Why Parental Participation is Important in Child Therapy

One of the things I love about working with children is the opportunity to also work with their parents and/or caregivers. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit parents and caregivers had busy schedules, and now, well, let’s just say that things lean more towards intensely busy and overwhelming.

After we’ve had our initial 15-minute free phone consultation and determined we’re a good fit to work together, you may be surprised that I’m asking you to participate in parenting support sessions (otherwise known as ‘collateral sessions’) while your child is in treatment. At this point you may be you may be excited to jump in and get ideas for interventions you can try at home or you may feel like these parenting support sessions are just another unproductive appointment on your already overfilled calendar.

But, hear me out…

There are two things that hold immense value and importance to me as a therapist; the therapeutic relationships that I have with my clients and the relationships that my child clients have with their parents/caregivers. While I may connect with your child, ultimately the goal of treatment is to have them better connect with YOU. Parents are the foundation of a child’s life. They look up to you. They aim to please you. They want to feel close and connected.

Some days it may be hard to feel close and connected to your child, even more so on the days when they (or you) are tired, struggling, and stressed. You seek out therapy for them in the hopes of having an expert step in to help.

While I may be an “expert” in working with children therapeutically, YOU are the expert on your child. You know what they like and don’t. You know what makes them happy and sad. And you know when something is wrong.

There is so much value in that.

I request that parents participate in their child’s treatment because your input, feedback, and insight help to support progress in many areas of your child’s functioning such as in their home, school, and community environments (yes, even during a pandemic). Your participation in treatment strengthens the parent-child relationship, it can foster healthy development, and can help you obtain a better understanding of your child’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Parenting support sessions are a space for you to get answers to your pressing questions, explore your concerns, and to learn the tools needed to support your child’s most optimal functioning.

 Let’s do this work together.