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The Top 5 Techniques for Building Trust with Children in Counseling

As counselors, building trust with children is an essential component of therapy. Without trust, it is challenging to establish meaningful connections with our young clients, and progress in treatment can be slow. In this blog post, we will discuss the top five techniques for building trust with children in counseling, providing practical strategies to help counselors establish trust and connection with their young clients.


Therapy can be a great way for children to work through difficult emotions and gain more self-awareness.

Building Rapport through Play

Play is an essential aspect of children's lives, and incorporating play into therapy sessions can help them feel more relaxed and at ease. As counselors, taking the time to engage in playful activities with our young clients can help build rapport and trust. Whether it's playing a board game, drawing pictures, or using puppets to act out scenarios, play can provide a safe space for children to express themselves.


Active Listening and Validation

Another technique for building trust with children is practicing active listening and validation. As counselors, it is essential to listen actively to our young clients, paying attention to their thoughts and feelings. Validation can help children feel heard and respected, increasing their trust in the counseling relationship. By creating a safe space for children to express themselves, we can establish a therapeutic relationship built on trust and understanding.


Therapy can be an invaluable tool for helping children work through emotional challenges.

Using Age-Appropriate Language

Children often struggle with complex emotions and may not understand some of the language used in therapy sessions. As counselors, using age-appropriate language can help them feel more comfortable and understood. Taking the time to explain technical terms and concepts can help children feel more confident in expressing themselves and understanding the therapy process.


Establishing Clear Boundaries

Clear boundaries are crucial for building trust with children in counseling. By establishing clear guidelines and expectations for therapy sessions, we can create a safe space for our young clients. Maintaining these boundaries consistently can help build trust over time, as children come to understand the rules and expectations of therapy.


Recognizing and Honoring Cultural Differences

As counselors, it is essential to recognize and honor cultural differences when working with children. By acknowledging and respecting cultural values, traditions, and beliefs, we can create a safe and inclusive space for our young clients. This can help build trust and increase their comfort level in therapy sessions.


In conclusion, building trust with children in counseling is a vital component of therapy. Using techniques such as building rapport through play, active listening and validation, using age-appropriate language, establishing clear boundaries, and recognizing and honoring cultural differences can help create a safe and supportive space for our young clients. By practicing these techniques consistently over time, we can establish strong therapeutic relationships built on trust and understanding, making the therapy process more meaningful and effective.


Alexia VanNoy is The Marketing Assistant at Mindsight, but when she's not taking care of her professional life, she loves to explore her creative side by acting in local plays in Somerset. She's also a dedicated gamer who will never pass up the chance to discuss the latest trends in the world of video games (her favorite is 'Red Dead Redemption 2'). When she has some free time on her hands, you'll find Alexia curled up with a copy of Twilight or cuddling with her furry family - Orb, and Murder Machine - her two beloved cats.


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