Why Parents Should Be Involved in Child Therapy
By India Bass
When a parent brings a child in for therapy, it is usually because they have observed symptoms that seem concerning or, at the least, want to know if they should be concerned. Whether it is inattentiveness, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression or something else, any child can benefit from extra support.
However, it is not only the child who can benefit from these sessions, but also the parent. While the child may be exhibiting the symptoms, they typically depend on the parent to help regulate and manage these challenges.
Understandably, some parents feel unequipped to help the problem or would like a little extra support and turn to professional help. Applause to parents who see the need and take action! But what many parents do not know is that it is not enough to take a child to therapy and expect change. The parent has to be involved for several reasons. Here are three of the most important:
#1) Therapists Cannot Replace Parents
For one, a therapist does not take the place of a parent. Yes, the therapist will supervise and be responsible for the child while in their sessions, but the parent is the parent in any case and should be the main person helping to implement what is learned in session, outside of the session.
#2) Parents Can Help Gather Data
This leads to the next point: many therapists send home charts and other methods to collect data because they are not home with the child to observe challenges and progress. Parents must be available to collect data and to communicate with their child's therapist the concerns that cannot be seen outside of the therapy sessions.
#3) Communication Is Key
Along with helping to collect data and complete therapy assignments, it is extremely helpful when parents communicate. It is not common for a child to enter their session and say, “I didn't behave well last week, and my parents didn't know what to do about it.” But if a parent communicates that they struggled to address a problem with the child, the therapist can help them figure it out before it becomes too large of a problem and causes major setbacks. Parents who are seeking therapy services for their child should prepare to be available and involved to maximize the benefits of therapy.