When a child or adolescent enters therapy, it is most likely due to something in their system or emotional world that feels overwhelming or out of balance. At the same time, the child or adolescent might be the primary focus of the therapy session. A therapist cannot forget the vital role a parent or parents play in the success and maintenance of the therapeutic process. Whether a child is just beginning to explore their emotions in play therapy, or a teen is navigating identity, stress, or relationships, the parents’ involvement can be the bridge or sometimes the barrier to helping their child or teen heal. Working with a skilled mental health therapist in Philadelphia can make this process more effective
In this blog post, I will break down how parents can support their child or teen in therapy, outline their roles at different developmental stages, and explain why thoughtful, intentional participation makes all the difference.
For younger children, therapy often takes a very different form than what adults might expect. Instead of fifty minutes of conversations, sessions tend to focus on play, storytelling, and interactive activities. However, behind every drawing or game lies a deeper emotional expression, and the parent’s role in supporting that process is so crucial for the therapeutic process.
Active Participants in Therapy
In many therapeutic approaches, parents are an integral part of the sessions. They are coached on how to respond to their child’s behavior and emotions, both in and out of session. Therapists help guide parents in learning how to co-regulate with their child, support emotional growth, and establish safe boundaries.
Reinforcing Skills at Home
What happens outside the therapy room often matters more than what happens inside the therapy room. Parents are responsible for modeling these behaviors, practicing strategies like breathing exercises, and providing consistent emotional support. While young children learn to push the boundaries, their parents must serve as emotional co-regulators for their children to help them learn to manage anxiety, anger, sadness, or transitions. It is not an easy task, but with the help of a skilled therapist, this can become second nature for a parent. For many families, starting anxiety therapy in Philadelphia can provide essential tools for emotional regulation.
Understanding the Family System
A child has a hard time expressing their troubles in a box and understanding what their feelings might be. A therapist often involves parents to better understand the family dynamics, stressors, and relational patterns. This is done to help paint a picture of what might be causing some patterns or a shift in behavior for younger children who may not yet have the vocabulary to express what they are feeling. By understanding their triggers and communication styles, parents can help shift the emotional climate at home in a positive direction.
As children grow into teens, their need for independence increases—and so does the complexity of their emotional world. Unlike with young children, therapists often work directly with teens, offering them a confidential space to speak openly. However, that does not mean parents must take a step back entirely.
Supportive, Not Controlling
Teens may resist therapy if they feel it is being “forced” on them or if parents try to steer the narrative. Parents are most helpful when they become supportive allies, encouraging their teen’s growth without taking over. This might mean validating emotions rather than problem-solving or showing up without judgment during challenging conversations.
Respecting Confidentiality
One of the most important elements of adolescent therapy is confidentiality. Therapists explain to both parents and teens what will and will not be shared. For parents, it can be challenging to step back, but doing so helps build trust between the therapist and the adolescent, which is crucial for deeper emotional work to happen.
Modeling Emotional Intelligence
Teens are often observant, but they learn not just from what parents say, but also from how they handle conflict, vulnerability, and stress. When parents model calmness, empathy, and accountability, it helps teens observe ways to handle their emotions and start building their emotional toolkits.
Addressing Intergenerational Wounds
Sometimes, a teen’s struggles reveal deeper family patterns—unspoken rules, trauma, or communication breakdowns. Therapy may include family sessions or referrals for the parent(s) themselves to explore their own emotional histories and parenting beliefs.
How Parents Can Best Support the Therapy Process
Regardless of the child’s age, some parental approaches stand out as universally helpful:
- Psychoeducation: Learn about your child’s developmental needs, mental health diagnoses (if any), and therapy goals. The more informed you are, the more empowered you will feel to make a positive impact.
- Stay Engaged: Attend check-ins or joint sessions when invited. Ask the therapist how you can support progress at home.
- Practice Patience: Progress in therapy is not linear. Your child might open up slowly, or you may face emotional setbacks before breakthroughs. Stay the course.
- Be Open to Change: Therapy may reveal parenting habits or communication patterns that need adjusting. Embrace this growth as part of your journey, too.
- Create a Safe Home Environment: Encourage open expression. Let your child or teen know that their feelings are valid and that you are available to listen without judgment.
Parental involvement is not just helpful—it is essential. Whether your child is just beginning therapy or has been in the process for several months, your role is crucial. Children and teens do not heal in isolation; they heal in relationships. As a parent, you are one of the most powerful agents of change in their world.
By showing up with curiosity, humility, and emotional availability, you help create the safety net your child or teen needs to explore their inner world and build resilience. In doing so, you become not just part of the therapeutic process—you become part of the healing. Start your healing journey today with your child or teen by scheduling a session to begin their mental health journey.
