A child therapy session – what is it like?

The first therapy session for a child with anxiety typically involves creating a safe and supportive environment for the child to express their thoughts and feelings.

The therapist may begin by asking the child about their fears and worries and how these thoughts and feelings affect their daily life. The therapist may also ask the child about any physical symptoms they experience when they feel anxious, such as stomach aches, headaches, or difficulty sleeping.

The therapist may also involve the child’s parents or guardians during the assessment stage, especially for younger children. The therapist may ask the parents about their observations of the child’s behavior and any specific triggers that seem to provoke anxiety in the child.

After gathering information about the child’s symptoms and experiences, the therapist will work with the child to develop coping strategies and tools to manage their anxiety. These strategies may include deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques, or progressive muscle relaxation.

The therapist may also provide psychoeducation about anxiety and how it affects the body and mind. They may use age-appropriate materials, such as books or games, to help the child better understand their anxiety and how to cope with it.

Overall, the first therapy session for a child with anxiety is focused on building a relationship of trust and understanding with the child, gathering important information about their symptoms and experiences, and providing the child and their parents with tools and strategies to manage anxiety.