Supporting Your Child Through Therapy: A Parent’s Guide
In many Nigerian families, it’s normal to want to shield your child from struggle. You want them to be happy, do well in school, and grow into healthy, confident adults. So, when your child begins to struggle emotionally, behaviorally, or mentally, it can be worrying and even overwhelming.
You might wonder:
“Is therapy the right choice?”
“How do I support my child without making them feel something is wrong with them?”
The truth is, seeking therapy for your child isn’t a sign of failure, it’s a proactive step toward helping them thrive. Here’s a warm, clear guide to help you support your child through therapy with confidence.
Understanding Therapy for Children
Therapy (also called counselling or psychotherapy) is a safe, supportive process where a trained therapist helps your child understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Children go to therapy for many reasons, including anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, or difficulties coping with changes or trauma. Therapy isn’t about labelling your child, it’s about giving them tools to navigate life’s challenges in healthier ways.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Therapy
While it’s not always easy to tell when a child needs additional support, there are some signs to pay attention to. If your child is showing any of the following behaviors over time, it may be helpful to explore therapy:
Persistent sadness, withdrawal, or mood changes that last more than a few weeks
Sudden changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or energy levels
Intense fears, worries, or anxiety that interfere with daily life
Trouble concentrating in school or a noticeable drop in academic performance
Aggressive behavior, frequent tantrums, or difficulty managing emotions
Avoiding friends, school, or activities they used to enjoy
Talking about self-harm or expressing feelings of hopelessness
Every child has hard days, but if these behaviors persist or affect their daily functioning, seeking professional support can make a meaningful difference.
How Therapy Can Help Your Child
Emotional regulation: Therapy helps children understand and manage their emotions, developing healthy coping mechanisms.
Improved relationships: Therapy can enhance relationships between children and their family members, peers, and authority figures.
Increased self-esteem: Therapy can help children develop a positive self-image, building confidence and self-worth.
Better academic performance: By addressing underlying issues, therapy can improve a child's focus, motivation, and overall academic performance.
Comon Therapies for Children
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Play therapy: Uses play to help children express and process their emotions.
Family therapy: Involves the entire family in the therapeutic process, addressing relationship dynamics and communication.
How You Can Support Your Child Through Therapy
Open communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns about therapy.
Positive reinforcement: Praise your child for their efforts and progress in therapy.
Consistency: Establish a routine for therapy sessions and encourage your child to attend regularly.
Patience: Recognize that therapy is a process, and progress may be slow.
Therapy In Action
Overcoming Anxiety: Efe, a 10-year-old girl, struggled with anxiety. With the help of CBT, she learned to manage her anxiety and develop coping mechanisms. Her parents supported her by attending therapy sessions and practicing relaxation techniques with her.
Managing Behavioral Issues: Danjuma, a 7-year-old boy, exhibits behavioral issues at school. Through play therapy, David expresses his emotions and develops healthier ways to manage his behavior. His parents work with the therapist to develop strategies for supporting David's emotional regulation.
Tips for Parents
Therapist-child mismatch: If your child doesn't connect with the therapist, consider finding a different therapist.
Lack of progress: If your child isn't making progress, discuss concerns with the therapist and consider adjusting the therapeutic approach.
Resistance to therapy: If your child resists therapy, try to understand their concerns and work with the therapist to address them.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's progress, no matter how small.
Support homework: Encourage your child to complete any homework or exercises assigned by the therapist.
Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask the therapist about your child's progress, concerns, or questions.
Be involved: Attend therapy sessions, and work with the therapist to develop strategies for supporting your child.
Conclusion
Supporting your child through therapy requires patience, understanding, and commitment. By working collaboratively with the therapist and providing a supportive environment, you can help your child overcome challenges and thrive. Remember, therapy is a journey, and progress may be slow. However, with the right support and guidance, your child can develop the skills and resilience needed to succeed..
References:
American Psychological Association. (2020). Psychotherapy.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
Bratton, S. C., Ray, D., & Rhine, T. (2005). The effect of play therapy on children with ADHD. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 34(2), 254-265.