Childhood Starting Therapy For My Eldest Has Me Anxious

[ghotiff]

So many thoughtful and supportive replies. Thank you all so much.

behaviours etc surfaced terribly 2 years later.

This is an important point. I would hate for B"s hormones to exacerbate the already existant anxiety.

Having the undivided attention from someone outside the home, who can have fresh perspective and suggestions can be a huge asset to your child and yourself

This is my hope an you are right about the undivided attention, it's a rare commodity.

assumptions she might have made about what she THINKS she knows, as well.

Very true.

We help each other. I couldn't have pulled it off alone.

Yes, I need the help. My T has told me that I'm overly self reliant.

@anthony B was fine with the idea when I brought it up many months ago. I explained it as a phychologist teaches about emotions in the same way as a music teacher teaches music.

@Nam thanks for your entire post.


To be continued...

 

[Justmehere]

I explained it as a phychologist teaches about emotions in the same way as a music teacher teaches music.

This is brilliant! It's actually quite fitting. A music teacher teaches not only about music, but how to work with music and make music work for us. A therapist teaches us about emotions, so we can handle those notes too.

I would add that to tell B that going to see a therapist doesn't make B bad or wrong or any less loved... just in case B might be thinking those things. B is right at the age where they may hold back expressing some of those insecurities or misinterpretations of they should try out therapy.

If your kid broke their leg, you would take them to a doc. If your kid wants to learn how to play a sport, you would taken them to a coach. You don't need to be the doctor or the coach, or the therapist. You need to be the parent, and you are doing mighty fine job of doing just that.

B does not know that I have therapy, and I’m reluctant to open let them know. B is a very emotionally intelligent and sensitive child and would figure out more than I would like B to know. But, I’m open to debate on this.

If B is really sensitive, then B probably already knows you are struggling at times. Even not-so-sensitive kids tend to pick up on this stuff in their parents/caregivers. It might help B to have it be said out loud that sometimes you have crappy days and you go talk to a therapist about it. Everyone needs support sometimes, and talking to a therapist helps. You don't have to go into a diagnosis or trauma history to mention something about it. It's also ok and understandable if you are not ready or comfortable with sharing too.

 

[ghotiff]

I spoke to B yesterday with a positive tone (thanks everyone) and B was brought up the concept of seeing one due to "mental illness". I said that it's also just to help with emotions eg stress, and that B is heading into a tricky age (something B keeps bringing up) and that the T just gives someone to talk to and give guidance. I also said that people don't talk about it much but that almost everyone I know has gone to one including daddy and myself (which is true).

If B is really sensitive, then B probably already knows you are struggling at times

Yes, you are right, and I will think about how to say that I see a T currently. I almost would like to explain a tiny bit more but my mothers denial would make anything I said problematic because B might talk to her.