How to Choose the Right Therapy and Therapist for My Child

At a Glance

Choosing therapy for your child can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to look for can make all the difference. In this blog, The Youth Fairy explores how to choose a therapist, the different types of child therapy available, what qualifications to check for, and how to prepare for the first session, ensuring your child feels safe, supported, and understood from the start.

Helping You Choose the Right Therapy and Therapist for Your Child

Deciding to seek therapy for your child can feel like a really big step and although this decision can feel hopeful, it can also come with lots of questions too! For example, how do you know which therapy is the right fit? What should you look for in a therapist? And, most importantly, how can you make sure your child feels comfortable and supported when you’re preparing for the first counselling session?

Don’t worry—you’re not alone in wondering where to start. In this blog, we’ll break it all down, from understanding the different types of therapy and how to choose a therapist who “clicks” with your child.

Contact us to find the right therapist for your child.

Why Might Your Child Need Therapy?

Children face their own unique challenges, from anxiety and low self-esteem to difficulties managing emotions. Therapy can offer a safe space for them to explore their feelings, develop new coping strategies, and grow into the happiest, most confident version of themselves.

But not all therapies—or therapists—are the same. Understanding how to choose a therapist for your child can make a big difference in how effective and enjoyable the process is for them. Once you are confident in your choice of therapist, you will also be more effective in preparing for the first counselling session.

The Role of Neuroscience in Therapy

Therapies designed for children often focus on how their brains process emotions and experiences. Let’s break that down and explore different parts of the brain, and their purpose! 

• The Emotional Brain (amygdala): This part of the brain acts like an alarm system, triggering responses to perceived threats. When overactive, it can lead to anxiety, anger, or overwhelm.
• The Logical Brain (prefrontal cortex): This is where problem-solving, reasoning, and self-control happen. Therapy often works to strengthen this part of the brain so it can better manage emotional responses.
• Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to adapt and form new pathways means children can learn healthier ways of thinking and responding, no matter what they’re facing.

The right therapy can help balance these brain processes, empowering your child to feel calmer and more in control.

How to Choose the Right Therapist and Therapy: Our Top Tips

Understand the Different Types of Therapy

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s worth exploring what’s available:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps children understand and change unhelpful thought patterns. Great for anxiety, low mood, and phobias.
• Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH): Here at the Youth Fairy, we offer SFH which combines CBT, psychotherapy and hypnosis to encourage confidence and resilience. Ideal for anxiety, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. You can read more about SFH on our blog.
• Play Therapy: Uses creative play to help children express emotions and work through challenges. Perfect for younger kids. Our therapists use many different types of play in play therapy, including storytelling, games, and puppetry.
• Art or Music Therapy: Allows children to explore feelings through creativity, particularly if they find talking tricky. Art therapy examples include drawing, playing musical instruments, or asking them to act out scenes from their life.

Ask potential therapists about their approach and whether it aligns with your child’s needs and personality before preparing for the first counselling session.

Check Their Qualifications and Memberships

When working with children, therapists need specific training and memberships to ensure they meet professional standards. For Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, look for:

Membership of the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH) ensures therapists have undergone accredited training and meet high ethical and professional standards. Our fairies are also members of the following: The National Council for Hypnotherapy, The National Board for Modern Physiotherapy and The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. 

Registration with a professional regulatory body, such as the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), which is recognised by the NHS and ensures therapists are trained to a high standard.

Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for working with children and vulnerable groups.

These memberships and checks ensure the therapist is qualified, ethical, and appropriately trained to work with children.

Build a Strong Therapeutic Alliance

A good therapist will prioritise building a strong alliance with your child—essentially, a trusting and collaborative relationship. This is key to successful therapy. During an initial consultation, observe how they interact with your child—are they warm, approachable, and understanding?

Ask About Their Approach to Parents

Some therapists involve parents in the process (especially for younger children), while others focus solely on one-to-one sessions. Think about what would work best for your family dynamic and ask how they keep you informed.

Look for a Solution-Focused Approach

Therapies that focus on solutions, rather than dwelling on problems, can be particularly empowering for children. This approach helps them set goals, build confidence, and recognise their own strengths.

Trust Your Instincts

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right—or if a particular therapy doesn’t seem to be working—it’s okay to explore other options. Therapy is a collaborative process, and finding the right fit might take a little trial and error.

How to Prepare Your Child for Therapy

Introducing your child to the idea of therapy can feel daunting, but here are some ways to make preparing for the first counselling session easier:

Keep it Positive: Frame therapy as an opportunity to feel happier, calmer, or more confident.

Explain What to Expect: Reassure them that the therapist is there to listen, not to judge. Share with them examples of art therapy or about different types of play in play therapy so that they are better prepared for the session.

Let Them Have a Say: If they’re old enough, involve them in choosing the therapist or type of therapy. Feeling involved can make them more open to the process.

Connect with The Youth Fairy to Find the Right Therapist For Your Child

Choosing the right therapist and therapy is all about finding what works best for your child—and for you as a family. With the right support, therapy can be a life-changing experience, helping your child navigate challenges and develop skills that will last a lifetime.

Remember, the journey might take a little time, but every step you take is an investment in your child’s happiness and wellbeing.

At The Youth Fairy, we specialise in solution-focused therapy for children. If your children are struggling with stress, anxiety or conditions like Misophonia or Nocturnal Enuresis, connect with our fairies to schedule a session today. 

If you’re simply looking for more ideas and guidance, our free blog library, the Parent Pad, is full of helpful resources to explore at your own pace.