What to Expect from Child Therapy or Teen Therapy

Parents often wonder what to expect when bringing their child or teen to therapy. Focusing on your family’s and child’s strengths, Rising Lotus in West Palm Beach provides a holistic approach to child therapy and teen counseling. Because we know that healing occurs within relationships, we emphasize the importance of relationships as a vital mechanism for change in a non-judgmental, strength-based environment.

The initial evaluation of your child, teen or family will include 90 - 120 minutes of information gathering with the primary caregivers. In this meeting, your therapist will ask you to share relevant details about your family dynamics, family history as well as the child’s early experiences. They will inform you of their initial impression as well as recommendations for treatment for any concerns. Over the first few sessions, the therapist will then work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan most appropriate for you and your family.

During each of the subsequent individual sessions, parents may be asked to participate, depending on the particular needs and age of the child. Both parents or guardians are often encouraged to attend, especially for play therapy sessions for children under 6 years of age. Many difficulties and concerns can be addressed in the playroom as it is an effective way for families to connect and strengthen the family unit. For older children and teens, your therapist will determine the appropriate level of involvement for parents and guardians.

We recommend talking to your child about coming to therapy before their first appointment. You may tell your child that this play time or talk time will usually last about an hour and may happen every week or every other week. It is important that they know that this is not a test, and they will not be judged. And he or she is not expected to do anything but to play or talk as they wish.

Some helpful conversation starters.

Child: You are going to be meeting in a special playroom, where there are lots of toys for you to play with. They may play or they may talk or both.

Teen: Sometimes you have a hard time at home (or school, etc.) and sometimes you get angry or scared and you don’t know what do to. It can be helpful to be able to speak with someone, just for you, that’s not mom or dad.

Your time with this grown-up can help you:

·       feel better

·       feel less sad

·       feel less angry

·       feel less scared

When working with children, adolescents, teens, families or adults, Rising Lotus provides a unique setting that focuses on overall mind-body wellness and utilizes play and mindfulness as a therapeutic tool. Our approach is to create a collaborative and responsive plan for children, teens and their families, to act as partners in developing a more balanced family life and address the emotional and behavioral concerns in your family.

Call today at 561-898-0708 or click on ‘Contact Us’ above to learn more and see if therapy might be right for your child or teen.