If you are considering therapy for your child, you may be wondering what actually happens during a session. Will your child have to talk about their feelings? Will you be in the room? What if they do not want to participate?
These are common questions, especially when a child has never attended therapy before.
Child therapy is tailored to the child's age, personality, needs, and reasons for seeking support. Sessions may involve conversation, activities, creative expression, play-based interventions, or practising practical coping skills.
What Is Child Therapy?
Child therapy is a form of mental health support designed around the developmental needs of children. Children may benefit from therapy when they are experiencing challenges involving anxiety, emotional regulation, self-esteem, friendships, school stress, family changes, or other difficulties affecting their everyday lives.
Unlike adult therapy, which often relies heavily on conversation, child therapy may use activities and age-appropriate approaches to help children express themselves and explore difficult experiences. Read more about one specific approach in our article on what is play therapy.
What Happens During a Typical Child Therapy Session?
1. Checking In
The therapist may begin by asking how the child has been feeling or what has been happening since the previous session. Younger children may find it easier to check in using pictures, feelings charts, drawing, or conversation about something familiar. There is no expectation that every child will immediately know how to describe their feelings.
2. Building Comfort and Trust
A child may need time to feel comfortable with a new person. Early sessions can involve getting to know one another, exploring interests, discussing what therapy is, and helping the child understand what to expect. Building a trusting relationship is an important part of the process.
3. Exploring Feelings and Experiences
Depending on the child's needs, the therapist may help them explore situations involving worry, frustration, sadness, friendship difficulties, or changes at home or school. Children may communicate through words, play-based activities, drawing, storytelling, or other creative approaches.
4. Practising Skills
Sessions may include practical strategies that children can use outside therapy, including:
- Recognizing and naming emotions
- Understanding physical signs of stress
- Practising calming strategies
- Working through problems
- Developing communication skills
- Managing worries and building confidence
- Navigating difficult social situations
5. Reviewing Progress
Over time, the therapist and family can discuss what seems helpful, what remains challenging, and whether the goals or approach need to change. Progress is not always linear.
Does a Child Have to Talk About Their Feelings?
No. Some children are comfortable talking; others find it easier to begin with activities, drawing, games, or other ways of expressing themselves. A child who initially says very little may still be getting comfortable with the process. Therapy should be adapted to the child's developmental level and needs.
Are Parents Allowed to Attend Child Therapy Sessions?
Parent involvement depends on the child's age, needs, goals, and the therapist's approach. Parents may participate in an initial conversation, provide background information, join part of a session, or meet with the therapist separately to discuss strategies and progress. For younger children in particular, parent involvement can be an important part of supporting changes at home.
What Should I Tell My Child Before Their First Session?
Keep the explanation simple and reassuring:
"We're going to meet someone whose job is to help kids when things feel hard. You'll get to know them, and you can ask questions about what happens. You don't need to know exactly what to say."
Avoid presenting therapy as a punishment or suggesting your child is going because they are behaving badly.
How Long Does Child Therapy Take?
There is no fixed timeline. The length of therapy depends on the child's needs, goals, circumstances, and how they respond to the process. Some families seek support for a specific challenge, while others benefit from ongoing work over a longer period. The therapist should discuss goals and progress with the family and revisit the plan as needed.
How Can I Support My Child Between Sessions?
You can help by keeping routines predictable, listening without immediately trying to fix the problem, practising agreed-upon coping strategies, recognizing effort and progress, and communicating with the therapist about ongoing concerns. Small, consistent changes at home can support the work being done in therapy.
Child Therapy at Little Waves Therapy
At Little Waves Therapy, I work with children and teens experiencing challenges such as anxiety, emotional overwhelm, school stress, social difficulties, and low self-esteem. My approach is tailored to each child.
Visit our services page to learn more about how I work, or contact us to ask questions and explore whether therapy is a good fit.