What Is a Therapist?
Quick Answer
A therapist is a trained professional who helps people work through their feelings, thoughts, and problems by talking with them. Think of them as a coach for your mind and emotions. Just like you would see a doctor for a broken arm, you can see a therapist when your feelings or worries are making life hard.
Explaining By Age Group
Ages 3-5 Simple Explanation
You know how when your tummy hurts, you go to the doctor and they help you feel better? A therapist is like that, but for your feelings. When you feel really sad or really scared or really mad and you cannot make it better, a therapist helps.
A therapist is a grown-up whose job is to listen to you and help you with your feelings. Sometimes they play games with you, draw pictures, or just talk. They are really, really good at understanding how kids feel.
It's like when you have a big tangle in your hair and you need someone to help get it out. A therapist helps untangle the big, messy feelings inside you so things feel better.
Going to see a therapist does not mean something is wrong with you. Lots and lots of kids and grown-ups go to therapists. It just means you have someone extra to help you, and that is a really good thing!
Ages 6-8 More Detail
A therapist is a person whose whole job is to help people with their feelings and thoughts. They went to school for a long time to learn how to listen really well and help people figure out what is going on inside their heads and hearts.
Going to a therapist is kind of like going to a coach. A soccer coach helps you get better at soccer. A therapist helps you get better at handling big feelings -- like when you are really anxious, really sad, or really angry and you do not know what to do about it.
When you visit a therapist, you usually sit in a room and talk. Some therapists for kids use games, art, or activities to make it easier to share your feelings. It is not like a doctor's office where you get a shot or anything. It is more like having a conversation with a really good listener.
One of the most important things about a therapist is that what you tell them is private. That means they do not go tell your classmates or even your parents everything you said (unless you are in danger). That privacy makes it easier to be honest about how you really feel.
Lots of people go to therapists -- kids and grown-ups. It does not mean you are crazy or broken. It means you are smart enough to get help when things feel hard. Just like you would not try to fix a broken bone by yourself, you do not have to fix big feelings by yourself either.
If you ever go to a therapist and do not like them, that is okay. Not every therapist is the right match for every person. Your parents can help you find a different one that feels like a better fit.
Ages 9-12 Full Explanation
A therapist is a trained professional whose job is to help people understand and deal with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They have years of training in how the mind works and how to help when things go wrong -- or even when things just feel confusing and heavy.
Think of it this way: you would see a doctor for a physical problem, a tutor for a school subject you are struggling with, and a coach to improve at a sport. A therapist is the person you see when your feelings, thoughts, or actions are causing problems in your life. Maybe you are stressed all the time, maybe you cannot stop worrying, maybe you are dealing with your parents' divorce, or maybe you just feel off and cannot figure out why. A therapist helps you sort through that.
There are different types of therapists. Some focus on talking -- you sit in a room and have conversations about what is going on in your life. Some use activities, like art, writing, or role-playing. Some teach you specific tools, like breathing exercises to handle panic, or ways to challenge negative thoughts. The approach depends on what you need.
One thing a lot of kids worry about is privacy. Therapists are required to keep what you say private, with very few exceptions (like if you are in danger). That means you can be completely honest without worrying that your friends or teachers will find out. That kind of safe space to just say what you are really thinking is rare and valuable.
The biggest barrier to seeing a therapist is the idea that it means something is 'wrong' with you. That idea is outdated and flat-out wrong. Going to a therapist is one of the smartest, most mature things a person can do. Professional athletes, successful business people, and yes, totally normal kids all see therapists. It is about wanting to understand yourself better and having help when life gets heavy.
If you think you might want to talk to a therapist, bring it up with a parent, school counselor, or another adult you trust. It is okay to ask for help. In fact, it takes more courage to ask for help than to pretend everything is fine when it is not.
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Tips for Parents
A therapist can be a challenging topic to discuss with your child. Here are some practical tips to help guide the conversation:
DO: Follow your child's lead. Let them ask questions at their own pace rather than overwhelming them with information they haven't asked for yet. If they seem satisfied with a simple answer, that's okay — they'll come back with more questions when they're ready.
DO: Use honest, age-appropriate language. You don't need to share every detail, but avoid making up stories or deflecting. Kids can sense when you're being evasive, and honesty builds trust.
DO: Validate their feelings. Whatever emotion your child has in response to learning about a therapist, acknowledge it. Say things like 'It makes sense that you'd feel that way' or 'That's a really good question.'
DON'T: Don't dismiss their curiosity. Responses like 'You're too young for that' or 'Don't worry about it' can make children feel like their questions are wrong or shameful. If you're not ready to answer, say 'That's an important question. Let me think about the best way to explain it, and we'll talk about it tonight.'
DO: Create an ongoing dialogue. One conversation usually isn't enough. Let your child know that they can always come back to you with more questions about a therapist. This makes them more likely to come to you rather than seeking potentially unreliable sources.
Common Follow-Up Questions Kids Ask
After discussing a therapist, your child might also ask:
Is going to a therapist the same as being crazy?
Absolutely not. Going to a therapist is like going to any other professional for help. People see therapists for all kinds of reasons, from everyday stress to big life changes.
What happens at a therapy session?
You usually sit in a comfortable room and talk about how you are feeling and what is going on in your life. The therapist listens, asks questions, and helps you find ways to feel better. Some sessions include activities.
Will the therapist tell my parents everything I say?
Therapists keep your conversations private. They only share information with parents if you are in danger. You can ask your therapist at the start about their privacy rules.
How long do you have to go to a therapist?
It depends on the person and the situation. Some people go for a few weeks, others go for months or years. There is no set timeline -- you go as long as it is helpful.
What if I do not like my therapist?
That is completely okay and it happens. Not every therapist is the right fit for every person. You can tell your parent and try a different therapist until you find someone you are comfortable with.
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