What Happens in a Counseling Session for Kids?

Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions—not just for kids, but for their parents, too. If you're considering counseling for your child, it's completely natural to wonder: What actually happens in a session? Will they just talk? Will they have to sit still and answer questions? Will they be understood?

Let me walk you through what a typical session looks like and how we approach therapy in a way that feels safe, supportive, and—believe it or not—sometimes even fun.

First Things First: Building Comfort and Trust

The first few sessions are all about building a relationship. Kids need to feel safe, heard, and comfortable before any real therapeutic work can happen. I spend time getting to know your child through age-appropriate activities—this could include drawing, games, storytelling, or simple conversation.

Rather than diving right into emotions or challenges, we focus on connection and creating a space where your child knows: This is a place where I can be myself.

We Work Through Play—Because It Works

Younger children often don’t have the words to explain what they’re feeling, but they express themselves beautifully through play. That’s why we use play therapy techniques to explore emotions, build coping skills, and strengthen problem-solving.

For example:

• A child might use dolls or action figures to act out something that’s bothering them.

• We might play a board game that naturally encourages conversation about turn-taking, frustration, or teamwork.

• Art supplies may come out to help externalize a feeling that’s too big to put into words.

These aren't just fun distractions—they're carefully chosen tools that help kids process emotions in a developmentally appropriate way.

For Older Kids and Preteens: A More Collaborative Approach

With older kids, sessions may include more conversation, role-play, or guided journaling. We might talk about friendships, school stress, anxiety, or family dynamics. I always tailor sessions to each child’s personality and comfort level.

Sometimes kids open up quickly. Other times, they warm up slowly. Both are perfectly okay.

I might ask open-ended questions like:

• “What’s something that made you feel proud this week?”

• “If you could change one thing about your day, what would it be?”

• “What do you do when you feel really overwhelmed?”

These questions open doors—without pressure.

What About the Parents?

Parents play a huge role in a child’s therapeutic journey. While sessions are private and confidential to build trust with your child, we check in regularly to update you on progress and offer tools you can use at home.

You’ll never be left in the dark, and I’ll always let you know if there are things we need to address together as a family or in follow-up sessions.

Some sessions may also include you and your child together, especially if we’re working on improving communication or navigating transitions.

Therapy Is a Safe Space—Not a “Fix-It” Appointment

One of the most important things to remember: therapy isn't about “fixing” your child. It’s about helping them understand themselves, express their emotions in healthy ways, and build tools for handling the ups and downs of life.

Whether they’re dealing with anxiety, big emotions, social challenges, or a recent life change, therapy gives kids the space to grow, feel empowered, and feel seen.

At Blend Counseling, we believe that every child deserves to be heard—and that strong emotional foundations begin with compassion, connection, and communication.

Author

Nicole Theiler, LMHC Nicole Theiler is a licensed mental health counselor with over 15 years of experience working with individuals and families with concerns regarding anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attachment difficulties, Neurotransmitter support, and insomnia sleep disorder.