Introduction
If you’re a parent considering counseling for your child, you might be wondering how it’s different from the type of counseling adults receive. The truth is, counseling kids is a whole different ballgame! Here are some things you should know when seeking therapy for your child or teen.
Kids Aren’t Miniature Adults
First off, children aren’t just “mini-adults”— they are “in process”. There are always developmental limitations at play, even when your child is an older teenager. Children and teens may not fully understand what they are expected to do in a therapy session or know what “goals” to work on. Kids under 18 may not have the emotional awareness or the capacity to talk through complex problems. This is why therapists use a lot of psychoeducation, play, creative approaches, and engage in “small talk” to help them express what’s on their minds.
Rapport Building Matters
A counselor’s job is to make communication safe. Let’s face it, most of the time when a child of any age comes to counseling, they’ve been “volun-told” to come. The parent has an idea about goals for their child, but that does not mean the child has the same awareness.
When working with kids, a therapist’s job is first and foremost to connect with the child. Hopefully, this will take just a few sessions; however, it could take several sessions. Rapport building is a vital step in the counseling process, regardless of age, but it is especially important when a child comes to therapy at the request of the parent. This may feel frustrating to the family members, because the growth and change may not be experienced outside of the session as quickly as desired.
The Role of Parents and Family
Another big difference? Parents, teachers, and other caregivers are often part of the process when a child is in counseling. Your insight and support are a huge help, and counselors might check in with you or suggest family sessions.
As a therapist, balancing the needs of the family, parents, and child can be tricky to accomplish outside the child’s session. Most therapists who work with kids also schedule periodic sessions with parents outside the child’s individual sessions.
Change Takes Time: Be Patient with Progress
As a parent, it’s natural to hope for a quick turnaround when your child starts counseling. However, it’s important to remember that lasting change doesn’t happen overnight—especially with children. Progress is usually gradual, with small steps leading to bigger shifts over time. Try not to expect a “miracle” or instant transformation in your child’s behavior. Instead, celebrate small improvements and trust that, with support and patience, your child can continue to grow, heal, and build new skills. The journey may take time, but every positive step forward matters.
Special Rules for Protecting Kids
There are also special rules and responsibilities when counseling children. Things like obtaining parental consent, respecting a child’s privacy, and ensuring everyone’s safety are guided by legal and ethical guidelines. Frequently, parents aren’t sure what to ask about their child’s counseling. It’s okay to ask your therapist if you have questions or concerns.
Wrapping Up
Bottom line: Counseling for kids is designed to meet them exactly where they are, using creative and interactive strategies. As a parent, being involved and staying open to the process can make a big difference. And remember, whether for a child or an adult, counseling is all about helping people thrive—just tailored to their unique stage of life!
Written by Lauren Hamrick, PhD, MS, EdS, LPC, RPT, CPCS
lauren@restorationcounselingatl.com
Roswell Location
Lauren Hamrick is an active, educationally focused therapist who enjoys using both evidence-based and out-of-the-box approaches with children and adults. Lauren is also a registered play therapist. She listens to the interests, knowledge, and experiences of her clients and incorporates them into her therapeutic approaches. Areas of focus include career-related stress, anxiety, PTSD, young adult issues, life transitions, abuse recovery, parenting, and family therapy. Lauren also enjoys working with couples who are dealing with parenting issues or are empty nesters.