Parents often are unsure if they should be present when their children attend therapy sessions. Each practitioner has a different philosophy and the answer may depend on the age and diagnosis of the child. Here are some tips to consider:

• A child is a part of a family and that context should be considered. A first visit to the psychiatrist or other professional might include a chat with the child, another with the parents and a third with the entire group.
• Sometimes children open up when Mom and Dad are not around. This is especially true of teenagers and adolescents who may appreciate the privacy.
• Younger children might be anxious without parents around. Sometimes a therapist can play and talk with the child while Mom or Dad is reading nearby.
• Some behavioral problems can be addressed with the parent, instead of the child. The parent picks up tips and then tries them at home without saddling the child with the anxiety that might accompany an office visit.
• Some children work best in peer groups. Check with your healthcare provider about available local resources.

What's Related

• Helping a Person Who Is Codependent
• About Family Therapy
• Treatment of Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Children and Counseling: What to Expect
• Children and Depression
• The Value of a Child’s Bedtime Routine
• Tips for Helping Children Handle Divorce
• Why Do Abused Victims Stay?
• Why Do Abused Victims Stay?
• The Therapist’s Job Is To Put Herself Out of Work
• Other articles by Meredith Guinness

 

Last reviewed:
  On December 10, 2006
  By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.