You’ve decided to seek counseling or acupuncture services for your child or teen. You understand how they could benefit from these services however, getting them on board might present a challenge. Although most children and teens ultimately have an incredibly positive experience with counseling or acupuncture, it may seem intimidating or downright scary. These feelings can lead to resistance, and you, the parent (or guardian), can assist them in navigating these feelings by helping them prepare for their first session.
Here are some tips on how to talk to your child or teen about their first counseling or acupuncture session

Counseling
Many children and teens spend time in counseling for a variety of reasons. Your child may be struggling with self-confidence, anxiety, or stress (such as parent divorce, a move, or life transition). Many children benefit from counseling to help support self-development and navigate the challenges of growing up.
Explain in age-appropriate language
It can be hard to explain the concept of counseling to young children and can end up sounding unfamiliar and abstract. Tell your little ones that it will be a place to learn and talk about their feelings, such as happy, excited, sad, or mad. Bring in a real-life example of a recent struggle, “remember last week when you thought about your friend moving away, and you felt sad?
A counselor can help you take care of your feelings.” You can also tell them that the counselor will talk about good things in their life. What do they like to do for fun, happy or silly memories, their strengths, and hopes and dreams for the future?
For adolescents who may have some concept of therapy, start by asking them about their expectations. Explain to your older children and teens that a counselor’s job is to learn about them and collaborate with them to help accomplish their goals. Share with your child that the value of counseling will pay off tremendously as they grow, develop and “figure themselves out.” because they will be able to meet whatever challenges life throws at them with the tools and skills to cope positively.
Work to destigmatize
Unfortunately, counseling and therapy have been stigmatized to the point where many young people believe that going to counseling must mean there is something wrong with them or they are being punished. It helps to normalize the difficulties they are going through. Let them know many people have experienced (or are experiencing) the same issues they are trying to deal with, and counseling has been a helpful tool.
Maybe you dealt with similar issues as a young person. Tell them your story, did you see a counselor, or do you wish you had seen one during a hard time? For older children/teens, there are many videos on YouTube or TikTok highlighting people’s positive experiences in therapy.
Present counseling as a new adventure and promise fun and play
Many counselors who work with children and teens are well-versed in getting them engaged in therapy and often include a lot of fun, play, games, and creativity. Younger children might enjoy engaging in imaginative play with a sand tray or playing games such as Uno or Candyland. While older children and teens typically like more creative-based exercises such as drawing, journaling, or poetry. Counseling with children and teens isn’t just sitting on a couch while questions are being thrown in your direction.
Most of the time, counseling, when it is done in a way that makes it fun, engaging, and collaborative, does not even seem like counseling at all. It can be helpful to present counseling as an exciting new adventure. This helps grow enthusiasm for meeting the counselor and can often result in more openness in building a therapeutic relationship.
The counseling relationship
Counseling is hard, but it should not feel grueling or excruciating. Children (especially teens) will often need time to warm up to their counselor and feel comfortable enough to trust them. If they continue to stay open enough to attend their sessions, that is a great sign. If they remain resistant, it could be a sign that the counselor is not a good fit for your child, and it will be time to reach out to another therapist/counselor. Sometimes it takes a few tries for your child to find their “person.”
If you are interested in setting up a counseling session for your child, please contact our counselor, Heather LeCompte, MA, LPC, at Radiant Collective Wellness.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a form of alternative medicine, has been around for over 3,000 years. This ancient healing art is gaining popularity in mainstream medicine, and many parents (or guardians) are turning to acupuncture to improve the health and well-being of their children and teens.
Since many of us develop a fear of needles at a young age, it can be hard to get past the anxiety and unease visiting a doctor may bring. Acupuncture is a medical modality primarily focused on using needles, and it may be difficult for children and teens to feel comfortable during their first session. The following guidance will help you and your child or teen understand and prepare for their first visit to the acupuncturist.
What to expect
Acupuncture is safe, effective, and suitable for most individuals. Children tend to respond quickly to acupuncture treatments and can gain significant benefits. Our fear of needles stems from hypodermic (hollow) needles traditionally used to administer immunizations. Acupuncture needles are very thin, sterile, and flexible. There may be sensations associated with needle insertion. After an acupuncture needle is inserted, you should not feel any discomfort.
Alternatives to needles
If a child or teen has a needle phobia or difficulty staying at rest, there are other ways to receive the benefits of acupuncture without using needles. Other options can include acupressure, Chinese therapeutic massage, ear seeds, and Shonishin (pediatric) acupuncture using a metal tool to tap, scrap or brush the skin along acupuncture pathways.
Reassure your child or teen it is okay to voice their concerns about acupuncture and needles, ask questions, and speak up if they are feeling discomfort. Acupuncture should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Their well-being is a top priority.
How to prepare
Your child or teen should prepare for acupuncture by staying hydrated and eating something 1-2 hours before their session. There are many conditions acupuncture can treat. Children and teens commonly obtain benefits from acupuncture for the following conditions, anxiety, depression, ADHD, digestive disorders sleep issues, allergies, and headache disorders.
If you are interested in bringing your child or teen to acupuncture and have questions, contact Amber Campana DACM, LAc at Radiant Collective Wellness.