No items found.

How to Bring Up the Topic of Therapy with Your Child

Author: Layla Care, Team
Updated: September 18, 2026 | Read time: 2 min
CONTENTS
Key Takeaways
  • Choose a calm, low-pressure moment for the conversation, like during breakfast, bedtime, or a car ride, rather than a formal sit-down.
  • Use age-appropriate language and relatable metaphors, such as comparing therapy to seeing a doctor for a physical health concern.
  • Normalizing mental health conversations from an early age, and modelling openness about emotions yourself, helps children feel more comfortable seeking support later on.
  • Reassure your child that suggesting therapy is a form of support, not a judgment of their character, and be mindful of your own reactions as they share.
  • Where appropriate, involve your child in decisions about their care, including what kind of support they'd like and what resources (like counselling services or support hotlines) are available to them.
  • Parents supporting a child through this process are encouraged to seek their own support too, whether from a mental health professional, a physician, or a resource like the Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation.

How to have the first conversation about therapy with your child?

Parenthood is a series of significant milestones and conversations, and one of the most pivotal yet delicate subjects to broach is introducing the concept of therapy to your child. This guide aims to help you approach this conversation sensitively, dismantling the stigma around mental health and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for your child to express themselves.

  • Picking the Perfect Moment: Seek out a comfortable spot where you and your child can connect without disruptions. Timing is everything; choose a moment when both of you can immerse yourselves in an uninterrupted discussion. Consider when your child is naturally more open to discussion like during breakfast, bedtime, or in the car, and establish routine check-ins to build a pattern of trust and communication.
  • Crafting Age-Appropriate Dialogues: Use clear, reassuring language suited to your child's understanding, avoiding complex terms or jargon, as difficulty understanding mental health concepts can be a deterrent to speaking up about mental health. Iuse relatable metaphors, like comparing therapy to seeing a doctor for a physical ailment. Teach them to express and label their feelings.
  • Authenticity and Openness: Lay bare the reasons for discussing therapy. Emphasize that therapy is a positive stride toward helping them navigate challenges, likening it to a visit to the doctor for physical health. It is important to let them see you talk about emotions and therapy as children learn through imitation and mirroring.
  • Normalizing the Therapy Narrative: Foster open and non-judgmental conversations about mental health from an early age. Share stories of therapy being a commonplace practice, emphasizing its role as a tool for personal growth and well-being. Instill the idea that seeking help is a demonstration of strength. Understanding that talking about mental health is normal is a foundational aspect of youth feeling comfortable in accessing mental health services.
  • Expressing Care and Affection: Assure your unwavering love, clarifying that suggesting therapy is a means of providing support, not a judgment of their character. Be aware of your reactions and thoughtfully consider how you are responding to them. It is important to show interest in their thoughts and opinions without being intrusive or making kids feel like they have to talk when they are not ready.
  • Attentive Listening: Engage actively in listening to your child's thoughts and emotions, free from any judgment. It can help to confirm your understanding of what they have shared by repeating what they’ve said and encouraging them to share more when they are comfortable.
  • Spotlight on Positive Outcomes: Highlight the benefits of therapy. Emphasize that it's a space for acquiring new coping mechanisms, gaining self-awareness, and enhancing overall well-being. Discussing positive aspects of therapy can help to remove uncertainty and will be beneficial if taking the step to initiate therapy.
  • Involving Them in Decision-Making: Where appropriate, involve your child in the decision-making process. Seek their input on what type of support they need. Ensure they are aware of resources that are available to them like counselling services or support hotlines.
  • Tackling the Stigma Surrounding Therapy: Engage in family activities that are focused on reducing stress and provide discussions around this, demonstrating mental health conversations and therapy as normal. Part of lessening the stigma around mental health can be attributed to parents who are increasingly more aware of mental health and are willing to discuss it. It is also important to address diverse cultural or social perspectives and barriers that may exist.
  • Seek Additional Support: A crucial aspect of supporting children’s mental health is supporting parents. Reach out to a mental health professional yourself, speak with your Physician, or access available resources such as the Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation which provides a thorough overview for teaching children about emotions.

‍

You are their guide

Guiding your child through the realm of therapy is a journey marked by understanding, compassion, and growth. Approach this discourse with sensitivity, utilize language that resonates with their age, and weave in metaphors to normalize the notion of seeking mental health support. In doing so, you're not just fostering open communication but also laying the groundwork for your child's journey of self-discovery and resilience. Embrace this opportunity to be their guiding light on the path to emotional well-being.

‍

────────────

‍Finding the right support

If you require any immediate support, please reach out to a professional, or click here to explore our crisis and community resources. If you’d like to inquire about finding mental health support that’s right for you, a member of our team is happy to assist you. You can email us at contact@layla.care for any inquiries, or complete our intake form to reach out to a member of our care team.

────────────

References and external links

Layla Care
Team
A team of mental health professionals and advocates helping you find the right support, faster.