5 Myths About Starting Therapy for Kids That Are Making Parents Nervous

By Emily Hanlon

If thinking about therapy for your child makes you break into a cold sweat, welcome!

You’re officially a normal, caring parent.

The thought of walking into a therapy office can feel overwhelming, like stepping into uncharted territory while juggling a million questions:

• “Will my child hate it?”

• “Will the therapist judge me?”

• “Do I even need this, or am I overreacting?”

You’re not alone. Every parent who has ever picked up the phone to book a therapy session has had those same fears. But therapy doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, it can be one of the most supportive, transformative experiences for your child, and for you.

So, let’s pop the bubble of anxiety by busting 5 common myths about kids’ therapy and set the record straight (with a little humour along the way).

Myth 1: “Therapy Means I’ve Failed as a Parent”

Oh, please. Therapy isn’t a parental report card. It’s a tool for growth and support, not a judgment booth. If your child needed glasses, you’d get them glasses, right? If they broke their arm, you’d get a cast. Therapy works the same way; it's about giving your child the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Asking for help isn’t failure; it’s one of the bravest and most loving things a parent can do. You’re showing your child that it’s okay to seek support, and that’s a lesson they’ll carry for life.

*“Therapy doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re parenting with heart. And trust me, no therapist is thinking, ‘Wow, three hours of screen time today? Someone call CPS!’”

Myth 2: “My Kid Will Hate It and Refuse to Talk”

This is a big one. Many parents imagine their child sitting stiffly on a couch, arms crossed, scowling at the therapist while ominous clock ticks echo in the background.

Reality check: therapy for kids doesn’t look like a scene from an intense Hollywood movie. Good therapy is child-led, playful, and tailored to your child’s interests and personality. It might involve art, games, stories, Lego towers, or playing make-believe.

Kids often love therapy because it feels like a safe, fun space where they get to explore their world and their feelings—on their own terms. And yes, sometimes kids start off quiet, but that’s okay too. I’ve seen many little ones spend 15 minutes silently stacking blocks before suddenly declaring, “Do you want to hear about my really bad day?”

Therapists are trained to meet kids where they are...no pressure, no rush.

Myth 3: “The Therapist Will Judge Me as a Parent”

Ah, the fear of being judged: it’s universal. But let me assure you, therapists are not in the business of ranking parenting skills or secretly tallying how often you say, “Because I said so!”

Therapy is a judgment-free zone. The goal isn’t to point fingers; it’s to work with you and your child as a team. We’re here to support your family, not critique your bedtime routines, lunchbox snack choices, or how often you sneak the kids McNuggets on busy days.

If anything, therapy is a space for you to gain tools and strategies that make life a little easier, so you can parent in a way that feels right for your family.

Myth 4: “Therapy Is Just Talking About Feelings”

Sure, feelings come up; but therapy is so much more than “How does that make you feel?” For kids, therapy is engaging, creative, and sometimes downright fun.

Play-based therapy might involve painting, drawing, puppets, roleplay, storytelling, or exploring emotions through games and toys. It’s not about sitting still and sharing big revelations; it’s about creating a space where kids feel safe, seen, and supported.

The magic happens when kids can explore their thoughts, emotions, and worries in a way that feels natural to them...whether that’s with a paintbrush, a stuffed animal, or a tower of Lego bricks.

Myth 5: “My Child Isn’t ‘Struggling Enough’ to Need Therapy”

Here’s a secret: therapy isn’t just for kids dealing with “big problems.” It’s for any child who might need a little extra support; whether it’s adjusting to changes at home, navigating school stress, handling big emotions, or working on self-esteem.

You don’t wait for a tooth to fall out before taking your child to the dentist, right? Therapy works the same way. It's proactive, not reactive. It gives your child a safe space to develop tools and strategies they can carry with them into the future.

Therapy Isn’t Scary, It's Supportive

Starting therapy might feel like a big, intimidating leap, but here’s the truth: you’re not doing this alone. Therapy is about progress, not perfection, and it’s a safe space for you and your child to grow, together.

Still Have Questions? Join Our Family Forum!

If you’re feeling unsure or want to learn more, join our Family Forum. I host live monthly calls where we tackle your biggest questions, share practical strategies, and connect as a supportive community of parents. It’s fun, it’s interactive, and (best of all) it’s judgment-free.

Click here to join the Family Forum today!

But lastly... You’re already doing a great job. Taking the first step might feel scary, but it could make all the difference for your child—and for you.