Responding to Parental Questions About Child Therapy

7/13/2010

by Linda Chapman, MA, ATR-BC

Often I am asked how to respond to parents or caregivers when they ask about therapy. Here are some tips which might be useful.

What did my child say or do?
To reduce defensiveness, I first reassure the parent (or caregiver) of their appropriate question and that most parents want to be sure therapy is working.
I reassure the parent it is normal to want to know if there is anything of concern that arises in therapy, and that I do not withhold any information that reflects a concern about their child. I also remind the parent or caregiver of the reporting laws, and how I handle those issues.
Another concern of parents and caregivers is fear of the child’s potential for exposing family information. I inform parents I have heard nearly everything and remind them of confidentiality laws.

Parents are often fearful the child will be “bad,” or “make a mess.” I reassure parents that a child making a mess in therapy is acceptable and tell them that I remind their child the rules may be different in therapy than at home. I inform the parent it is my job to clean up and I am able to set limits on behavior if necessary.

Is my child getting better?
I inform the parent or caregiver that change occurs over time, and they will most likely be the first one to see change reflected in the child’s behavior or reduction of symptoms. I urge the parent to let me know of any changes that occur, positive or negative, and how much I value their feedback.

Can I see what they draw?
I inform parents and caregivers that confidentiality applies to pictures or images just as with verbal content in therapy. In inform them that if the child hears anything related to therapy at home, they will not trust me, and therefore will not participate fully and freely in therapy. And again, I remind them I will be sure to inform them of any concerns requiring their input or evaluation. I often educate parents about the normal developmental drawings associated with their child’s age so they do not become unnecessarily concerned about content.

I help parents understand that their child may draw at home. It is good to engage with the child during this drawing activity in the following ways:
• Is there anything you would like to say about your drawing?
• Is there a story to go with the drawing?
• I see big blue circles, small yellow lines, etc. (Speak to color, shape, and line)
I remind the parent if the child’s drawing or play is disturbing, it is appropriate to set limits and remind the child they will help tell me or recreate the play in therapy at the next session. I help the parent find words that are not punitive, but rather contain the disturbing imagery.

© Copyright 2009-2011 Linda Chapman.