Starting therapy can be a big step for your child, and you might feel unsure about how to begin that conversation. Whether your child feels nervous about starting therapy, or even excited to meet with a child psychologist, it’s helpful to prepare them for that first meeting. There are a few key talking points to help you navigate that discussion so that you can set your child and yourself up for success in therapy.
While there is no “cure” for tics or Tourette syndrome, there are effective management strategies. If a child is experiencing noticeable academic, social, emotional, or other quality of life challenges as a result of their tics, working with an experienced CBIT provider can help.
Practicing social skills can help children develop healthy peer relationships, improve familial dynamics, and academic performance. Collaboration between parents, a licensed therapist, and school personnel can help children practice and generalize these skills to find success later in life.
There are benefits to both virtual and in-person therapy, and studies indicate that both can be effective methods for the delivery of CBT and DBT for youth and adults. There are a number of nuanced factors that one might consider when deciding between teletherapy or in-person treatment.
When it comes to managing your child’s anxiety around the holidays, it’s important to remember that communication is key. Maintain an open dialogue with your child about how they are feeling and check in with them regularly. Use these strategies to help prepare them for the change in routine and prime them for the back to school transition.