Helping a child understand what therapy is can feel daunting — but with the right words and approach, you can introduce it in a way that’s reassuring, age-appropriate, and empowering. Below are strategies and suggestions to guide you through the conversation.
Why explain therapy in the first place?
Children may have fears, misconceptions or worries about what “going to see someone” means. Left unaddressed, these can lead to resistance or anxiety. By explaining therapy clearly and positively, you:
Help normalise the idea of seeking help
- Build trust and reduce fear
- Give them a sense of agency (they feel part of the process)
- Encourage openness and honest communication
- Help normalise the idea of seeking help
Think about their age and stage
Your explanation will depend a lot on how old your child is. Here are some principles by stage:
| Age / Stage | Approach |
| Preschool / early primary | Use simple, concrete language, stories or metaphors |
| (3-7 yrs) | |
| Middle primary / tweens | Add some more detail, allow question |
| (8-12 yrs) | |
| Teens / adolescents (13+ yrs) | Be more collaborative |
Key messages to include
When you talk with your child, these are helpful messages to emphasise:
- It’s okay to have big feelings
Let them know everyone has times when they feel sad, anxious, upset or lost. Therapy is just a way to get help working through those.
- Therapists listen + care
Explain that a therapist is trained to hear them, support them, understand them — and to help them find ways to cope.
- Confidential but with limits
It’s important to tell them what they talk about is private — but therapists also have ethical and legal duties (for safety). Be honest: “If something is very serious — like you want to harm yourself or someone else — the therapist may need to talk to other adults to keep you safe.”
- They’re in control
Reinforce that your child can choose what to share and when. They don’t have to reveal everything at once. Over time, as trust builds, they may feel more open.
- It’s a process, not a one-time fix
Healing or change takes time. Some sessions might feel harder than others. That’s okay, it doesn’t mean it’s failing.
Sample conversation starters
Here are a few ways you might begin the discussion, adapted to your child’s age:
- “I’ve been noticing you seem a bit more upset lately, and I want you to have someone safe to talk to.”
- “Would you like me to explain what therapy is, and you can tell me what you think or ask questions?”
- “If you like, we can meet together for a session first, then you can decide if you want to go by yourself.”
Then you can follow with one of the age-appropriate explanations from above, and check in:
“What do you think therapy might be like?”
“Is there anything about this that worries you?”
“What’s one thing you’d like help with?”
How to support your child before, during & after sessions
- Before: Walk them through what to expect (who they’ll meet, where, how long). Maybe role-play.
- During: Stay available for questions or concerns (but step back so the child can build their own relationship).
- After: Ask open questions like “How did it feel for you today?” or “What was one thing that felt hurtful?” Don’t push them to disclose more than they’re comfortable with.
- Be patient: Sometimes they’ll resist or “forget” what was discussed. Progress isn’t always linear.
Common questions and helpful responses
| Child’s Question | Possible Response |
| “Is there something wrong with me?” | “No — therapy doesn’t mean something is ‘wrong.’ It means you’re dealing with something that’s tough, and you deserve help and support just like you’d go to a doctor for a sore knee.” |
| “Will I talk about things I don’t want to?” | “You share only what you feel okay with. The therapist won’t force you to talk about something before you’re ready.” |
| “How long will it take?” | “That depends — some things shift quickly, other things take more time. We’ll keep checking in together.” |
How Capability Psychology can help
At Capability Psychology & Counselling, we understand that introducing your child to therapy can feel like a big step — for both you and them. Our team of experienced child psychologists creates a safe, supportive environment where children feel heard, understood, and empowered.
We use evidence-based approaches tailored to your child’s age, developmental stage, and unique needs. Whether it’s managing anxiety, coping with changes such as separation or school pressures, or building emotional resilience, we work collaboratively with children and their families.
Parents are supported too. We provide guidance on how you can talk with your child about therapy, and offer strategies to reinforce progress at home. Our goal is to make the therapeutic journey a positive and confidence-building experience for the whole family.
If you’re considering therapy for your child and want to know more, you’re welcome to reach out to our friendly team.
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Contact us today to book an appointment or have a confidential chat about how we can support you and your child.
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