4 Communication Techniques for Discussing Psychological Services With Parents"
Navigating conversations about psychological services with parents can be challenging, but effective communication is key. This article presents expert-backed techniques to facilitate productive discussions and foster collaboration between professionals and parents. By creating a respectful space, using motivational interviewing, reframing services positively, and engaging parents as experts, professionals can build trust and improve outcomes for children in need of support.
- Create a Respectful Space for Open Dialogue
- Use Motivational Interviewing to Foster Collaboration
- Reframe Services as an Act of Love
- Engage Parents as Experts on Their Child
Create a Respectful Space for Open Dialogue
My approach with parents regarding their child's need for psychological services begins with creating a space where they feel respected rather than judged. Many parents initially experience fear or guilt, and if those emotions are not acknowledged, the conversation can quickly shut down. I try to frame the discussion around the child's strengths and potential instead of leading with what is "wrong." This helps parents understand that seeking support is not about labeling their child, but about giving them the tools they need to thrive.
One technique I often use is reflective listening. After sharing my observations, I invite the parents to respond, and then I mirror back what I hear, not only the words but also the emotions underneath. For example, if a parent says, "I just don't want my child to feel different," I might respond with, "I hear how much you want your child to feel accepted and supported." This helps parents feel understood rather than confronted. When they sense empathy, they are more open to considering psychological services as an extension of their love and care, rather than a sign of failure.
The most important part of this process is helping parents shift from a place of fear to a place of hope. In my opinion, when parents recognize that therapy can nurture their child's well-being and strengthen the parent-child relationship, acceptance grows more naturally. My role as an LMFT is to walk with them through that initial resistance and show that support can be both a protective and empowering step for the entire family.
Use Motivational Interviewing to Foster Collaboration
When addressing parents regarding their child needing psychological services, the conversation must be conducted with calmness, clarity, and tact. It is best to first align on purpose, discuss trends in behavior, and similar goals pertaining to the child's needs. For example, "We both want Christopher to feel confident and enjoy school. Can we look at what might help him get there?" We must lead with their strengths and describe a few specific positives to reduce threat and foster a sense of partnership.
The way we communicate should be more of a description than a diagnosis, using observations from previous behavior and their impact. For instance, "In the last month, Christopher needed one-on-one help to start writing on 8 out of 10 days, which left him feeling frustrated and behind on work." Support should be normalized and shifted away from harmful labels; we can emphasize how children benefit from targeted help and resources.
Implement a small plan including possible next steps for consultations, evaluations, and check-ins with parental and patient comfort in mind. Lastly, we want to summarize our observations, plans, and timelines to encourage retention and action.
One helpful technique is motivational interviewing or Ask-Tell-Ask. This keeps the conversation collaborative and informative. To do this, we start by asking about their view, things they notice at home or worry about. Then we tell them brief, neutral information based on observations from both the parent and counselor sides, such as skills to assess and useful strategies with beneficial outcomes. Last, we ask again for their reactions, questions, and routes they would like to take to get their child help. This works by allowing parents to feel heard first, the information regarding their child is tailored to them and their concerns, and promotes treatment plan retention.
Reframe Services as an Act of Love
The conversation with parents when their child needs psychological services is one of the most delicate we have. Parents often feel shame, guilt, and fear. They frequently see it as a failure on their part. The first step is to help them see that it's not a failure; it's a sign of a deeper issue that can be addressed.
My approach is to always start by listening to the parents' fears and concerns without judgment. I don't begin by diagnosing the child. Instead, I start by listening to the parents' story. I try to understand where their hesitation and fear are coming from. My goal is to build a foundation of trust, not to give them a lecture.
One communication technique that helps build acceptance is to reframe the need for services from a problem to an act of love. I talk to them about how getting their child help is the most loving and courageous thing they can do. I normalize the experience by sharing that many people, including myself, have sought help. It's a way to remove the shame.
The impact is a parent who feels a sense of hope, not a sense of shame. They are able to see that getting their child help is a way to heal, not a way to fail. My advice is simple: the most effective way to help a family is to be a person of empathy and to meet them where they are. The most powerful thing you can do is to show them that it's okay to ask for help.
Engage Parents as Experts on Their Child
Convincing parents that their child may need psychological services is best approached through open, respectful dialogue about the concerns you are noticing. View the parent as the expert on their child and yourself as the expert on mental health. Be direct about the concern while remaining open to solutions, asking questions like, "Are you seeing this at home? What do you think helps?" Allowing parents time and space to reflect on what has worked and what the child needs often leads to the most buy-in. Treating the parent as a thought partner is the most effective way to guide both them and their child toward psychological support.