Talking to Your Child About Starting Therapy
Kate Dyleski
Child & Adolescent Specialist
Starting therapy can be a big step for a child or adolescent, and for a parent too. Even if you feel confident that your child could benefit from support, you might be unsure how to bring it up without making them feel worried, ashamed, or singled out. You want to get them the help they need, but you also want them to feel safe and understood.
The conversation about starting therapy often sets the tone for how a child experiences it. A thoughtful, honest, and age-appropriate introduction can go a long way toward helping your child feel supported and open to the process. On the other hand, skipping the conversation or rushing through it can sometimes reinforce the idea that therapy is something to hide or be nervous about.
You don’t need a perfect script. But you do need clarity, warmth, and a basic understanding of what your child might be feeling. This post is here to help you approach the conversation with compassion and confidence.
Start with Curiosity and Validation
Before jumping into solutions, take a moment to check in with your child about how they’ve been feeling. You might say something like, “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a little more worried lately,” or “It seems like school has been harder than usual.” Give them a chance to share in their own words, without pressure or judgment.
This helps set the stage for therapy as a supportive response, not a punishment or correction.
Validate whatever your child shares. Let them know their feelings make sense and that it’s okay to have big emotions. This will make the idea of therapy feel like an extension of care, not a consequence of struggling.
Use Clear and Gentle Language
How you describe therapy will depend on your child’s age, developmental stage, and personality. For younger kids, it can be helpful to frame therapy as a special place where they get to talk, play, and get help with their feelings. For older children and teens, it’s often useful to normalize therapy as a resource—a place to sort things out, feel less overwhelmed, or get support without pressure.
You might say:
“Therapy is a safe place where you can talk about anything you want with someone who really listens and understands.”
“It’s not about being in trouble. It’s about helping you feel more like yourself.”
“Just like we go to the doctor when our body feels off, we can go to therapy when our heart or mind needs some extra care.”
Prepare Them for What to Expect
Kids often feel more comfortable when they know what’s going to happen. You can let them know that their therapist is there to help them understand and handle their feelings, and that sessions might include talking, playing, drawing, or using tools to manage stress.
Let them know that it’s normal to feel nervous at first. Therapy can feel unfamiliar in the beginning, but over time, it can become a space that feels safe and helpful.
Depending on your child’s age, it can also help to clarify how privacy works in therapy. For example, teens might want to know that what they say in session will mostly stay between them and the therapist, with some exceptions for safety.
Reassure and Stay Open
Reassure your child that you’ll be there to support them along the way. Let them know that therapy is something you believe in, and that it’s okay if they don’t understand how it works right away. Invite them to share their thoughts, questions, or hesitations.
You might say:
“You don’t have to figure everything out right now. This is just a step we’re taking together.”
“If there’s anything you want to talk about or ask, I’m always here.”
If your child resists the idea at first, don’t panic. It’s a big transition, and it’s okay to revisit the conversation gently over time.
Therapy Is an Act of Care
Starting therapy is not a sign of failure or brokenness. It’s a sign that you’re paying attention, that you care deeply, and that you’re willing to reach for support when something feels off. When framed with honesty and compassion, the choice to begin therapy can strengthen trust between you and your child and open the door to meaningful healing.
We Are Here For You
At Nashville Therapy Group, our team of clinicians is here to help you work through what’s hard and move toward meaningful change. Connect with us today to get started. We’d be honored to help your child feel seen, supported, and understood.
