Welcome to Therapy - by Andrea Dorn (Hardcover)

About the Book

"How do I teach my child that it's safe to share their feelings with a trusted adult? Starting therapy can be a challenging and confusing experience, especially for children. They often don't know what to expect, who a therapist is, or how therapy can help. Whether they're going to therapy to navigate grief, sadness, anxiety, trauma, or other tricky situations, it's important that children understand the ins and outs of therapy to start off on the right foot. Written and illustrated by therapist (and mother) Andrea Dorn, MSW, Welcome to Therapy walks children through the process of starting therapy and normalizes the experience in simple, concrete, and developmentally appropriate terms, allowing kids to better understand what to expect and what is expected of them. Written for use at home, in schools, or in session, this straightforward, beautifully illustrated, and engaging book includes: Optional engagement questions to build connection and personalize the reading experience, short mindfulness and self-compassion meditations to support kids and their grown-ups, a feelings chart to help kids name their feelings, and tips and suggestions for parents to best support a child in therapy"--

Book Synopsis

"When you're a kid, starting therapy can feel scary, uncomfortable, and overwhelming. Welcome to Therapy is a wonderful and easy-to-read resource that can prep kids for this tricky transition and let them know what to expect--allowing them to feel supported, empowered, and confident!"

--Deena Margolin, LMFT, co-founder of online community Big Little Feelings and co-host of the After Bedtime podcast

How do I teach my child that it's safe to share their feelings with a trusted adult?

Starting therapy can be a challenging and confusing experience, especially for children. They often don't know what to expect, who a therapist is, or how therapy can help. Whether they're going to therapy to navigate grief, sadness, anxiety, trauma, or other tricky situations, it's important that children understand the ins and outs of therapy to start off on the right foot.

Written and illustrated by therapist (and mother) Andrea Dorn, MSW, Welcome to Therapy walks children through the process of starting therapy and normalizes the experience in simple, concrete, and developmentally appropriate terms--allowing kids to better understand what to expect and what is expected of them.

Written for use at home, in schools, or in session, this straightforward, beautifully illustrated, and engaging book includes:

• Optional engagement questions to build connection and personalize the reading experience
• Short mindfulness and self-compassion meditations to support kids and their grown-ups
• A feelings chart to help kids name their feelings
• Tips and suggestions for parents to best support a child in therapy

Review Quotes

"I have been searching for a book like this! Almost every child who comes into my therapy office (or joins a zoom session) experiences uncertainty about their first session. What will therapy be like? What is my therapist like? Is it really ok to share my thoughts and feelings? Welcome to Therapy, written by Andrea Dorn, helps ease the anxiety or apprehension a child may be experiencing before therapy. This invaluable book prepares children for taking this new step confidently, as they learn how therapy is a safe place where they can share their thoughts and feelings and grow happier and healthier."

--Lauren Mosback, LPC, author of Let's Grow on an Adventure: Finding Joy in the Calm of Nature

"Meeting with a counselor or therapist is a new, strange concept for any human being, let alone a child. This book offers a straightforward, non-shaming explanation for children to understand the concept of going to a helper for emotional needs and feeling stuck. The step-by-step approach to what might happen in therapy, both in words and bright, friendly pictures, will help any child prepare for the process. Moreover, it can even make a child feel proud that they are learning new tools and empowered to seek grown-up helpers when they feel stuck. This book should be available in libraries, schools and doctor's offices to help children feel that 'going to therapy' is normal and healthy."

--Dafna Lender, LCSW, author of Integrative Attachment Family Therapy

"When you're a kid, starting therapy can feel scary, uncomfortable, and overwhelming. Welcome to Therapy is a wonderful and easy-to-read resource that can prep kids for this tricky transition and let them know what to expect--allowing them to feel supported, empowered, and confident!"

--Deena Margolin, LMFT, co-founder of online community Big Little Feelings and co-host of the After Bedtime podcast

About the Author

Andrea Dorn, MSW, LISW-CP, is a mom and licensed clinical social worker who works as a psychotherapist with adults and children of all ages. The Mindful Steps series was created as a culmination of her interest and background in mindfulness as well as behavioral and attachment theories. Andrea is dedicated to helping young minds and their families navigate the big and small changes that come with child development by encouraging mindfulness and emotional connection.