Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions for both parents and children. You may wonder what the first session will look like, what your child will be asked, or how to prepare them for the experience.
Understanding what to expect can make the process feel more comfortable for everyone.
What Happens Before Your Child's First Session?
Many child therapists begin with an intake appointment involving parents and caregivers.
This provides an opportunity to better understand your child's history, strengths, current challenges, and goals for therapy.
At Alexa Wernick Psychotherapy, intake and parent sessions are held virtually.
Practical Steps to Prepare for Your Child's First Therapy Appointment
1. Identify Your Main Concerns
You don't need to have everything figured out before the intake appointment.
Write down the main challenges you've noticed.
Think about when these challenges began and whether they've changed.
Consider how they're affecting your child's daily life.
Identify any strategies you've already tried.
2. Think About Your Child's Strengths
Therapy isn't only about identifying challenges. Understanding what your child does well is equally important.
Consider your child's interests, strengths, and personality.
Think about situations where they feel confident.
Identify activities or relationships that help them feel comfortable.
Share strategies that have been helpful in the past.
3. Explain Therapy in Simple, Positive Language
How parents introduce therapy can influence how children feel about attending.At Alexa Wernick Psychotherapy, I often use the term "feelings coach" when explaining my role to younger children. This helps make therapy feel more approachable and easier to understand.
Explain that therapy is a place to talk about feelings and learn helpful skills.
Avoid describing therapy as a punishment or consequence.
Keep the explanation appropriate for your child's age.
Reassure them that they don't have to share everything immediately.
Let your child know that the first few sessions will mostly be about getting to know their feelings coach through conversations, games, and activities, rather than having to talk about difficult feelings right away.
What to say: "You're going to meet someone who helps kids understand their feelings and learn ways to handle tricky situations. You can talk, play games, and practice new skills together."
4. Allow Your Child to Ask Questions
Children may have questions about what therapy involves.
Ask whether there's anything they're curious or nervous about.
Answer questions honestly and simply.
Let them know it's okay to feel unsure.
Avoid promising that therapy will immediately solve every challenge.
If you're unsure how to answer one of your child's questions, encourage them to ask their therapist directly. You can also offer to reach out to the therapist on their behalf for clarification.
5. Understand What Early Sessions May Look Like
The first few therapy sessions are primarily focused on building rapport, establishing trust, and helping your child feel comfortable with their therapist. Rather than immediately diving into difficult emotions or teaching coping skills, the priority is creating a safe, supportive environment where your child feels understood.
Depending on your child's age and needs, sessions may include:
Getting to Know Each Other: Talking about hobbies, favorite activities, school, friends, and other interests
Playing Games and Doing Activities: Using games, drawing, or other engaging activities to build a connection in a natural, low-pressure way
Building Trust: Allowing your child to become familiar with the therapist and gradually feel more comfortable sharing
Introducing Therapy: Helping your child understand what therapy is, what sessions may look like, and what they can expect moving forward
Moving at Your Child's Pace: Gradually introducing conversations about emotions, challenges, and coping skills as your child becomes more comfortable
It's completely normal if your child spends the first few sessions playing games, talking about their interests, or simply getting to know their therapist. These activities are an important part of the therapeutic process and help establish the foundation for meaningful work moving forward.
6. Know That Progress Takes Time
Children develop new skills through repetition and practice.
Look for small changes rather than expecting immediate improvements
Notice when your child begins identifying feelings more easily
Recognize attempts to use coping skills, even if they aren't always successful
Communicate with the therapist about what you're observing at home or school
For example, progress might look like your child asking for help before becoming overwhelmed or using a coping strategy after a difficult school day.
Takeaway
The first therapy appointment is an opportunity to begin understanding your child's needs and building a supportive relationship. Your child doesn't need to know exactly what to say or do. The process is designed to meet them where they are.
Looking for Additional Support?
At Alexa Wernick Psychotherapy, I support children, adolescents, and parents through individualized therapy, practical strategies, and collaborative care.
