What I Wish Every Parent Knew About Therapy for Their Children
Author: Dr. Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC
Published July 3, 2025
A Note From Your Therapist: Dr. Mary Perleoni, LMHC
As a child therapist, professor, and researcher who has spent extensive time working with children in schools and various clinical settings, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how transformative therapy can be in a child's life. Through years of practice and research with thousands of children, I’ve recognized that parents often have understandable hesitations, questions, and misconceptions about child therapy. Here’s what I genuinely wish every parent knew before starting this courageous and rewarding journey.
What I Want Every Parent to Know Before Their Child’s First Session
First, your involvement matters immensely. While sessions focus on your child, the parent-therapist partnership is essential. Approaches like play therapy empowers children, yes, but just as importantly, it focuses on providing parents tools to support emotional development at home.
Second, therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Each child is unique, and so is their healing journey. There is no magic formula. Progress might be subtle at first, especially as your child builds trust. Patience and consistency are key.
Finally, your child doesn’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Whether your little one is adjusting to a new sibling, coping with school transitions, or battling bedtime anxiety, early therapeutic support can make all the difference.
Pediatric Therapy Myths: What Parents Get Wrong About Child Counseling
As both a mom and therapist living in Tampa, FL, I understand many of the hesitations. But some common myths often stand between kids and the help they truly need. Let’s clear them up.
Myth 1: “Play therapy is just glorified playtime.”
Reality: Play therapy is a research-backed, and clinically proven intervention. For instance, in my Tampa & St. Petersburg offices, we use techniques like sand tray therapy, narrative therapy, and role-play to help children process trauma, reduce anxiety, and build skills.
Myth 2: “Therapy is only for kids with severe issues.”
Reality: Therapy isn't about just fixing problems, it's about building life skills. In counseling children learn to develop the ability to regulate emotions, build resilience, and enhance their social intelligence (essential tools for excelling academically and relationally). The kids we work with before crisis strikes are often able to avoid many of the severe “issues” that can arise from a lack of coping skills or emotional intelligence.
Myth 3: “If we go to therapy, I must have failed as a parent.”
Reality: You wouldn't consider it "failure" to call an HVAC specialist when your AC breaks or a mechanic when your car needs repair. Similarly, child therapists offer proven strategies and approaches you may just have never learned, because unfortunately parenting doesn't come with a manual.
A skilled pediatric therapist can provide specific tools for specific challenges. Just as you trust professionals with your home and vehicle, trusting a therapist with your child's emotional development shows wisdom, not weakness.
Why Interactive and Child-Centered Approaches Matter
Children communicate and learn best through interactive experiences, which is why effective child therapy is inherently interactive. The ideal therapy room should be thoughtfully designed to create a warm and welcoming environment that encourages physical engagement. Interactive methods such as expressive arts, storytelling, therapeutic games, or sensory-based activities allow your child to comfortably share emotions and challenges in a safe, supportive setting.
Interactive therapy sessions aren't just enjoyable, but they're clinically proven to enhance emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and resilience. This active participation significantly improves emotional and behavioral outcomes for children, leading to meaningful change and personal growth.
How I Approach Anxiety and Trauma in Therapy Sessions
My experience with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) in diverse school settings has reinforced my belief in evidence-based, compassionate, and personalized care. Whether addressing anxiety, trauma, grief, or behavioral concerns, therapy begins by creating a foundation of trust. My approach is child-centered, and strengths-based. What does that mean exactly? Well rather than fixating solely on symptoms, I aim to deeply understand each child's unique emotional world, developmental needs, and innate strengths.
Childhood Anxiety & Trauma
When helping children with anxiety or trauma, therapy involves carefully guiding your child toward developing coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, and self-awareness. At my practice in Tampa, Florida, our therapeutic interventions are personalized and rooted in evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT, expressive therapies, and emotion regulation training. The goal is not only symptom relief but empowering your child with lasting tools for emotional resilience and lifelong wellness.
How to Know if Therapy is Right for Your Child
Parents frequently ask, "How do I know if my child needs therapy?" The simple answer is: if you sense something isn’t quite right, trust your instincts. This also is true for the other side of this coin - just because your child is exhibiting a challenging behavior at the moment doesn’t necessarily mean they need therapy either.
Common signs that your child might benefit from therapy include:
Frequent and sustained emotional outbursts
Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities
Significant and disruptive changes behavior patterns (including sleeping and eating)
Challenges in social interactions or friendships
If you notice these patterns, a skilled therapist can assess the situation, and if applicable, support your child in building healthier emotional foundations and coping strategies.
What to Expect at our practice
Beginning therapy can feel intimidating for families, and we strive to make this step as comfortable and supportive as possible. From your first call, our intake coordinator will answer questions, match you with a specialized child therapist for a free phone consultation, and guide you through every step of the process. Therapy is always confidential, goal-oriented, and collaborative with parents.
We also offer flexible in-person and teletherapy sessions tailored specifically for children across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and throughout Florida.
Your Child’s Healing Journey Begins Within
Therapy for your child isn’t simply about fixing problems. It’s about laying a strong emotional and psychological foundation for their lifelong well-being. Taking the courageous first step toward therapy can profoundly transform your child’s emotional health, family dynamics, and future.
Together, let's give your child the supportive, expert care they deserve.
