Sometimes the tiny humans need mental health support, but initiating and having that conversation with them can be intimidating for parents and caregivers. Whether you would like to explore therapy for your youth or engage in normalizing conversations about mental health, these tips can support having meaningful conversations.
Start with Developmentally Appropriate Language
When discussing therapy, use age-appropriate language. For younger children, explain therapy in simple terms. You might say, “Therapy is a conversation that people can have with a feelings helper. They can teach us how to feel our emotions in healthy ways.” For older children and teens, there is room to provide more details about the therapeutic process.
Normalize Therapy
It’s important to frame therapy as a normal and healthy part of self-care. It can be helpful to liken therapy to other healthcare appointments like the dentist or doctor. We see a dentist to take care of our teeth, a doctor to take care of our physical health, and a therapist to support our emotional and mental well-being. Emphasize that everyone experiences challenges and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Share examples of how people use therapy to deal with stress, improve relationships, or manage difficult emotions.
Encourage Questions
Create the space for questions, concerns, and fears to be heard. They might wonder why someone goes to therapy or what happens during sessions. Answer their questions honestly but in a way that suits their level of understanding. It’s okay to not know the answer! Offer to search for an answer together.
Discuss Confidentiality
It’s important to explain that therapy sessions are confidential, meaning that what is shared in therapy stays private. This can be tricky with tiny humans, because often therapy involves parental support in big and meaningful ways. Typically the therapist will maintain confidentiality as much as possible (unless someone is unsafe), and parent consultations will involve discussing themes (not specific content) and ways to support children and youth at home.
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Talking to children and youth about therapy can be challenging, especially when there is stigma around mental health support. Talking about therapy using clear and age-appropriate language, even when services aren’t needed, can cultivate understanding and acceptance of the importance of emotional and mental health support.
Sydney
