The first session of CBT for child/adolescent anxiety treatment at LOA is always parents only. This allows us to provide parents/caregivers with a customized communication strategy to set their child up with a successful starting point to begin the therapy process.
But see below for a few quick tips to consider when discussing the need for therapy with a child/adolescent:
- Make it clear the decision of whether they should or should not attend therapy is not one they need to or should make. (similar to getting a shot or other medical necessity decisions, it falls on a child’s parents / legal guardians to make this decision).
- State that we all need occasional help from the sidelines and having an objective, informed coach assist is a luxury that you feel lucky enough to be able to provide your child with.
- Behavioral health coaching can be short-term and provide tools and exercises that make life easier to manage.
