You’ve decided to seek counseling or acupuncture services for your child or teen. You
understand how they could benefit from these services however, getting them on board might
present a challenge. Although most children and teens ultimately have an incredibly positive
experience with counseling or acupuncture, it may seem intimidating or downright scary. These
feelings can lead to resistance, and you, the parent (or guardian), can assist them in navigating these feelings by helping them prepare for their first session.
Here are some tips on how to talk to your child or teen about their first counseling or
acupuncture session
Counseling
Many children and teens spend time in counseling for a variety of reasons. Your child may be
struggling with self-confidence, anxiety, or stress (such as parent divorce, a move, or life
transition). Many children benefit from counseling to help support self-development and
navigate the challenges of growing up.
Explain in age-appropriate language: It can be hard to explain the concept of counseling to young children and can end up sounding unfamiliar and abstract. Tell your little ones that it will be a place to learn and talk about their feelings, such as happy, excited, sad, or mad. Bring in a real-life example of a recent struggle, “remember last week when you thought about your friend
moving away, and you felt sad? A counselor can help you take care of your feelings.” You can
also tell them that the counselor will talk about good things in their life. What do they like to do
for fun, happy or silly memories, their strengths, and hopes and dreams for the future?
For adolescents who may have some concept of therapy, start by asking them about their
expectations. Explain to your older children and teens that a counselor’s job is to learn about
them and collaborate with them to help accomplish their goals. Share with your child that the
value of counseling will pay off tremendously as they grow, develop and “figure themselves out.”
because they will be able to meet whatever challenges life throws at them with the tools and
skills to cope positively.
Work to destigmatize: Unfortunately, counseling and therapy have been stigmatized to the
point where many young people believe that going to counseling must mean there is something
wrong with them or they are being punished. It helps to normalize the difficulties they are going
through. Let them know many people have experienced (or are experiencing) the same issues
they are trying to deal with, and counseling has been a helpful tool. Maybe you dealt with similar
issues as a young person. Tell them your story, did you see a counselor, or do you wish you had
seen one during a hard time? For older children/teens, there are many videos on YouTube or
TikTok highlighting people’s positive experiences in therapy.
Present counseling as a new adventure and promise fun and play: Many counselors who
work with children and teens are well-versed in getting them engaged in therapy and often include a lot of fun, play, games, and creativity. Younger children might enjoy engaging in
imaginative play with a sand tray or playing games such as Uno or Candyland. While older
children and teens typically like more creative-based exercises such as drawing, journaling, or
poetry. Counseling with children and teens isn’t just sitting on a couch while questions are being
thrown in your direction. Most of the time, counseling, when it is done in a way that makes it fun,
engaging, and collaborative, does not even seem like counseling at all. It can be helpful to present counseling as an exciting new adventure. This helps grow enthusiasm for meeting the counselor and can often result in more openness in building a therapeutic relationship.
The counseling relationship: Counseling is hard, but it should not feel grueling or excruciating.
Children (especially teens) will often need time to warm up to their counselor and feel
comfortable enough to trust them. If they continue to stay open enough to attend their sessions,
that is a great sign. If they remain resistant, it could be a sign that the counselor is not a good fit
for your child, and it will be time to reach out to another therapist/counselor. Sometimes it takes
a few tries for your child to find their “person.”
If you are interested in setting up a counseling session for your child, please contact our
counselor, Heather LeCompte, MA, NCC, at Radiant Collective, LLC.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a form of alternative medicine, has been around for over 3,000 years. This ancient
healing art is gaining popularity in mainstream medicine, and many parents (or guardians) are
turning to acupuncture to improve the health and well-being of their children and teens. Since
many of us develop a fear of needles at a young age, it can be hard to get past the anxiety and
unease visiting a doctor may bring. Acupuncture is a medical modality primarily focused on
using needles, and it may be difficult for children and teens to feel comfortable during their first
session. The following guidance will help you and your child or teen understand and prepare for
their first visit to the acupuncturist.
What to expect: Acupuncture is safe, effective, and suitable for most individuals. Children tend
to respond quickly to acupuncture treatments and can gain significant benefits. Our fear of needles stems from hypodermic (hollow) needles traditionally used to administer
immunizations. Acupuncture needles are very thin, sterile, and flexible. There may be sensations
associated with needle insertion. After an acupuncture needle is inserted, you should not feel any discomfort.
Alternatives to needles: If a child or teen has a needle phobia or difficulty staying at rest, there
are other ways to receive the benefits of acupuncture without using needles. Other options can
include acupressure, Chinese therapeutic massage, ear seeds, and Shonishin (pediatric)
acupuncture using a metal tool to tap, scrap or brush the skin along acupuncture pathways.
Reassure your child or teen it is okay to voice their concerns about acupuncture and needles, ask questions, and speak up if they are feeling discomfort. Acupuncture should be a relaxing and
enjoyable experience. Their well-being is a top priority.
How to prepare: Your child or teen should prepare for acupuncture by staying hydrated and
eating something 1-2 hours before their session.
There are many conditions acupuncture can treat. Children and teens commonly obtain benefits
from acupuncture for the following conditions, anxiety, depression, ADHD, digestive disorders
sleep issues, allergies, and headache disorders.
If you are interested in bringing your child or teen to acupuncture and have questions, contact
Amber Campana DACM, LAc at Radiant Collective LLC.
Radiant Collective is an integrative wellness practice located in the heart of downtown Eugene, Oregon. We offer holistic mental health counseling, acupuncture, and Chinese medicine for ADHD, stress, anxiety, and chronic pain management for children, teens, and adults. Amber Campana is our NCCAOM board-certified Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and Heather Le Compte is our board-certified therapist. Visit our website to learn more about our practice, Radiant Collective LLC, www.radiantcollectivellc.com, (541) 735-3174.