Busting Some Myths About Therapy-What parents need to know

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As parents, we all strive for the best for our children. There are times when a child needs a little more support than others. Approximately 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability(WHO), and educators increasingly note the challenges of addressing diverse needs in mainstream classrooms. For instance, 81% of teachers surveyed said they have more pupils now with emotional and behavioural issues compared to pre-pandemic times (Mary Immaculate College, 2025. 

The word “therapy” can sometimes carry a stigma or be overused. Historically, it often happened behind closed doors, with little transparency about the process or what to expect. While the information revolution has changed this, the sheer volume of available information can now be overwhelming. 

So, here are some common myths and truths about therapy: 

Myth: Therapy means psychological-based interventions such as  counseling, psychotherapy, or behavioral therapies.  

Truth: Therapies encompass a wide spectrum. This includes developmental therapies such as Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, as well as psychological-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Non-directive approaches like art, music, adventure, and even animal-assisted therapies are also valuable. The key is to understand what outcome you seek. Not all therapists within the same discipline work identically. For younger children, more supportive therapies and therapeutic environments are often more beneficial than “talk-based” one-on-one sessions that expect the child to have a full understanding of their emotions or behaviors. Children should be supported by adults, not the other way around. 

Myth: Therapy means someone will talk to my child.  

Truth: Children are not generally “talking” people—yet! Aside from potential speech and language delays, when children dysregulate (evident through heightened emotional and behavioral concerns), their ability to process information or articulate thoughts significantly diminishes. Children also have developing frontal lobes, leading to poorer impulse control. Therefore, sitting them down for a direct “talk” can often exacerbate the situation. Most child and adolescent therapies incorporate home and school programs designed to help adults support the child within the context of their daily routines. Research consistently shows that this integrated approach is highly effective for children. We often recommend Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and developmental psychology for children. If a more cathartic or exploratory therapy is needed, art, play, music, adventure, and animal-assisted therapies can be incredibly valuable. Children do better with experiential, relational, and play-based approaches (e.g., play therapy, art therapy, sensory integration, parent-child interaction therapy) 

Myth: Therapy is for the child.  

Truth: While the child must always be at the center of intervention, significant positive change can come from modifications and accommodations within their environment. It is crucial for the adults surrounding the child to be equipped and supported—meaning the adults themselves may need guidance or “therapy” in its broader sense. As an Occupational Therapist, home programs I provide to parents and schools often involve the entire family or class. This embedding of concepts into the child’s comfortable and familiar learning environments is vital for effective skill acquisition and generalization. 

Myth: I had the same problems, I never had therapies, and I am fine.  

Truth: Perhaps you are. However, consider how different your childhood experience might have been with an understanding and supportive environment. While some individuals thrive without formal intervention, recognizing and addressing needs can profoundly enhance a child’s developmental trajectory and overall well-being. 

Myth: Therapy will fix everything.  

Truth: Therapeutic interventions are a small, albeit crucial, part of a child’s life. They spend most of their time at home and school. Creating an environment that is aligned, child-centered, and a place where the child feels they can thrive and learn, leads to significant gains and decreased distress. Therapy provides tools; the consistent application and supportive environment unlock true potential. 

Myth: Therapy means something is wrong with my child or me.  

Truth: We all benefit from support and a listening ear at different times in our lives. Therapeutic relationships foster a sense of connection and comfort. Would you deny a person who cannot walk a wheelchair? Similarly, support for hidden impairments and disabilities is about enabling full participation and well-being, not implying a fundamental flaw. 

Myth: Therapy and Education.  

Truth: For children, therapy and education go hand-in-hand. For example, not addressing speech and language difficulties can significantly impact literacy skills. Similarly, ignoring a child prone to losing their balance or falling can impact their participation in play, social relationships, and academic performance. Self-confidence and peer relationships are just some factors crucial for educational progress. When underlying skill deficits exist, it is essential to address them through a combination of therapeutic approaches integrated into home and school routines, supplemented by targeted therapy sessions. 

In conclusion, gaining a clear understanding of therapy’s true scope and purpose is vital for parents and caregivers. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapies, it is crucial to match the type of intervention to the specific needs of the child, integrating support within their home and school environments. This holistic perspective ensures effectiveness. 

We recognize that social-emotional well-being can be profoundly addressed by enhancing skills, confidence, and competence, and does not always necessitate “talking therapies” or solely cognitive-based approaches like mindfulness. Indeed, without first addressing fundamental developmental gaps and underlying psychosocial factors, initiatives such as mindfulness and reflection may not prove very effective for many children. 

By embracing diverse therapeutic forms and empowering adults to integrate tailored strategies into daily life, we move beyond outdated perceptions. This approach ultimately fosters well-being, enhances learning, and enables full participation, ensuring a supportive environment where every child can thrive and experience a more fulfilling childhood. 

FAQs 

What Is Therapix?

Therapix is an AI enabled platform with a diverse selection of evidence-based multidisciplinary therapeutic strategies for children of determination and those who have additional needs. 

Through short, animated videos, Therapix brings professional expertise right to the fingertips of parents, caregivers, teachers, and therapists, creating an accessible, supportive learning environment for children at home and school. 

Who Can Use Therapix?

• Parents 
• Caregivers 
• Teachers  
• Therapists 

What Does Therapix Do?

Makes it easier for teachers to implement therapeutic strategies in the class room and for parents and carers to follow home programs. It keeps the learning consistent for the young person and their progress with goals. 

Teachers, parents and therapists can collaborate and work on shared goals with Therapix. 

By Banu Balaji

Banu Balaji is a seasoned occupational therapist with over two decades of experience in HSE, Ireland, specialising in working with children and families within the realm of child and adolescent mental health. Bali is also the CEO and Founder of Therapix a technology to revolutionise support systems for parents and teachers of children of determination, leveraging innovative solutions to enhance accessibility and quality of care. 

Banu also produces and hosts the Therapod podcast where she makes therapeutic information easy to understand and accessible to parents and teachers. She and her team offer consultations, training, and coaching for parents, teachers, and schools. 

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