A Parent’s Guide to Starting Child/Teen Therapy at FFEW

Taking the first step towards your child’s mental health journey can feel overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. We understand that seeking therapy for your child comes with a mix of emotions – hope, uncertainty, and perhaps even some anxiety. Let’s walk through this journey together, breaking down what you can expect when starting therapy for your child.

Understanding the Initial Assessment Process

The therapy journey begins with a comprehensive assessment, which serves as the foundation for your child’s care. During this phase, we take the time to truly understand your child’s unique needs, strengths, and challenges. This isn’t just about identifying problems – it’s about getting to know your child as a whole person.

The initial assessment typically includes:

• A detailed discussion about your child’s history and current challenges
• Observations of your child’s behavior and interactions
• Age-appropriate activities to assess various developmental areas
• Conversations with other important people in your child’s life

What Parents Can Expect

During the assessment phase, you’ll play a crucial role in providing information about your child’s development, behaviors, and any specific concerns you have. Being open and honest during this process helps us develop the most effective treatment approach for your child. We typically begin with a parent intake session to gather relevant information from your perspective, and then meet with your child/teen for thier own intake session.

Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan

Once we’ve completed the initial assessment, we’ll work together to create a treatment plan that addresses your child’s specific needs. This plan isn’t set in stone – It’s a working document and a flexible roadmap that we’ll adjust as your child or teens progresses through therapy. Early intervention and clear goal-setting are key components of successful therapy outcomes.

Setting Realistic Goals

Our broad goal is to work your child out of therapy! We believe that therapy should be targeted, effective, and that the coping your child learns should be sustainable. Goal-setting in therapy is a collaborative process that involves you, your child, and the therapist. We focus on creating achievable, measurable objectives that support your child’s emotional growth and well-being. These goals might include:

• Developing better emotional regulation skills
• Improving social interactions
• Building self-confidence
• Managing specific challenges like anxiety or depression

Building the Therapeutic Relationship

One of the most crucial elements of successful therapy is the relationship between your child and their therapist. Creating a safe and trusting environment is our top priority. This relationship develops gradually through:

• Consistent, reliable interactions
• Age-appropriate communication
• Holding your child accountable, while respecting their pace and comfort level
• Validation of their feelings and experiences

The Parent’s Role in Therapy

Your involvement in your child’s therapy journey is invaluable. At Foundations for Emotional Wellness, we emphasize parent involvement in therapy because we know that parents are the key agents of change in a family system. Our therapists work closely with parents and the child to maximize the success of our interventions. We may recommend some parent coaching session or one of group therapy programs at the outset of therapy.  Our clinical and practical experience is clear- when parents are active participants in their child’s treatment therapy is more successful and sustainable.  We encourage parents to:

• Maintain open communication with the therapist
• Practice recommended strategies at home
• Provide feedback about changes you observe
• Support your child’s therapeutic journey with patience and understanding

Measuring Progress in Therapy

Progress in therapy isn’t always linear, and that’s perfectly normal. We use various methods to track your child’s development and adjust our approach as needed. This might include:

• Regular progress updates as they related to therapeutic goals
• Behavioural observations
• Feedback from parents
• Self-reporting from your child

Recognizing and Celebrating Growth

It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how small it might seem. How we respond to their efforts can significantly impact their motivation and confidence in therapy.

Moving Forward: The Ongoing Journey

Therapy is a journey, not a destination. As your child progresses, we’ll continuously assess their needs and adjust our approach accordingly. Some children may need short-term support for specific issues, while others benefit from longer-term therapeutic relationships. The length and nature of therapy always depend on your child’s individual needs and progress.

Signs of Therapeutic Progress

While every child’s journey is unique, some common signs of progress include:

• Better emotional expression and regulation
• Improved relationships with family and peers
• Enhanced coping skills
• Greater self-awareness and confidence
• Reduced frequency or intensity of concerning behaviours

Remember, starting therapy is a positive step toward supporting your child’s emotional well-being. While the journey might have its challenges, you’re not alone in this process. We’re here to support both you and your child every step of the way, working together to build the foundation for lifelong emotional health and resilience.