Supporting Your Child in Therapy

At Art and Soul Art Therapy, working with kids and teens is one of our favorite parts of what we do. Every young person who walks through our doors brings their own story, energy, and spark — and we feel so lucky to be part of their growth.

We also know that being a parent in this process can feel tricky sometimes. You want to help your child, you’re investing time and energy into therapy, and yet… you might not always know exactly what’s happening behind the therapy-room door. That’s totally normal — and it can take some patience and trust.

We always start with a parent meeting (sometimes with your child present as well) to set clear expectations and make sure everyone’s on the same page. Most parents find that once boundaries and communication are established early on, things go really smoothly. And as therapy unfolds, you’ll get updates and chances to check in — while still giving your child the space they need to do their own work.

Below are a few general tips we’ve found helpful for parents supporting a child in therapy. Of course, every child and family is different, but these tend to hold true across the board. To all the parents that work with our office and trust our clinicians to do their job: Thank you!

Do:

1. Listen with care. When your child opens up about something from therapy, just listen. You don’t have to fix it or have the “right” thing to say — your presence and curiosity are enough.

2. Keep communication open and gentle. Let your child know they can share feelings with you without fear of judgment or pressure.

3. Respect their privacy. It’s natural to want to know what’s happening, but letting them decide what to share helps them feel safe and respected. We’ll always communicate important information that affects their care.

4. Be patient. Growth takes time — and it’s rarely a straight line. Ups and downs are part of the process.

5. Join them in small ways. If we suggest a skill like breathing exercises, journaling, or grounding techniques, trying it out together can make the experience more meaningful for your child.

   
   

Don’t:

1. Don’t push for details. Let your child share what they’re ready to.

2. Don’t criticize the therapy or therapist. Even small comments can shake their confidence in the process.

3. Don’t rush their progress. Change happens at its own pace — trust that steady progress counts.

4. Don’t dismiss their feelings. Even if something seems minor or confusing to you, it’s big for them.

5. Don’t promise specific outcomes. Healing is different for every person. What matters most is that your child feels supported along the way.

   
   

A Note for Parents

If these “Do’s” and “Don’ts” feel challenging at times, that’s okay. Parenting through a child’s therapy journey can stir up a lot — and it can be incredibly beneficial for parents to have their own space in therapy, too. Supporting your child’s healing often means tending to your own.

These guidelines aren’t specific to our practice — they’re considered industry standards and best practices across the field of child and adolescent therapy.

In rare cases, we may find that we’re unable to continue services if a child’s primary supports aren’t able to uphold the guidelines outlined here. If therapy doesn’t seem to be helping as much as it should — and it doesn’t appear that progress will improve with that particular therapist — ethical guidelines from our professional licensing boards ask us to make a referral.

In those situations, we may provide a few names, but more often, we’ll share a list generated from PsychologyToday.com. This site allows us to filter for therapists who are accepting new clients, take your insurance, are local to you, and specialize in the areas where your family needs support. Even our own contact lists simply can’t offer the same comprehensive options!

Remember:

Every child’s therapy journey is unique. Your trust, patience, and presence are powerful parts of your child’s healing. And you’re not alone — we’re here for you, too.

If questions ever come up, please reach out to your therapist at Art and Soul Art Therapy, LLC. We’re always happy to talk, guide, and support you as your child grows.