How Can I Support My Child Before, During, and After Counselling?

When your child starts counselling, you may feel a mix of relief, hope, and maybe even helplessness. What should you say? How involved should you be?

Here’s how you can be a strong support through the process.

Before counselling begins:

• Have an open, calm conversation. Let your child know they’re not in trouble and that counselling is a safe space to talk.

• Normalise it. “Lots of people go to counselling—it’s just another kind of support, like going to the doctor when you’re unwell.”

• Give them some control. Ask how they’d like to approach it. Teens, in particular, value autonomy.

During counselling:

• Respect their privacy. Avoid pressing them for details after every session. Let them share when they’re ready.

• Stay available. Check in with a simple, "How are you feeling after today?" without expectations.

• Keep things consistent. Routines and predictability help young people feel secure.

After sessions or over time:

• Celebrate small wins. Not every session will feel like a breakthrough, but even small shifts in mood, sleep, or openness are worth noticing.

• Practice patience. Progress isn’t linear.

• Stay connected with the therapist (if appropriate). Many therapists offer parent feedback or check-ins.

You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to walk alongside them.