Whether it's anxiety, behavioral issues, or the challenges of adolescence, the goal of therapy is to support children and families on the path to balanced and harmonious development. The counseling process is always tailored to the child's age, issues, and family environment.

In Hungary, the general protocol for child therapy is flexible, but there are basic steps and guidelines that most psychologists follow. These focus on involving parents, maintaining confidentiality, and addressing the child's needs. While the methods used by individual professionals in child therapy may vary, there are some common aspects they pay attention to:

The first session typically involves the parents, where the psychologist asks detailed questions about the child's issues, family situation, school performance, and significant events from recent years. This interview is crucial for planning the therapy. The next step usually involves getting to know the child. During this session, the parent is often present to help the child feel safe, but later the parent gradually steps back so the professional can establish a direct connection with the child.

For adolescents, the parent is usually present only at the beginning of the first session to discuss the therapeutic contract and the framework. This specific contract is established by the psychologist with the parent in the case of younger children, but it's important to also discuss the nature of the issue and the goals with the child. Such goals could include reducing anxiety or supporting the return to school.

The therapeutic toolbox adapts to the age group. For young children, play therapy (e.g., dollhouses, role-playing, board games), artistic methods (drawing, clay, painting), or other non-verbal techniques are common. For adolescents, conversation, cognitive behavior therapy, tests, and card games (e.g., Dixit) are more prevalent.

Consultation with parents is regular, but the frequency applied depends on the psychologist and the child's situation. For children, a parental consultation is generally necessary every 3-5 sessions, where the professional discusses with the parent how the child is progressing and what they have observed in the home environment. If there are more severe issues (e.g., self-harm, bullying at school, risky situations), the psychologist is obligated to involve the parents and other professionals if necessary. This is discussed with the child in advance to determine when it's necessary for the parent to be informed about the situation.

In the case of adolescents, confidentiality is emphasized, so consultation with parents may be less frequent unless the therapy process requires it. Most information remains confidential, unless there is a direct threat to the adolescent (e.g., self-harm, suicidal thoughts, severe abuse). In these cases, the psychologist must take action and notify the parents or other authorities, but this is always discussed with the adolescent in advance.

If the child's issues are complex, other professionals (e.g., psychiatrist, developmental educator) may need to be involved. In such cases, the psychologist collaborates with the relevant professionals. Therefore, the frequency of consultations with parents depends on the situation and the child's age. The fundamental principle is that the therapy serves the child's interests, and the parents are kept informed, but the child's autonomy, particularly for adolescents, must be respected.

The therapeutic support for children and adolescents isn't just about solving problems, but also about giving them the opportunity to discover and develop their inner resources. Well-guided therapy helps young people face future challenges with more confidence, and build stronger connections with themselves and their environment. All of this occurs in a safe, supportive setting, where children can develop independently but not alone.