Why Does Parental Involvement Matter? 

When a child begins therapy, many parents wonder how involved they should be in the process. Should you sit in on every session? Should you step back entirely? The truth is, therapy works best when parents and therapists partner together (with healthy boundaries) to best support children in reaching therapeutic goals. 

Children Don’t Heal in Isolation 

Healing is not limited to what happens in the therapy room. Children need support and reinforcement at home, school and in the community! Parental involvement ensures that skills learned in the therapy room can be practiced in everyday life. 

Strengthening Parent-Child Relationship 

By being present and engaged in the therapy process, you are showing your child that you care about their feelings and their growth. This can help them feel supported and understood, which is critical for building trust in relationships. 

Improved Progress and Outcomes 

Research consistently shows that when parents are involved, children make faster progress and maintain changes longer as compared to children who do not have parental involvement in therapy. 

Healthy Boundaries in Child Therapy 

Therapy is the Child’s Space 

Even though parents are key partners in the therapeutic process, the therapy room is still your child’s time. Children need a safe space to talk, play or process without worrying that everything will be reported back to a parent, or that the parent will take up their therapy time.