In psychological counseling for children, the first meeting consists of meeting the child and young person, obtaining the necessary information (birth history, past experiences) from the family, applying some measurement and evaluation techniques, if necessary, depending on the child's developmental period and problem, informing the family about the therapy process. It includes stages in which situations such as giving information and planning the process are discussed.
How should you explain this situation to your child?
How to explain this process varies according to developmental periods. However, what is important in every age group is to give clear, precise and accurate information to the child. Inaccurate descriptions such as "we are going to see a friend of mine" or "we are going to see a teacher" to the child will reduce the child's faith in both the psychologist and the family. Instead, making the explanation short, clear and accurate for young children will prevent any confusion that may arise in your child. The desire of families to hide the problems they will discuss with their children from their children is understandable but unnecessary; Because children are somehow aware that there is a problem around them and within themselves. For this reason, conveying the process to the child as it is will enable the child to take ownership of the psychological support process he will receive, and this will positively affect the treatment. However, if there is a special situation within the family and the child is not yet aware of this situation (divorce, adoption, violence, etc.), it would be more appropriate to discuss this issue with the psychologist in advance and then continue the process alone with the child or with the family for a while, according to the therapist's recommendation. It will be enough for families to tell young children that the things that bother them will go away, and that if there is nothing bothering them, they will meet with someone to get information about how to approach their children, play games and chat there. In the first session, the therapist will explain to the family and the child who psychologists are and what they will do with them.
With school children, as they are more conscious due to their age, they will briefly talk about what they know about going to a psychologist, and then, in the same way, explain to the child the problems he is experiencing. to relax and feel better, where he/she will meet with someone, play games and relax for a while. It can be said that he can talk to people.
The situation is slightly different for young people. Some young people may want to see a psychologist at their own discretion. However, the problems experienced by some young people may also prevent them from coming to therapy. At this point, it would be appropriate to suggest that the young person first meet with a specialist to make himself happier and more comfortable. However, if the young person does not want to receive any kind of counseling, do not force him, this will make things even more difficult. In such cases, you can manage the process more easily and get support for the young person's participation in the process by having a separate meeting with your psychologist.
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