Teletherapy is an excellent option for children who don’t have access to a nearby therapist and have a busy schedule to attend in person. Especially in a pandemic crisis, children’s teletherapy sessions become the most preferred choice by the parents to keep track of their children behavior.
However, in a counseling center or teletherapy sessions, dealing with younger children is daunting for every therapist to keep them focused. It is where therapists suggest parents’ active participation in children’s teletherapy sessions.
What Is A Parental Role In Children’s Teletherapy Sessions?
Parents have a significant role in children’s teletherapy sessions. As per studies, it marks significant progress in achieving therapy goals. Even professionals suggest parents for active participation as a best practice to gain child trust towards the teletherapy sessions and therapist.
The reason is two-fold; to educate parents on how to handle children in impulsive situations and help them in stressful situations. Another reason is obtaining the necessary information about the child since birth, such as sleeping, eating habits, relation with friends and family, etc.
However, it makes children feel secure and comfortable in teletherapy sessions by being around their parents. Here are more reasons in detail –
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1. Parents know their children best:
Parents know their children more than any therapist, thus sharing their child’s behavior and emotional changes with them. They will make a difference in the rate of symptom reduction as per the children’s needs.
It is a common misconception that therapists can handle children alone in teletherapy sessions, but parents are great role models for their children. The quality of therapy and age of the child can affect their behavior in teletherapy sessions. The parent’s presence is too beneficial for them to witness such scenarios firsthand during training sessions, thus learning from these training sessions and implementing them daily. -
2. Parents play a vital role in communication:
When children are in emotional distress, they may be unable to communicate this to the therapist, but parents know how to help them. They can talk or negotiate with their children even when they are not ready for the therapy.
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3. Conversations with those who matter:
It is evident for children to look up to their parents! Not only in teletherapy sessions, but it’s also an involuntary action when they meet or discuss with new persons, especially about their personal life. So, it’s common for children to look up to parents for guidance and tips to share with the therapist.
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4. Parents can play a crucial role in reducing anxiety:
Parents have a great understanding of their children and thus can help them overcome stress or negative emotions. It becomes the most significant asset for children’s teletherapy.
Sometimes, even therapists may get anxious about their behavior, but parents can relax them by cheering and making them feel good about themselves.
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5. Learning should happen all day, so parents must participate:
Parents have the advantage of spending more time with their children; thus, it creates more opportunities for parents to educate them.
Teletherapy sessions may conduct for one to two hours a week, but if the therapist guides the parents skillfully, they can counsel their children routinely. It brings a positive effect on their relationship too. Parents can use the techniques taught by the therapist in real-world situations and help their children overcome stress, thus bridging the gap between teletherapy sessions.
However, regardless of any other advantages, parents can help the therapist gain the child’s trust during teletherapy sessions. As a mediator, parents can quickly build up therapist-child relations by adding a fun element and making sessions pleasant for children.
Conclusion:
Teletherapy is showing great results for children as compared to traditional therapy. In this fast-growing world and unpredictable future, parents need to stay closer to their children to understand them better. Teletherapy sessions give them a chance to be with their child without disturbing their daily schedule. However, the most powerful tool in building a relationship between parent and child is trust. Therefore, parents must always participate in the session, whether video or physically present with their children.
Since therapy is directed online, Teletherapy MN offers teletherapy sessions for children to older adults of all age groups. To schedule an appointment, visit https://teletherapymn.com/