie! Just as adults need their safe spaces, kids do too.