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From: Lynne
Date: 16 Oct 2008
Time: 21:53:01 -0500
Remote Name: 68.143.177.2
You asked about when to begin including parents in treatment. I prefer to incorporate parents as soon as possible into the treatment process. The child sees this as normal, because the parent is involved in at least some part of the sessions on a regular basis from the beginning. It also makes it easier for the child to do some transfer activities outside of therapy with the parents, when the child is ready, because mom and/or dad have always had some involvement. When I want the parents to join the child and me in an activity, I ask the child's permission, and get the child to help me choose the activity and even be in charge of teaching their parent. So, I am building and maintaining a relationship with the child by consulting with them about what we want to show/teach mom and dad. The child and I are partners in doing this. I hope this gives you some ideas about how to incorporate parents early during treatment. Thanks for your good questions. Regards, Lynne