In-Home Therapy: Is This the Right Option for My Child?

Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to hear about in-home therapy services as more and more people are opting to access them. In-home therapy, where your therapist comes to you, is not only convenient but it can be extremely beneficial, especially when working with children and young people. For many kids and teens, home is a comfort zone and having their therapist come to them, in their safe space, can be a great way to build trust and a therapeutic alliance. 

Some of our therapists, here at Counselling & Co., offer in-home therapy services. These services are personalized to your child and your family's needs. Working at your home, alongside you and your child, can give therapists a more comprehensive view. Meeting with your child, in their own space, can help therapists better understand them and their needs which is valuable in building a personalized treatment plan.  

Is In-Home Therapy Right for My Child and Family?

Here at Counselling & Co., we recognize that sometimes meeting the needs of our clients means making services more accessible and comfortable. In-home therapy is a great way to enhance access and comfort. This service benefits parents and guardians who don’t have reliable transportation, those who work from home or have a busy schedule, and families who face mobility challenges. In-home therapy sessions can be arranged at convenient times that fit around work and school schedules. 

Who Can Best Benefit from In-home Therapy?

Children with anxiety, particularly those experiencing symptoms of social anxiety or agoraphobia, can benefit from an in-home therapy option as they won’t need to worry about travelling to an office space or clinic. For young people struggling with anxiety-based symptoms, the thought of attending an in-office therapy session might feel like a barrier. But meeting a therapist, and developing rapport while at home, can help ease stress and even eliminate some of the initial barriers to attending therapy. 

Children with Autism strive in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable. Working from home can provide young people, who are on the autism spectrum, with a sense of security and familiarity. An in-home setting can ease anxiety, and potentially lessen behavioural challenges, that may otherwise arise during transitions. An in-home space can help children feel settled at the start of the session which preserves their energy and their attention for working on skills development and therapy goals.

What Does an In-Home Session Look Like?

During the first session, therapists meet with parents/guardians, without their child, either online or in person. Caregiver input is important in building a collaborative approach that best meets the child's needs. During this session, therapeutic goals are discussed, along with important information about your child's needs, including their strengths and challenges. At Counselling & Co., this initial parent session is 90 minutes in length.

The second session involves the child and their therapist, though some parental presence for this (and subsequent sessions) may be beneficial. In this session, the therapist spends 60 minutes getting to know your child while building rapport and trust. During this session, the therapist makes observations, gets a general idea of your child's learning and communication styles, and starts to create a treatment plan. Ideally, the first four sessions are attended weekly, as to create some momentum. Depending on the goals created in the initial session, these 60-minute sessions may be done individually, with your child or with you, the parents/guardians.

A quiet space is essential for these in-home sessions. This can be a family room, a playroom, a child's room, or even the kitchen. The most suitable space depends on each individual child and their unique preferences. The goal is for your child to feel most comfortable and for them to be their most authentic self. 

How Can I Get Started With In-Home Therapy for My Child?

If you think in-home visits may be a good fit for you and your child, or if you would like to learn more, please contact us at info@counselingandco.com.