Welcome to Therapy

How do I teach my child that it’s safe to share their feelings with a trusted adult?

Starting therapy can be a challenging and confusing experience, especially for children. They often don’t know what to expect, who a therapist is, or how therapy can help. Whether they’re going to therapy to navigate grief, sadness, anxiety, trauma, or other tricky situations, it’s important that children understand the ins and outs of therapy to start off on the right foot.

Written and illustrated by therapist (and mother) Andrea Dorn, MSW, Welcome to Therapy walks children through the process of starting therapy and normalizes the experience in simple, concrete, and developmentally appropriate terms – allowing kids to better understand what to expect and what is expected of them.

Written for use at home, in schools, or in session, this straightforward, beautifully illustrated, and engaging book includes:

• Optional engagement questions to build connection and personalize the reading experience
• Short mindfulness and self-compassion meditations to support kids and their grown-ups
• A feelings chart to help kids name their feelings
• Tips and suggestions for parents to best support a child in therapy