What to tell your child before she or he will be meeting with a therapist

Consulting a therapist for a child can be a difficult decision to make, and once this decision is made, how to talk to the child about it?​

​This will depend on the age of the child. Before the age of 3 children don't really question the function of the person they will meet. But it can be important to reassure them to reduce possible anxiety about meeting an unknown person. 'It is someone we will be meeting to help us, with whom we will be talking a little about you.'

When the child is older than 3, he or she will likely ask more questions. You can use the term 'psychotherapist' and describe it as someone who helps people who are suffering. 'We will be meeting with a psychotherapist because I/we, your parents, think that something makes you unhappy and we want to help you. The therapist will talk with us and with you, and will help us.'​

​Adolescents will have a certain idea about psychotherapy based on media or their environment. It is important to tell them that meeting with a therapist does not mean that they are 'crazy,' but that you are concerned about them. With adolescents it can work to do some research on the internet together, and talk about what you read there.  Make sure you look at reputable sites, though!